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11-year-old Myrick August and 13-year-old Reginald Hardiman started their carwash business as a way to keep busy and make some money during the summer. But what they didn't expect was the amount of support they would receive.

Even the government has pitched in and today, the Minister of Youth handed over a power-washer and other car-cleaning supplies to help their business.

Myrick August, M&R Car Wash
"I didn't think we would get all these stuff, first I thought we would just wash cars, I didn't know we would come out so big and I like the support."

And while the physical supplies are helpful, members of the community have also reached out to the boys to offer words of encouragement that they've taken very seriously.

Reporter:
"What are some of the things that people are saying to you?"

Myrick August, M&R Car Wash
"To try and keep up because yesterday we shouldn't have worked but we still tried."

Reporter:
"So you only work on weekends?"

Myrick August, M&R Car Wash
"We work from Monday to Saturday."

Courtney Menzies:
"But when school starts will you still do it in the evenings or will that change to weekends?"

Myrick August, M&R Car Wash
"It will change to Saturdays and Sundays."

And their business is growing since they've hired another young boy to join them.

Reporter:
"How many people have you employed?"

Myrick August, M&R Car Wash
"One."

Courtney Menzies:
"A young man just like yourself?"

Myrick August, M&R Car Wash
"No, he's younger."

Reporter:
"Younger? How old would you say?"

Myrick August, M&R Car Wash
"I think he just turn 11 this year. He could do the vacuum better than me."

And now this car wash has grown from a summertime activity to an actual business that the boys plan to invest in.

Courtney Menzies:
"Do you think this is something that you will continue as job, as you grow up, as you get older, it's something that you'll invest your time into and something you'll continue doing?"

Myrick August, M&R Car Wash
"Yes ma'am, I like it."

Myrick's business partner, Reginald, is a man of few words but today he too was grateful for the support.

Reginald Hardiman, M&R Car Wash
"I just want to thank everyone that support us in giving us a power-washer and vacuum and these rest of supplies."

The Minister of Youth, Kevin Bernard, explain why he felt he needed to assist young Myrick and Reginald, and said that he hopes it inspires other young people to move in a similar direction.

Hon. Kevin Bernard, Minister of Youth
"Myself and the director immediately jumped on it, I said this is the type of thing that encourages me to want to do more for young people. The fact that these young men living in Belize City and I mentioned briefly in my message that our people sometimes throw blanket statement at our young people in the city that because of the criminal activities that you see happening but this gives us hope that there is opportunities there are young people who want to genuinely make a difference in their communities. I mean we just heard just now that they're even employed a younger person which is very much touching for us and I think it's something that we must encourage, we must support, and so today this gesture is to just encourage these young people to do even and to encourage other young people to do the same. If they can do it, many others can do it."

And he says that the Department of Youth Services will be there to help others who want to be entrepreneurs but aren't sure how to start.

Hon. Kevin Bernard, Minister of Youth
"There's young people who want a little support to do their little business, that there are other areas, there are young people who are seeking guidance in counselling, there are young people who want the opportunity to develop a business plan, this is what the department of youth service is talking about, that these are the opportunities we want to bring."

M&R Car Wash can be found at 75 N Faber's Road or can be contacted at 670-5636.