The historic corridors of Newark City Hall buzzed with entrepreneurial energy as over 150 young innovators turned the space into a dynamic marketplace. These teenagers, many of whom are undocumented, showcased their businesses at the International Teen Entrepreneur Festival—a groundbreaking event celebrating their resilience, creativity, and newfound business expertise.
This festival was the pinnacle of the VIP School Empowerment Coalition’s Boss Up Program, a pioneering initiative aimed at equipping undocumented and bilingual students with the essential skills and resources to launch and sustain their own businesses. Spearheaded by Dr. Jamila T. Davis, an educator/ community activist, in collaboration with Newark Public School’s Bilingual Department and backed by the Newark Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery Services, the program has emerged as a critical support system for young people navigating barriers to traditional employment.
A Game-Changer for Newark’s Undocumented Youth
For many participants, the Boss Up Program has been transformative. The initiative not only offered vital business training and startup funding but also provided a $100 weekly stipend—often the most substantial income these students have ever earned. This financial support has enabled students to contribute to their household expenses while gaining a sense of financial independence.
“This program is crucial for students facing significant barriers due to their immigration status,” said Dr. Jamila T. Davis. “For many, the weekly stipend represents their first meaningful income, boosting their confidence and helping them embrace American culture.”
The diversity of businesses at the festival underscored the innovation and determination of these young entrepreneurs. From apparel brands to culinary services, jewelry, sneaker cleaning, and even pet care, each business reflected the hard work and creativity of its founder. The festival provided these students not only with a platform to showcase their talents but also the opportunity to engage with the community, build customer relationships, and gain invaluable real-world experience.
Support from Newark’s Leadership
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a strong advocate for youth initiatives, attended the event to show his support. He lauded the students for their entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, emphasizing the importance of equipping young people with the tools they need to succeed. Deputy Mayors Lakeesha Eure and Rahaman Muhammad also addressed the crowd, delivering inspiring messages about perseverance and the transformative impact of entrepreneurship on community development.
“The entrepreneurial spirit we see here today is a testament to Newark’s bright future,” Mayor Baraka said. “These young entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are laying the foundation for their futures and contributing to the vitality of our city.”
The Role of OVPTR in Reimagining Public Safety
The Newark Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery Services (OVPTR), established by Mayor Baraka in June 2020, played a vital role in supporting the Boss Up Program. Headquartered at the former 1st Precinct of the Newark Police Division, located in the Central Ward, the OVPTR is more than just an administrative hub—it is a center for healing and education. It hosts program services and a museum dedicated to honoring Newark’s long fight for racial integration and social healing.
The OVPTR envisions a city where violence is approached from a public health perspective, recognizing that individuals are both products of their environment and agents of change. The Office’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all Newark residents by reimagining public safety and public health as tools to address the root causes of violence, not just its consequences.
Deputy Mayor Lakeesha Eure, who oversees OVPTR, emphasized the importance of the Boss Up Program as a tool for crime prevention and a pathway to economic stability. “Empowering our youth through entrepreneurship not only provides them with economic opportunities but also serves as a critical crime prevention strategy,” Eure stated. “When young people are given the tools to build businesses and support their families, they are far less likely to become involved in criminal activity. Programs like Boss Up are essential in our mission to create a safer, healthier Newark.”
Expanding Horizons for Undocumented Youth
The recent expansion of the Boss Up Program to include undocumented and bilingual students marks a significant milestone in Newark’s ongoing commitment to supporting its immigrant communities. Led by Dr. Juan Rios, LCSW, a distinguished professor at Seton Hall University, the program’s bilingual team ensures that language barriers do not impede these students’ entrepreneurial aspirations. The curriculum, based on Dr. Davis’s book, *Boss Up: The Official Guide to Teen Entrepreneurship,* covers essential business topics such as marketing, branding, and customer service, all supported by digital resources.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower youth and promote economic independence in underserved communities. It exemplifies Dr. Davis’s dedication to helping individuals unlock their potential and create sustainable futures through entrepreneurship.
Inspiring Success Stories
The success stories emerging from the Boss Up Program are as diverse as the participants. Among them is 17-year-old Ryan Kundan, who recently opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in East Orange. His entrepreneurial journey has already captured local media attention, with features on PIX11 and ROI-NJ.
As the festival came to a close, the impact of the Boss Up Program was evident in the proud smiles of the young entrepreneurs. This event was more than a business showcase; it was a celebration of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of opportunity. The Boss Up Program is not just teaching these students how to earn money; it is showing them how to build a future.
Newark’s investment in its youth, particularly those facing significant challenges, serves as a model for cities nationwide. By empowering undocumented and bilingual students through entrepreneurship, Newark is not only nurturing the next generation of business leaders but also fostering a culture of innovation, resilience, and community spirit that will benefit the city for years to come.
Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark, NJ with teen entrepreneur
