Many of us at the age of eight thought we wanted to become astronauts or popstars when we grew up.

We could hardly fathom the idea of starting our own business at such an early age. This week, I had the chance to sit down with an eight-year-old entrepreneur who is chasing some big dreams.

With the help of his mom Carla, Nico White launched Passport Sioux Falls this summer. The program’s purpose is to expose kids to the possibilities within many career fields. The mother-son duo partners with both local and online businesses to host one- to two-hour summer workshops that will teach kids what it is like to run a business and better prepare them for their future with early exposure.

After getting the idea for Passport Sioux Falls, Carla said she had a website up in a matter of hours. The first step was understanding whether there is enough interest from kids and their parents. After that, it was all about talking to businesses. With both kids and businesses on board with the idea, Carla and Nico got to work on developing the workshops.

They spent time with each business to find a balance of education while incorporating fun activities and games. Families may purchase one “passport” for $47 or two for $80, allowing their kids to attend 25 workshops beginning in July and ending in August. In addition to receiving the passport, kids also receive a backpack full of goods and a chance to win other prizes throughout the summer.

Carla White noted that she and Nico are pleased to see the business break even in its infancy. She also hinted at plans for creating a template for their program that other towns could adopt if they are interested.

“We would set up the website and help explain the process of recruiting businesses as well as our strategy for Facebook ads to those interested in adopting our program.”

I asked Nico and Carla about their experience running Passport Sioux Falls.

“Running a business is kind of messy.” Carla White said. “We came up with the idea last-minute and it sparked a lot of interest. It is so cool to see kid entrepreneurs coming out of the woodwork as a result of Nico’s hard work.”

Nico added that he loves the opportunity the business provides to meet new friends; he is hoping to use the money he earns from his business to buy a new bike.

Carla explained that the two started the business together as a compromise. “Nico wants to become a YouTuber, and I want to show him the business side of it. I thought to myself ‘why not utilize my business experience and his passion for technology to educate other kids his age about business?’ ”

I was curious to see if Nico has any plans on making any cuts to his team; he confirmed that, for the time being, he plans to keep his mom on staff.

Special thanks to Nico and Carla White.

Visit https://www.passportsiouxfalls.com to learn more about Nico’s company.