The NIU-based Illinois Institute for Entrepreneurship Education is cosponsoring a television special to encourage inner-city kids to start their own businesses.

“Do What You Love,” hosted by Aaron Freeman, will air tonight at 6:30 p.m. on Channel 5.

Carol Donahue, communications coordinater for the IIEE, said the show will profile three Chicago-area young entrepreneurs: David Navarro, 19, a custom speakers and cabinet builder; Carmen Johnson, 16, a retro designer; and Kevin Reynolds, 20, a party organizer and host.

The broadcast will provide a kickoff to “How To Start Your Own Business,” a program designed and implemented by the IIEE.

The IIEE is a program that trains secondary teachers to get students to think about starting businesses, Donahue said.

The IIEE began in 1989 and has instituted programs in Chicago and other Illinois communities, she said.

In 1990, the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship presented the IIEE with the First Place National Model Entrepreneurship Education Award for its model program.

Donahue said executive director E. Edward Harris was instrumental in setting up the IIEE, which educates students on the importance of small businesses, Donahue said.

“Statistics show that more new jobs are available through small businesses,” Donahue said.