About Us
Young Entrepreneurial Spirits (Y.E.S.) is a 8-week youth development program designed for students ages 11 to 19. Sessions are held every Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering hands-on training and mentorship in a safe, creative, and faith-filled environment.
Founded in 2009, the Y.E.S. Program focuses on empowering youth through:
Entrepreneurship & Business Skills
Marketing, Advertising & Graphic Design
Photography, Audio & Visual Production
Leadership Development & Spiritual Awareness
By the end of the program, students are able to create real-world projects such as bulletins, newsletters, videos, and posters for their churches and communities — building a strong foundation in both technical and soft skills.
We also emphasize college and career readiness, encouraging students to pursue higher education. Many of our staff members are current or former college students who model excellence, commitment, and leadership while attending local institutions like Liberty University and Lynchburg College.
The Y.E.S. Program is the result of a powerful team effort from our dedicated founding members: Alizabeth Banks, Ashleigh Banks, Amber Banks, Davett “Spud” Williams, Jim Young, Adrian Freeman, Susan Gregory, Dee Dee Banks, and Ronald Banks.
At Y.E.S., we believe our greatest investment is our youth. Together, we can inspire the next generation to say "YES Say Yes to Or Success”!
Our mission is to encourage and challenge our youth to become better students, community members, and leaders. We want our entrepreneurs to get the most out of our eight-week program
A Tribute to Alizabeth Banks
Alizabeth Banks embodied the true spirit of Y.E.S. – Young Entrepreneurial Spirit. When she put her mind to something, she didn’t just participate—she led with purpose, passion, and perseverance. Crowned Miss Y.E.S., Alizabeth didn't wear the title for recognition; she carried it as a responsibility. She ran with it, inspiring others through her dedication, warmth, and unwavering belief in the power of our youth.
Alizabeth wasn’t just part of the Y.E.S. movement—she was its heartbeat. Her legacy lives on in every young person she encouraged, every initiative she touched, and every life she helped shape for the better. If she were still with us today, there is no doubt she’d be on the front lines—teaching, guiding, and lifting up the next generation to be stronger, wiser, and more empowered.
May her light remain with us, and through Y.E.S., as her mission continues.