Youth Entrepreneurship
2026 Biz Institute is ramping up. Two of our 2024 youth entrepreneurs won National Awards. See their presentations below.Biz Institute & Biz Camp
Youth Entrepreneurship Program
The Los Angeles Urban League Biz Institute is a free intensive virtual year-round program for students, ages 13-18 years-old. It includes interactive activities and guest speakers aimed at providing students with a solid business acumen and ultimately launching their businesses. This program is intended for students who have a business idea and seek the push to make their venture successful. Nothing represents impact moreso than two of your 2024 students, who placed first and second in a national challenge! See more below. Who will come up with the next blockbuster biz idea?
Two competitions are slated for participants of our LAUL program. In addition, Biz Institute participants have the opportunity to compete in the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurs Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, a national competition, which carries a first place cash prize of $10,000!
Cost: FREE!
APPLY NOW
Volunteers Needed
Biz Institute
Saturdays: January 10th – May 30, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Hybrid (1st Sat in-person and 3rd Sat on Zoom)
Jackie Tatum Harvard Park
Tennis Courts / Learning Center
1535 West 62nd Street, L.A., CA 90008
(Learning Center is located behind the tennis courts)
Biz Camp
Date: June 22 – July 10, 2026
Monday- Friday
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
In-person
Alliance Ouchi-O’Donovan 6-12 Complex
5356 – 5th Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90043
“The Urban League taught me to not only believe in my business, but also to believe in myself. It has shown me that entrepreneurship can be profitable.”
“BizCamp helped me gain a new view and mindset about starting a business. It has shown me that there is more to a business than a good idea.”
Application Process
The Biz Institute selection committee will review all applications and recommendations. Selections will be based on the applicant’s answers to the essay questions and their recommendations. Please complete the application in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Mandatory Parent and Student Interview: Interviews must be conducted prior to acceptance into program.
If selected to participate, you must agree to complete the program in its entirety.
Meet Your Instructors
Rhonda Holbert
For 25 years Rhonda Holbert served as Director of Special Projects for the Los Angeles Urban League where she collaborated with business community leaders to form LA Collaborative. She also facilitated and led business development learning, managing and implementation of new business opportunities.
Crystal Mitchell
Crystal Mitchell is a business professional and the owner of Mitchell Business Solutions. She is also the co-director of Recycling Black Dollars, a nonprofit business that aids in the economic development of the African American community by encouraging support of Black businesses.
APPLY TODAY!
The Biz Institute selection committee will review all applications and recommendations. Selections will be based on the applicant’s answers to the essay questions and their recommendations. Please complete the application in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Mandatory Parent and Student Interview: Interviews must be conducted prior to acceptance into program.
If selected to participate, you must agree to complete the program in its entirety.
Network For Teaching Entrepreneurs Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. Lucio and Solonia Bring Home the Gold and Silver medal IN 2024!
Lucio Hightower-Rojas emerged from LA Urban League’s Biz Institute program in 2024 to capture a FIRST place finish in the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, for the West Coast region. His business idea is called “Scholar Brilliance,” an AI driven application that helps students improve essays, search for awards and track progress regarding scholarship applications.
Solonia Allen emerged from LA Urban League’s Biz Institute program in 2024 to capture a runnerup second place finish in the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, for the West Coast region. Her business idea is called “Almndmilk.” In this pitch before judges, Solonia explains the essential health benefits and the story behind the story, of her future product.