Empowering the Next Generation of D.C. Entrepreneurs 

The 11th Street Bridge Park was honored to partner with Young Entrepreneurz Solutions (YES) and Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School (TMA) for a one-week youth entrepreneurship challenge.  The goal was to engage high school students with the basics of creating and running a business enterprise.  YES was founded by former Rutgers University professor and veteran entrepreneur Ernest Ruffin, Jr.  Detailed on YES’s website, their mission is to create 10,000 entrepreneurs of color. 

For an entire week, Ernest worked with the students to create a financial plan, marketing strategies and product design.  The partnership culminated on Friday afternoon with a formal presentation to a jury.  The judges were two Ward 8 small business owners, Rylinda Rhodes of Mane Rhodes and Shawnette Monroe of the Kitchen Physician, along with President & CEO of the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif), Shannon Herbert and Building Bridges Across the River President & CEO, Scott Kratz. 

The winning team, pictured below, won an all-expense paid trip to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands for the National Competition in November, and $200 for each participant.  We are rooting for the DC team to win Nationals competing against youth from Detroit, Los Angeles, New York and New Jersey.  Everyone involved in the 11th Street Bridge Park first Youth Entrepreneurs Competition were all very impressed with these young entrepreneurs.  As Mr. Ruffin stated at the conclusion of the challenge week, “the Thurgood Marshall Academy youth did a very good job working as a team to put their business plans together.  Our goal at YES is to work closely with our Mogul Program to increase awareness and participation in the YES Business Plan Challenge.  YES appreciates the 11th Street Bridge Park, Scott Kratz and their team for making this happen.” 

The 11th Street Bridge Park is grateful for our partnership with TMA, Raymond Weedon, Christina Schwarz and Tamara Brock, and YES with Founder Ernest Ruffin who led the program.  We are looking forward to continuing to support the youth in our community while uplifting these young entrepreneurs so that they can continue to strive for greatness.  We are incredibly grateful for Truist for supporting this pilot and investing in wealth-building opportunities East of the River.