YBI employees and students volunteering to help wrap gifts at Sono Mall CO.

100 North Water St. Norwalk, CT

First Teen Night Out of the Year

Month: January
Activity: Skating Night

Includes free food
Free skating

REGISTER NOW

Our girls self care day is a day of relaxation and self love. With 30 students registered we hope to have an amazing pt 3. We are still welcoming volunteers and donations for this event.

Donate Now

Thank you to all the volunteers who participated in the 4th YBI Girls Self-Care Day! With the incredible support of over 20 adult and young adult volunteers and 30 student participants, this event marked our biggest turnout yet. We are immensely grateful for your dedication and commitment to empowering young girls through self-care. Stay tuned, as we plan on hosting another similar event for boys in the near future.

ARLENY
ON YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY!

OUR 5TH ANNUAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

YBI in partnership with the Norwalk Community Hive.
We will be offering various programs including:

• Summer Entrepreneurship 101
• Workforce Development
• Youth Advancement After School Program
• Digital Marketing

Summer Entrepreneurship 101: Tues & Thurs
This Summer Entrepreneurship 101 program allows youth to learn about business development, finance & accounting, marketing & branding, and communication etiquette. Accepted students will receive a $150.00 weekly stipend to learn and compete in a “Shark Tank” like event with sector judges who award seed money to student groups for their businesses. Food provided.

Start date: June 20th

Digital Marketing: Every Thursday starting from March 21st to May 23rd

Our 10-week Digital Marketing & Design course is more than just a class – it’s a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration. Led by industry experts, students aged 15-18 dive deep into the world of digital marketing, learning essential skills in graphic design, social media marketing, branding strategies, and more.

From mastering color theory and typography basics to crafting compelling brand identities and creating real-world marketing campaigns, students gain hands-on experience and practical skills that empower them to make an impact in the digital landscape.

Workforce Development Program:

Workforce Development Program helps shape the lives of Fairfield County’s high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through this program, students will have the opportunity to learn professional business etiquette, job skills, resume and career building. They will gain a deeper understanding of the processes involved in developing and maintaining daily functions within a workplace.

This summer, the Youth Business Initiative (YBI) is proud to partner with The WorkPlace to offer a transformative Workforce Development Program for young adults. This program is designed to equip participants with valuable web development skills, enhancing their employability in today’s digital economy.

Start date: June 24th

8 week program

🌴 Exciting Event Alert for High School Students! 🌴

We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming FREE Luau Party as part of the Norwalk Teen Nights Out initiative! Join them for an evening of fun, socializing, and substance-free activities.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with peers and enjoy a fun-filled evening. Remember to RSVP by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visiting

thenorwalkpartnership.org/events.

Keynote Speaker: @firstladylillie – Lillie

An Evening of Innovation and Inspiration

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 14th, 2025, because the Youth Business Initiative (YBI) is back with its 6th Annual Shark Tank Fundraiser in Norwalk, CT! This exciting event will take place from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at 11 Belden Ave, 2nd Floor, bringing together aspiring young entrepreneurs, supportive community members, and a panel of business-savvy judges ready to be impressed.

For six years, YBI’s Shark Tank has been a platform for high school students to dream big, pitch bold ideas, and gain real-world experience in front of local professionals and investors. Each year, the competition gets tougher, the ideas get better, and the excitement grows stronger.

What to Expect at YBI’s Shark Tank Fundraiser 2025

This year, five ambitious high school students will compete for the grand prize, presenting their bold business ideas at one of Norwalk’s most anticipated community events.

Here’s why you shouldn’t miss it:

• Student-Led Innovation: Watch as young entrepreneurs present fresh ideas in a Shark Tank-style competition.
• Real Business Mentorship: Judges will offer feedback and guidance to help students turn concepts into actionable plans.
• Community Engagement: The event brings together local businesses, sponsors, and residents to support youth entrepreneurship in Norwalk, CT.

Why This Event is a Game-Changer

The YBI Shark Tank competition for students is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a platform for growth and innovation. It equips young entrepreneurs with real-world experience, confidence, and the skills needed to thrive in the business world.

Students learn the importance of:

• Pitching to investors
• Public speaking
• Strategic thinking and innovation

This event helps empower youth entrepreneurship in Connecticut and builds a stronger, future-ready community.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This year’s event is proudly presented by:

• Livé Event Production
• Navello Travel
• DJS Website & Design Services
• Nada Y Brilla Swimming School
• Zaka Mode

Their commitment to supporting education and entrepreneurship makes this event possible.

Get Your Tickets Now

Join us on September 14th, 2025, for this exciting business pitch competition in Norwalk, CT.

Location: 11 Belden Ave, 2nd Floor, Norwalk, CT 06852
Date & Time: Sunday, September 14th, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Secure your tickets today and help empower the next generation of business leaders in Connecticut!

YBI on the News

5th Annual Community Day

Week 8 of the Summer Entrepreneurshipng Program focuses on the crucial phase of prototype development. Participants will bring their ideas to life by finalizing and refining their designs. This week, they will work on creating a tangible version of their product, ensuring it aligns with their vision and meets the needs of their target audience. Alongside the development process, they will also place orders for the necessary materials or services required to complete their prototype, marking a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey.

YBI Girls Beauty and Spa Day !

Keynote Speaker: @firstladylillie – Lillie

Stylists Instagram:

Hair: @kaydebeauty – Kayla

Hair: @royalty.styles – Yasmine

Hair: @beautywi.e – Erica

Esthetician: @divine.destiny.beauty – Destiny

Esthetician: @dtmdayspa – Ta’Tiyana

Nails: @miasnailsgallery_ – Mia

Have nothing to do? November 16th G-CODE is partnering with YBI to host a Friendsgiving! This is a perfect opportunity to give back to the community and mingle with your friends.

Teen Night Out Presents Bowling Night

Follow @teennightsout on Instagram for updates on future events!

Girls by Girls Christmas Party

On December 19th, the **Girls by Girls** group wrapped up their final gathering of the year with a festive Christmas party filled with joy and creativity. The evening was packed with holiday cheer as the girls made and decorated ornaments, showcasing their artistic talents. They enjoyed delicious snacks and pizza, filling the room with laughter and good conversation. The celebration continued with dancing, singing, and watching holiday-themed movies, creating a warm and memorable atmosphere. It was the perfect way to close out the year, bringing the group together for fun, bonding, and celebration.

Teen Night Out Presents Ice Skating Night 

Norwalk high school students had a fantastic time at the **Teen Nights Out Ice Skating Night** on Friday, December 27, at the SoNo Ice Rink. From 7 PM to 9:30 PM, attendees enjoyed free ice skating, skate rentals, and delicious food in a fun, substance-free environment.

The rink was filled with energy and laughter as students glided across the ice, sharing moments of joy and bonding with friends. Organized by Teen Nights Out, the event was another wonderful opportunity to bring the community’s youth together for an evening of safe and engaging activities. 

Teen Night Out Presents Ice Skating Night 

Norwalk high school students had a fantastic time at the **Teen Nights Out Ice Skating Night** on Friday, December 27, at the SoNo Ice Rink. From 7 PM to 9:30 PM, attendees enjoyed free ice skating, skate rentals, and delicious food in a fun, substance-free environment.

The rink was filled with energy and laughter as students glided across the ice, sharing moments of joy and bonding with friends. Organized by Teen Nights Out, the event was another wonderful opportunity to bring the community’s youth together for an evening of safe and engaging activities. 

YBI Girls Beauty and Spa Day 2024!

Keynote Speaker: @firstladylillie – Lillie

WHAT’S NEW?