Take charge of your business.
Welcome to YouthBiz®, where young innovators dive into the real-world journey of entrepreneurship. Get ready to think big, start smart, and build your business dreams!
Programs
YouthBiz programs enable youth to learn, think, speak, and act like entrepreneurs. Learn about each of our programs and events by clicking the links below.
Real-life business
YouthBiz helps children and young adults focus on personal finance and embark on the world of entrepreneurship. Whether they participate in our YouthBiz curriculum at school, sell their own amazing products at our marketplaces, compete in our huge young entrepreneur competition, or attend a YouthBiz workshop they are learning skills that will build their skills no matter what their future holds!
Taking charge of your business
The YouthBiz Stars competition is the largest competition for young entrepreneurs in Colorado! The competition is free to apply to and is open to all young people ages 6 to 21. Over $10,000 is given to the finalists and winners of each age category, 6 to 11, 12 to 15, and 16 to 21. Everyone who applies is invited to out annual Gala where we celebrate and highlight the finalists and winners.
Got an idea? Take charge and turn it into something big
The YouthBiz marketplace is an amazing way for youth to dip their toes in the entrepreneur pool! Ages from 6 to 21 can register to participate in one of our amazing marketplaces. With registration each business receives their own booth, set their own prices, showcase their items, and then sell their products to the community that attends to make a profit! Marketplaces are always a fun and exciting event for the vendors and customers! YouthBiz currently runs 2 marketplace events every year at the Young Americans Center.
Teaching students to take charge
YouthBiz also conducts workshops at the Young Americans Center and at partner locations. These workshops focus on personal financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Every month there are multiple manufacturing and professional workshops offered at the center. YouthBiz also offers a free mentorship program for any youth wanting some extra help with their business with local business owners, that we vetted and would love to meet and help out!
YouthBiz Curricular Programs
YouthBiz StartUp
YouthBiz StartUp provides middle and high school students with the basic building blocks of success through an engaging curriculum and hands-on activities.
In this 15-session program, students will:
Learn about themselves and others Compose their own power team Develop a business idea Create a prototype Pitch their business to a panel of judges
YouthBiz Out of the Box
YouthBiz Out of the Box empowers your students through entrepreneurship!
In this 15-session program, students will:
Create business teams around shared interests and complementary skills. Select a product they want to create, choosing the materials and procedure they need to make 20 high quality, finished goods. Complete all of their own financial calculations, marketing, and advertising to culminate in a real-world marketplace for students to sell their products. Calculate all of their revenue, sales tax, and profit, the last of which they get to take home!
Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars Competition
Do you make something amazing? Do you offer a standout service? This could be your year to shine!
Which YouthBiz® program is right for you?
YouthBiz Startup:
Middle and high school students gain the basic building blocks of success through an engaging curriculum and hands-on activities in this 15-session curriculum.
YouthBiz Out of the Box:
Upper middle and high school students learn valuable business and life lessons as they navigate the business cycle through real business ownership in this 15-session curriculum.
YouthBiz Marketplace:
Twice a year, youth business owners reserve a low-cost booth to sell their unique products to the public.
Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars:
Colorado’s premier business competition for young people, ages 6-21, offers cash prizes!
YouthBiz Workshops:
YouthBiz Workshops focus on the skills young entrepreneurs need to develop their businesses. We offer classes throughout the school year, September through May, on topics such as drafting a business plan, advertising your business, and creating market-ready products to inspire your next business idea.
YouthBiz Mentorship program:
YouthBiz pairs aspiring youth entrepreneurs with adult business leaders to help guide business strategy and development.
Have questions? Contact us for help in choosing the perfect program for your students.
Get your students ready to one day run their own business.
StartUp
Out of the Box
Register your class for YouthBiz®.
Contact us
Registration
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Get involved
The free enterprise system is the 8th wonder of the world. Teaching young people to be active participants is our responsibility for its preservation.
”Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get YouthBiz in my school or organization?
If you would like to bring YouthBiz curriculum to your school or organization, please have a representative contact the Senior Director of YouthBiz, Maggie Steel, at msteel@yacenter.org or 303-320-3215.
How long does it take to teach the curriculum?
The YouthBiz curriculum is comprised of 15 lessons. Each lesson is designed to be taught in about an hour. Due to time constraints, we have divided the curriculum into two Tiers, the Comprehensive Curriculum and the Classic Curriculum. Tier one, the Comprehensive Curriculum, includes all 15 lessons and tier 2, the Classic Curriculum, includes 10 lessons. This curriculum is not meant to be restrictive to any one tier; we encourage you to structure the delivery of lessons based on your students’ needs and the time available to the facilitator.
How much does it cost to attend and are there scholarships?
Billing is based on how many students will be participating. Financial assistance may be available and is based on FRL percentages. Contact a YouthBiz representative for more information.
What are the main concepts that students learn?
YouthBiz focuses on igniting the spark of entrepreneurship in students of all ages by creating real world activities and experiences that are exciting and hands on in all our of programming and events.
