Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP)

Designed to help teens start and sustain viable small business ventures, this program moves young people from idea to execution with structure and support.

During Phase 1, participants develop comprehensive business plans and create formal presentations to pitch their concepts to our program partners. This phase culminates in the Annual YEP Pitch Contest, where young entrepreneurs step outside of their comfort zones to clearly articulate their vision and mission, demonstrate knowledge of their financials, and present product samples or examples of their services. Participants have the opportunity to earn a $500 stipend to help launch their business concept.

Young entrepreneurs need space to think, create, take risks, and confidently demonstrate how strong, independent, innovative, and resourceful they can be. YEP provides that platform.

Those who choose to move forward with the ideas introduced in Phase 1 transition into Phase 2, where vision becomes action. During this phase, program alumni receive ongoing business consulting, small grants to purchase materials and cover vending fees, and complimentary advertising through our social media platforms and website. This continued investment ensures they are not only inspired to start but equipped to sustain and grow their ventures.

Youth Build Community (YBC)

Is a youth-led program that supports young creatives, workforce development goals, and community events.

We provide trainings/certifications, career exploration, and professional workshops, as well as connection to internship/apprenticeship opportunities.

YBC Leaders encourage each other to express their curiosity by learning new things together.

* We support each other's hopes and dreams

* We build awareness about health and wellness in the community

* We focus on economic empowerment and Financial Literacy

* We increase our workforce development skills

* We host Annual College & Career Fairs, Teen Summits, and community events

* We host sessions to discuss college, Youthworks, and community issues

* We support our community by partnering with area neighborhood associations

* We plan, organize, and host youth-led and life affirming events

Manufacturing

This hands-on, youth-driven initiative is designed to teach participants the fundamentals of production, operations, and entrepreneurship while generating revenue to sustain the organization’s work.

Through this program, young people move beyond theory and into practice, learn how to conceptualize, design, produce, package, price, and market products for sale.

Participants use their creativity to determine what items they would like to create, giving them ownership over the process from idea to execution. They learn about sourcing materials, quality control, production timelines, cost analysis, branding, and inventory management.

These lessons provide real-world exposure to business operations and help youth understand how products move from concept to consumer.

The items produced are sold through multiple channels, including the Bmore You Pop-Up Shop, as well as our website and Etsy page.

By engaging in live vending experiences, participants build confidence, practice customer engagement, and develop communication and sales skills.

This program not only equips youth with practical workforce and entrepreneurial skills, it reinforces teamwork, accountability, financial literacy, and creative problem-solving.

PR and Social Media Program

This program equips participants with the skills to effectively communicate with the broader community through digital platforms. Youth learn the fundamentals of outward-facing communication through hands-on instruction; they explore the principles of Social Media marketing and discover how positive influence can shape culture in meaningful ways.

A signature component of the program is the production of Now That’s E&A, a youth-led Podcast that highlights the talents and personalities of our Youth Leaders.

Participants are actively involved in planning, recording, interviewing, editing, and promoting content. This experience strengthens their confidence, public speaking abilities, technical skills, and teamwork.

The program also extends beyond the organization by engaging local entrepreneurs and community members in interviews that explore real-world challenges, career journeys, and issues impacting our neighborhoods.

In addition to structured interviews, youth host fun and culturally relevant discussions on hot topics, fashion, anime, and arts and culture. These segments allow them to creatively express themselves while practicing media literacy and responsible content creation.

The Sister & Brother Circle

Our Mentorship Program creates a safe space for growth, accountability, and encouragement while helping our younger participants build confidence, make healthy life choices, and envision a future for themselves that is full of possibility.

Participants receive nonjudgemental encouragement, paired with practical life skills that prepare young people for real-world success. They also receive intentional guidance in financial literacy, college and career readiness, and character development, and overall health and wellness.

We also host exploratory field trips designed to expand their exposure beyond their immediate environment. We visit college campuses, cultural spaces, and community organizations, helping them see tangible possibilities for their future.

Lastly, participants are able to confidentially submit requests for assistance related to BGE turn-off notices, eviction prevention, transportation barriers, lack of phone or internet access needed for school and work, and food insecurity. These challenges, if left unaddressed, can quickly derail academic progress, employment opportunities, and emotional stability.

Arts & Culture Programs and Partnerships

Our Arts and Culture Program provides young people with creative outlets that allow them to express who they are while building discipline, confidence, and technical skills.

Participants engage in visual arts sessions, photography and videography training, Baltimore Club Dance, and Music Production.

The program culminates during our Annual Teen Summit, where participants proudly showcase their visual work and take the stage to perform.

Program Partners Include:

* Media Rhythm Institute (MRI)

* Bmore Than Dance

* That Girl Takes Pics

* Vypir Shots

* Mayor’s Office of African American Male Engagement (MOAAME)

* The Guardians of Baltimore

* OND Vintage Fashion

* The Yele Stiches

* Liberty Rec & Tech Center