James Thomson, who has worked to make the idea of young people running small businesses a top priority in American education, will discuss youth entrepreneurship at a seminar Friday.

Thomson is the Midwest regional administrator for the Small Business Administration. He oversees the administration’s operations in six states—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Thomson will answer questions about the administration and related subjects from 11:30 a.m. to noon in room 506 of the Holmes Student Center, and also will speak at 1 p.m. in room 506.

E. Edward Harris, NIU professor of business education and administrative services, said Thomson will also talk about “how important small businesses and entrepeneurship are.”

Harris said Thomson will emphasize the fact that more young people are interested in becoming owners of small businesses or becoming entrepeneurs so they can be their own bosses.