Free summer program culminates in a live Business Plan Competition, with real ventures ranging from a seafood food truck to an AI-powered sticker tracker
LOS ANGELES — Nearly 40 Los Angeles students, ages 13 to 18, will take the stage this Friday, July 10, to pitch original business plans as part of BizCamp 2026, a free youth entrepreneurship program hosted by the Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL) in partnership with NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship).
The Business Plan Competition and graduation ceremony runs from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Alliance Ouchi-O’Donovan 6-12 Complex, 5356 5th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043. Students will present to a panel of community volunteer judges, with scores tabulated live through an electronic ballot system.
Over three weeks, participants worked through the fundamentals of entrepreneurship — from market research and pricing to financial literacy and public pitching — building original business concepts that reflect their own interests and communities. This year’s ventures include a website design studio, a youth volleyball coaching service, an AI-powered sticker tracking app, a seafood food truck, a custom phone case line, and an original technology product, among others.
“BizCamp is about more than a pitch on competition day — it’s three weeks of watching young people find their voice. Every one of these students walked in with an idea and a little doubt, and they’re walking out with a business plan, a pitch deck, and the confidence to stand in front of strangers and sell their vision. That transformation is why we do this work.” Ms. Rhonda Holbert, BizCamp Director
“Entrepreneurship isn’t about age. It’s about action. And young people are some of the boldest action-takers I’ve ever seen.” Ms. Crystal Mitchell, Teacher/Co-Director
BizCamp is offered at no cost to participating families and is designed to build confidence, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skill in LA-area youth — skills organizers say extend well beyond the summer program itself.
Media are invited to attend competition day, observe live student pitches, and request interviews with students, instructors, and LAUL leadership. Check-in for media is available at the school’s 5th Avenue entrance.
About the Los Angeles Urban League
The Los Angeles Urban League is a nonprofit organization dedicated to economic and educational empowerment in underserved Los Angeles communities.
About NFTE
The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) provides entrepreneurship education that inspires young people from under-resourced communities to stay in school, succeed, and build skills for future success.
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