Kidpreneur Labs
Building Young Entrepreneurs. Preventing Violence. Expanding Opportunity.
Kidpreneur Labs is a structured youth entrepreneurship program serving young people ages 11–24 across Chicago’s South and West Sides. The program addresses youth unemployment, limited economic opportunity, and exposure to community violence by equipping participants with the tools to build businesses, develop financial independence, and create their own opportunities.
Many young people in Chicago have creative ideas and leadership potential but lack access to mentorship, business education, and real-world economic pathways.
Kidpreneur Labs helps youth turn ideas into action.
The Problem We Address
Across several Chicago communities:
• Youth unemployment remains significantly higher than city averages
• Young people face daily exposure to community violence
• Many teens lack access to business education or financial literacy training
• Traditional workforce programs rarely teach ownership or entrepreneurship
Without structured support and economic opportunity, young people are more vulnerable to disengagement from school, unemployment, and unsafe environments.
Kidpreneur Labs creates a positive economic pathway forward.
Who Qualifies
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Youth ages 11–24
• Residents of Chicago and surrounding suburbs
• Students interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, and business skills
• Justice-involved or system-impacted youth welcome
• School, parent, or self-referrals accepted
How to Enroll
Enrollment opens quarterly.
To apply or refer a student, complete our online interest form or contact:
📧 info@inspireninnovate.org
📍 Serving Chicago & South Suburban Illinois
What We Do
Kidpreneur Labs operates through a 12-week cohort model where youth develop real entrepreneurial skills and launch business ideas.
Participants engage in:
• Business idea development
• Branding and product design
• Budgeting and financial literacy
• Marketing and social media strategy
• Pitching and public speaking
• Leadership and confidence building
• Trauma-informed mentorship circles
• Pop-up markets and youth business showcases
Participants leave the program with a basic business plan and the skills to start generating income.
Expected Outcomes
Kidpreneur Labs is designed to create measurable community impact:
• 75% of youth complete the full entrepreneurship training program
• 60% launch a small business, side hustle, or income-generating idea
• 80% report increased financial literacy and career confidence
• Increased engagement in positive youth programming and mentorship networks
Support This Program
Your donation helps provide:
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Laptops and digital access
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Stipends for youth participants
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Career exposure trips
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Safe programming space
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Business startup kits for youth
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Program materials and entrepreneurship training
Donate today to expand digital workforce access for Chicago youth.