Purchasing
Source and stock product for your team's vending machine.
Youth Launcher
Teens building
a real business.
Fall 2026 cohort starts September 21. Teams of teens run their own vending machine business, from purchasing and pricing to profit, then pitch for cash prizes at the final.
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- 13 to 18
- Schedule
- Mondays, 6:00 to 7:30 PM
- Location
- West End Neighborhood House
- Fall 2026 cohort
- Starts September 21
What it is
A team, a business,
a pitch.
Youth Launcher puts teens in charge of a real business. Working in teams, participants run their own vending machine business, making the calls on what to stock, what to charge, and how to turn a profit.
The program is free and meets Mondays from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at West End Neighborhood House. Teams work together all season and close it out by pitching their results for cash prizes at the final.
What you'll do
Run the business,
start to finish.
Pricing
Set prices that cover cost and still turn a profit.
Pitch
Present your results and compete for cash prizes at the final.
Who it's for
Is this
you?
- Teens ages 13 to 18
- Ready to work as part of a team
- Curious how a real business actually runs
- Free to join, with no cost to participate
- Available Mondays, 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Entrepreneur Journey
Ready to join
the team?
1
Apply
Tell us about you and your idea. It takes a few minutes.
2
Review
Your application is reviewed by our team.
3
Enroll
Confirm your seat in the cohort and site that fits you.
4
Orientation
Meet your trainer, your classmates, and your workbook.
5
Launch
Graduate with a plan, a network, and a team behind you.
Questions
Frequently asked.
Is Youth Launcher really free?
Yes. Youth Launcher is free for every participant.
Who can join?
Teens ages 13 to 18.
What will my team actually build?
A real vending machine business. Your team handles purchasing, pricing, and profit as a group.
When and where does it meet?
Mondays, 6:00 to 7:30 PM, at West End Neighborhood House.
What happens at the end?
Teams pitch their business results and compete for cash prizes at the final.
When does the next cohort start?
The Fall 2026 cohort starts September 21.
Ready to
launch your team?
Join the Fall 2026 cohort of teen entrepreneurs building a real business, together.