Activate Purpose: Empowering Purpose Through Entrepreneurship

Youth economic advancement

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Los Angeles County faces persistent challenges in youth economic advancement, particularly among underrepresented and justice-impacted individuals aged 16 to 30. Many young adults encounter systemic barriers to employment and entrepreneurship, including limited access to quality education, mentorship, and financial resources. These obstacles are often more pronounced in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods, leading to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment.
Justice-impacted individuals face additional hurdles, such as stigma and legal restrictions, which hinder their reintegration into the workforce. Without targeted support, these populations are at risk of recidivism and continued economic marginalization.
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive programs that provide not only skills training but also mentorship, financial support, and pathways to sustainable careers.

The Activate Purpose Entrepreneurship Accelerator program is a holistic entrepreneurship initiative designed to empower underrepresented and justice-impacted young adults in Los Angeles County. Targeting individuals aged 18 to 35, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes personal development, financial literacy, and business fundamentals. It helps individuals navigate turning ideas into viable business solutions.

Participants receive stipends to support their engagement and are eligible for micro-grants to launch their businesses upon program completion. The program also provides mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and access to a supportive community network.

By aligning participants' talents and passions with practical business skills, Activate Purpose aims to create sustainable economic opportunities and foster a new generation of purpose-driven entrepreneurs.
We believe that two things that make our program more unique are (1) our 3-pillar focus on Mindset Mastery, Money Mastery, and Business Mastery, and (2) the integration of case management with referrals to help address the whole person's needs as they learn to build a business and become a business leader in the community. We understand that they continue to navigate life through this program and if life gets in the way because of unexpected events, then their success and completion could be stifled or come to a complete stop. Case management ensures this doesn't happen.

If successful, Activate Purpose will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive economy in Los Angeles County. Underrepresented and justice-impacted young adults will have increased access to entrepreneurship as a viable career path, leading to higher rates of business ownership and employment within these communities. They will also develop confidence in a safe and supportive training environment to help them navigate business ownership, marketing, sales, and money management.

The program's graduates will serve as role models and catalysts for change, inspiring others in their communities to pursue their own entrepreneurial endeavors. This ripple effect can lead to the revitalization of underserved neighborhoods, the reduction of recidivism rates among justice-impacted individuals, and the overall economic upliftment of marginalized populations.