Boss Up Youth Entrepreneurship

Boss Up is PUDS’ signature youth entrepreneurship program, equipping young people with the tools, mentorship, and capital to launch real businesses and build long-term economic opportunity.
Participants learn business fundamentals, develop their own ventures, and gain hands-on experience through pop-up shops, expos, and public showcases.

Program highlights include:

· Multi-city implementation across New York City, Newark, East Orange, Boston, and Birmingham

· Youth-launched businesses and real-world sales experience

· Startup funding and material support

· Mentorship from community leaders and alumni entrepreneurs

· Financial literacy, branding, and leadership development


Boss Up positions entrepreneurship as both an economic pathway and a violence-prevention strategy.