Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP)

YEP was created to introduce BIPOC-identified youth and young adults to business and entrepreneurship as a career pathway while empowering youth with a self-identified interest in being a part of a small business and/or starting their own business to discover their natural talents, strengths, and interests. We strive to connect youth living in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center to paid training and employment opportunities and to build capacity for local small business owners.

Entrepreneurship is a form of economic advancement for young people, especially in the changing economy. In 2021, 46% of BrookLynk applicants selected business and entrepreneurship as an area of interest and according to the January 2021 Small Business Majority poll, about one-third of minority-owned businesses (32%) have had to cut employee hours. This program presents a creative solution to two separate community challenges – building career and entrepreneurship pathways for BIPOC youth and building up the capacity of BIPOC-owned small businesses.

Program Eligibility:

• Between the ages of 16-24

• Live or attend school in Brooklyn Center or Brooklyn Park

Program Structure