MarketReady: Youth Entrepreneurship & Career Pathways

Youth economic advancement

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Opportunity Youth, comprising foster, justice-involved, and homeless young individuals aged 16 to 24, confront severe economic and educational barriers. In California, only 20% of transition-age foster youth receive essential federal employment or vocational training, leading to nearly half being unemployed and economically vulnerable (Annie E. Casey Foundation). Similarly, justice-involved youth show a high recidivism rate due to deficient education and job skills, with more than half lacking a high school diploma upon system exit (Bay Area Transition-Age Youth Workforce Initiative). Homeless youth face school instability that results in higher dropout rates and ongoing housing instability. With housing prices and homelessness across LA at an all-time high - Now is the time offer a pathway (untied to a college education) to a rewarding career, the ability to increase income, and perhaps most importantly to sleep in one's own home each night feeling fulfilled and excited for tomorrow.

MarketReady empowers Opportunity Youth with essential skills and resources to secure stable employment, creating a 2nd income stream by launching their own meaningful side hustle. Our program tackles unemployment and educational gaps through:
Job Readiness Training and Placement Assistance: Equips participants with vital skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, recruitment, and workplace etiquette.
Masterclass Courses: Bridges knowledge gaps with courses in soft skills (communication, leadership, teamwork), business fundamentals (operations, finance, marketing), and personal financial literacy.
Entrepreneurial Internship: Provides practical hands-on experience at a local farmers market booth. Participants start with seed funding for equipment/supplies and keep profits after accounting for COGS, fostering real-world business acumen. This acts as a resume builder and income generator, while stimulating ideas for their own side hustle.
Career and Side Hustle Coaching: Offers continuous guidance, actionable steps, and accountability for securing full-time employment, while simultaneously developing a meaningful side hustle in an area of passion.
Additionally, program alumni can apply for paid supervisory roles in subsequent cohorts, enhancing their leadership skills and ability to mentor others. This approach not only equips participants for immediate job entry but also fosters sustainable entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to long-term economic stability.

In the next year, we hope to support 60 Opportunity Youth secure full-time employment, while equipping each with skills and confidence to start meaningful side hustles for supplemental income and professional growth. We estimate guiding 20% to launch their side hustles, understanding that entrepreneurship isn't for everyone.
By 2050, our goal is to bridge the opportunity gap for youth. We plan to double the program's reach annually, building a robust ecosystem of partnerships across education sectors, high-demand industries, and experienced mentors. MarketReady aspires to act as an incubator for side hustles, providing seed money to each young entrepreneur to develop a sustainable business.
Our success will not only reduce youth unemployment and homelessness but also enhance lifelong learning and educational achievement. By equipping a new generation with essential skills and confidence, MarketReady will drive economic revitalization and improve community well-being in Los Angeles.

In the past year, Kaimore has assisted 67 individuals in securing full-time jobs, coached 39 small business owners, created 18 new jobs, and supported 3 idea-stage entrepreneurs. Our impact: 79% of clients improved their economic standing, and 76% maintained employment for 6+ months, with an average 42% increase in savings.
Our 2023 Summer Pilot for Market Ready engaged eight at-risk youth in operating a Shaved Ice Booth for 8 weeks. Outcomes included six at-risk girls re-enrolling in school, and two formerly homeless/foster youths securing jobs and transitioning into independent living and higher education. Youth Testimonial of Pilot Program.
Leveraging our experience from two pilots and access to 220 opportunity youth via transitional housing partnerships in LA, we are set to launch a comprehensive program. Success will be measured by employment/retention rates, engagement in masterclasses, side hustle launches, permanent housing, and life audits across eight dimensions of wellness.