Press Release

Launches Fund to Support Teen Entrepreneurs Instead of Student Debt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Cedarville, Arkansas

October 13, 2025

New Arkansas Foundation Challenges the College-Only Narrative — Launches Fund to Support Teen Entrepreneurs Instead of Student Debt
The Dapper Distinction Foundation, founded in Cedarville, Arkansas, is taking aim at one of America’s most overlooked inequalities:

A teenager can borrow $100,000 in student loans for a degree they may never use — yet can’t get a $10,000 loan to launch a small business that could employ half their town.

While thousands of scholarships exist for test scores and tuition, almost none exist for young innovators, tradesmen, or entrepreneurs — the very people most likely to create jobs instead of just applying for them.

The Dapper Distinction Foundation intends to change that.
A New Kind of Scholarship — For Builders, Not Just Students

Beginning in 2026, the foundation will award The Dapper Distinction Award for Young Entrepreneurs, a startup grant designed for youth ages 15-25 who want to start or grow a business in trades, craft, agriculture, service, mechanics, digital work, or any ethical enterprise.

Unlike typical scholarships, applicants do not need:

• A perfect GPA
• College enrollment
• Letters proving academic excellence

What they must demonstrate is work ethic, integrity, a viable plan, and the grit to build something real.

“College is one path. Ownership is another.”
“We’re not anti-college — we’re pro-opportunity,” said Bambi Croizer, founder of The Dapper Distinction Foundation. “If a young person wants to be an engineer, doctor, or lawyer, let’s help them. But if a young person wants to mow 50 lawns, weld gates, repair cars, bake bread, restore furniture, or build a tech service from their bedroom — why shouldn’t that be funded too? Entrepreneurship is education. It deserves investment.”

Built in Rural Arkansas — Meant for the Nation
While founded in Crawford County, the Foundation hopes this movement spreads to rural towns nationwide — where talent is abundant, but opportunity is scarce, and where business ownership often breaks generational poverty more effectively than formal schooling.

How to Support or Apply

Youth applications for the first Dapper Seed Grant open 10/20/2025.
Businesses, donors, and individuals wishing to sponsor a grant or mentor a recipient can visit www.thedapperwrench.com.

About The Dapper Distinction Foundation: The Dapper Distinction Foundation exists to fund young problem-solvers, leaders, and creators who are ready to build their future — not just study it. By awarding startup grants, mentorship, and community support, the foundation empowers youth to become employers, not just employees.

Media Contact:
Bambi Crozier, Founder,
The Dapper Distinction Foundation
479.935.0121
hello@thedapperwrench.com