I agree that some youth make it bad for others but not all youth are problem kids or looking to cause trouble. Teens might be looked at as a nuisance to most businesses but they do receive allowances and frequently manage to convince their parents to buy the things they want.

Incorporating the youth

One thing for sure is the nice weather creates problems for business owners.

Back in the day, do whoop singers could hang on the corner and sing under the streetlights and bother anyone or cause any problems.

Traveling through a lot of the neighborhoods, you find youth standing outside of gas stations, stores, and other business ventures which may hurt business for that establishment. The youth that came together in the Coventry area in Cleveland Heights caused a 6 p.m. curfew to be enacted.

I agree that some youth make it bad for others but not all youth are problem kids or looking to cause trouble. Teens might be looked at as a nuisance to most businesses but they do receive allowances and frequently manage to convince their parents to buy the things they want.

So, there is clearly an opportunity for business owners and startups to develop products and services aimed at teen buyers.

First and foremost, the business owner has to decide on the type of product or service for teens he or she could market. Nowadays, teens are mostly into cell phones, ringtones, cameras, music, clothing, accessories, sports items, and beauty products.

The business owner must keep the small business idea in line with the needs and wants of the average teen.

Next, the small business owner must choose a business name that is in line with the teen business idea. The name should be witty and up to date to go along with the culture of the young target audience and the product or service being offered to teens.

The final step to establishing the company is to file for a business license with the state and register the business name.

Now, I know you are probably saying what does this have to do with the problem of teens getting together hurting businesses? I’m just saying that a lot of businesses make big money off teens buying $100 tennis shoes and designer clothes.

So, is it ok to come spend your hundred dollars with me as long as you do it before 6 p.m. or with your parent? Due to the job situation, it’s hard for adults to get a job, let alone youth.

Should there be a place for teens to shop and get hired to deal with other youth?

The business owner must hire young employees who can relate to the teen experience to run the business, keep up with new trends, and generate ideas.

If running a service business, the owner has to make sure that the young people have good communication skills to handle calls and requests from teens. A smart businessperson will constantly update her business for teens to accommodate the new fads and crazes, since the “in” thing to do or have tends to change very quickly in the teen world.

If you came up in Cleveland, you remember they had many different Muny football leagues that helped youth stay off the corners. They even came out with 24 hour basketball that gave youth something to do.

I am sure it’s evident that youth engaged in organized sport are not likely to participate in criminal activities. Many attribute the spike in youth crime to the increased number of street gangs, often the perpetrators of youth crime.

Research indicates that youth seek comfort from those who welcome them and reinforce their sense of belonging. Unfortunately, some youth have no choice but to turn to street gangs in order to satisfy their need for approval, belonging, and self-worth.

Street gangs are not just issues in big cities. Over the last few decades, there has been an increase in the presence of street gangs in non-metropolitan and rural communities. There is no consensus among experts on how to reduce youth crime.

Criminal involvement usually starts before the age of 15, with first-time offences declining markedly once young people reach 20 years of age. Young people who become involved in criminal activities before the age of 14 tend to be the most persistent offenders, with long criminal records.

Many youth without positive role models or healthy activities (not only sports), youth in impoverished neighborhoods may turn to drugs, gangs, and crime. Schools do their best but it is too much for them to do alone. Local communities must find ways to help take at-risk youth off the street.

Are the business leaders working with our youth?

Setting up in business and sustaining it, especially in its early stages, is a real challenge. Young people can find it particularly hard to translate business ideas into a working reality but with the right approach, guidance, and support, young entrepreneurs can succeed.

If your child shows interest in earning his own money to pay for music, clothes, to save for college or for other small expenses, encourage them to start a business. Youth entrepreneurship is a rising trend, as boys and girls turn their interests into business ventures, with some doing so well before graduating from high school.

With a strong support system in place including family members and friends, young people can start their own businesses, earn money, build their confidence and learn independence.

Help your child create a business plan for his youth business. Keep it simple by putting together a one-page business plan outlining business goals, a description of the business, market research, operation and marketing strategies and tactics.

Develop a budget for the business, including start up costs for equipment and supplies. Work with your child to determine how much money is needed to start the business, considering personal savings to cover those costs.

Help your child create a logo to represent his business, for a larger venture, work with him to hire a graphic designer. Use that logo on business cards, fliers and other marketing material. Establish an online presence by creating a website, perhaps using a free service such a Blogger, Wordpress or Weebly initially. Offer to help your son or daughter with marketing including attending trade shows.