Youth Entrepreneurs - let’s not lose a group of them that are still unfortunately thriving

In the premiere issue of Black Intellect Café … The Magazine we take a look at youth entrepreneurs. There is a growing trend across the world of businesses owned by young people as young as eight; and we actually mention in the published article two young people who built and then sold a very successful web based business at 15 and 17. WOW! With a bevy of young business owners sprouting, there have also been a variety of organizations birthed to offer assistance, support and resources and they should be applauded.

There is however still a very strong business base run, managed or operated in Black communities throughout the United States that troubles me. That base is narcotics and gang violence. These operations are well run business machines. There is a business plan and formula, there is security, there are consistent financial transactions and a building of supply and demand. There is, however also the consistent loss of life either in death or imprisonment.

Perhaps I am naïve in this, but I wonder what would happen if we could just grab 15 percent of the young business people involved in illegal business operations and show them how they can capitalize on legal and legitimate business ventures? What would happen indeed if we could show them how consistent and steady in business is in fact more profitable then $10, 000 overnight when my mid day you could be dead by the same hand that helped you get the quick cash overnight? Would it not be more beneficial to our community if we could tailor that thug aggressiveness to fit a corporate building and investing atmosphere?

Michael Savory, Chief Executive Officer of Young Enterprise, says the key to success for young enterprising business people is support, “young people are bursting with enthusiasm and ideas, but more needs to be done to encourage them.”

If this is so, how do we encourage those teens in the crux of life’s dark side - a side which is brimming with what society has made attractive and the must have goals - to re-focus and re-position themselves for greatness bathed in dignified success?

Perhaps I am naïve in this, but I wonder …. Yes, I wonder.