GREAT FALLS Mont.

Matt Walker, 12, would like to own a business one day.

He has not pinned down what type, but after this week Matt, who will enter eighth grade at East Middle School next fall, will be better equipped to pursue future entrepreneurial efforts.

A participant in the inaugural First People's Youth Entrepreneurship Camp at the University of Great Falls, Matt met role models, including Native American business owners and accomplished athletes. He even had the chance to meet the governor. Matt also secured a four-year tuition scholarship to UGF if he decides to pursue a college education there after high school.

The camp is the result of a combined effort by Rural Dynamics and the Montana Indian Business Alliance. The cost is underwritten with a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, additional funding from Montana State University-Billings and the Montana State Tribal Economic Development Council. UGF provides on-campus housing, facilities and meals.

"The goal is to build entrepreneurship in Montana's Native American communities," said Adam Gill, the program director for Rural Dynamics. "We are targeting this age group, 13- and 14-year-olds, because they have a good sense of the world now, and they can take the leadership lessons they are learning here with them into high school."

Deb Kottel, who works at both UGF and Rural Dynamics, said: "Entrepreneurship is at the heart of people being able to create vibrant, sustainable communities. It's how you battle poverty. Native American communities are already working with youth entrepreneurial camps. We wanted to foster a camp that goes across tribal lines."