16-year-old entrepreneur highlights the hardworking in the Franklin County community

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) —  A 16-year-old entrepreneur in Frankfort is helping to spread Christmas cheer while putting the spotlight on hard-working community members.

When driving down Versailles Road in Frankfort, you might see Select Auto, a used car dealership, but inside, there’s more than meets the eye.

“To see it come to life has been so rewarding, it has given me so many opportunities,” says Ellie Bevington, as she reflects on starting a small business in Franklin County.

While most 16-year-olds are focused on their daily tasks of chores, school and athletics, Bevington is working towards building something that is hers.

“Neat Down South is a gift shop, I started inside my parents used car dealership about a year and a half ago. I really felt like my community needed somewhere small to shop small. I’ve looked up to my parents as entrepreneurs for a very long time and I figured what a better way to start than inside somewhere where I can use space for free with the help of my amazing parents,” she says.

The  16-year-old felt it was a necessity for the community, and while it was a way to expand upon an idea it was also a way for her to become a work based learning student.
But her willingness to do something more not just for her future but also for her community does not stop there.

“So I, as an entrepreneur, I have met many entrepreneurs in my city and I’ve noticed that there’s also a need for rewarding those hardworking individuals that go unnoticed in my community. So I thought of the perfect way to do that would be to not only support local businesses but also hard workers in the community,” said Bevington.

And thus the idea of the non-profit, Helping the Hardworking came to fruition.

“With the help of others, with the help of family and friends, but also local business owners, I’ve collected over $5000 to spend at local businesses and then give back to hard workers in my community that are nominated. With the nominations, I’m going to give local business gift cards to those nominated hard workers,” she adds.

Bevington says her non-profit was a way for for the hardworking to also feel appreciated for what they do in the community.

“I’ve presented 4 hard workers with the gifts already and just like seeing the excitement on their faces, knowing that they’re seen, I think is super important because there’s a lot of hard workers out there,” she also expressed.

Bevington adding that she hopes her non-profit will continue to grow, in helping to spread the spirit of giving back.

If you’re interested in helping Ellie or getting in contact with her non-profit, click here.