Minneapolis St Paul Business Journal

Five young innovators each won $1,000 during a newly launched YouthSparks Ideas Competition for their “community-changing” startup ideas.

The competition, launched by Minneapolis-based nonprofit support organization Social Venture Partners Minnesota, sought ideas from Minnesota youth ages 12 to 24 to “positively impact youth and help change the community.” The five winners developed solutions for people experiencing disabilities and illnesses, ideas for social platforms and a financial literacy education platform.

MPR Minnesota Public Radio – Minnesota Now

Minneapolis based nonprofit Social Venture Partners recently asked youth ages 12-24 for innovations that could help their communities. The organization is celebrating five winners of the YouthSparks Ideas competition on Monday; 15-year-old Jaylen Jones is one of them.

He pitched an idea for a business called “Jones Cleaning and Companionship,” which was inspired by his time helping his grandmother, Shonda James Ofili. Jaylen sees the business as a reciprocal benefit to three generations of people: teenagers who can gain employment and connection, middle-aged adults who need help for their parents and senior citizens who receive help in their homes and friendships.

MPR Minnesota Public Radio

Minnesota youth could win $1,000 for ideas that benefit their communities Originally posted on MPRNEWS • December 23, 2023 • by Alanna Elder A Minneapolis nonprofit is asking youth to […]