NOMO Foundation
The NOMO Foundation, which stands for ‘New Options, More Opportunities,’ is dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs through year-round programs and community initiatives. Founded to foster creativity, skill-building, and leadership among youth in West Philadelphia and beyond, the organization hosts events such as the Small Business Expo to showcase and support emerging entrepreneurs. Their mission is to provide opportunities for young individuals to develop practical business skills, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact on their communities. With a focus on inclusivity and education, NOMO Foundation has cultivated a vibrant environment where youth can innovate, learn, and grow as future leaders in various industries.
News Summary
The NOMO Foundation’s Small Business Expo showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of local youth, highlighting young innovators and their businesses. From culinary treats to handmade products, participants demonstrated that age is no barrier in entrepreneurship. The event emphasized skill-building and community impact, with numerous vendors making strides in their respective fields.
West Philadelphia hosted the NOMO Foundation’s Small Business Expo, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of young innovators from the local community. This event highlighted the talents of numerous student entrepreneurs, proving that age is no barrier to starting a business.
At the expo, 11-year-old Zy grilled mild sausages and burgers, demonstrating her culinary skills. Her peer, also 11, Amira offered samples of her homemade chicken and spinach dip, a business she began at the age of 9. Their participation illustrates the hands-on experience these young vendors gain as they navigate the world of entrepreneurship. One customer remarked on how these young vendors are actually children acquiring valuable business skills.
The expo also featured sisters Ajah and her younger sibling, who crafted handmade yarn products such as sandals, hats, and crochet crop tops. Another young participant, a 15-year-old artist, proudly identified as trans while showcasing their artwork. The entrepreneurs range in age and skill, yet they all share a common goal of making their community better.
One of the standout businesses belonged to 13-year-old Bahiyyah, owner of Molly’s Boutique, which sells colorful ribbon socks priced between $20 and $35. Her mother provided sewing classes at the back of the boutique, further fostering an environment of creativity and skill-building. Many of the participants, including Bahiyyah, emphasized their focus on making clothing affordable for their community.
The NOMO Foundation, which stands for “New Options, More Opportunities,” aims to provide young individuals with opportunities through various year-round programs. This mission is evident as young leaders and entrepreneurs make a positive impact across the Main Line region.
Dom Pecora began his journey at age 10, starting a bike repair business to afford a mountain bike. Now, he runs a brick-and-mortar store in Malvern, named Dom Fixes Bikes, which generously donated 121 bikes to children and families in Chester County last year.
In addition, 26-year-old Ethan Mazer established Empower Event Group after DJing community events since he was 12. His initiative continues to thrive, influencing community engagement. At just 18, Olufela Osimokun became the youngest board member of the Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center, further exemplifying the success of young adults making a mark in the community.
The event also spotlighted young philanthropist Sophie Fontecchio, who created a nonprofit named Let’s Bake the World a Better Place. Through her bake sales, she has raised over $19,000 for various charitable causes. In the area of education, Morgan Jackson developed a unique curriculum at the Melton Center that focuses on women’s history, honoring celebrated activist Bayard Rustin.
Justin Titchenell has made strides in the tech industry by creating CoachTools, software designed for coaches and players. Meanwhile, sisters Alexis Brady and her sibling launched the charity Bored No More, raising over $15,000 for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Lizzy Shacklett is making waves as well through her nonprofit Literacy Is Lit, which has distributed over 20,000 books while advocating for children’s literacy.
Belmont Charter High School seniors Namir Watson and Quion Harris actively participate in a program to initiate their own business ventures. Supported by the STRIPES Program at Belmont Charter Network, which focuses on social entrepreneurship, Watson aims to acquire a real estate license before his 18th birthday, while Harris plans to delve into automotive technology.
Their mentor, Justin Green, is dedicated to teaching entrepreneurship to inner-city youth, showcasing a commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NOMO Foundation’s Small Business Expo served not only as a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their skills but also as a testament to the potential that lies within the youth of West Philadelphia.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: NOMO Foundation Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- ABC News: Celebrating Young Entrepreneurs
- Google Search: Young Entrepreneurs Philadelphia
- Main Line Today: Under 30 Gen Zers
- Google Scholar: Entrepreneurship Programs for Youth
- Philadelphia Inquirer: Khalia Robinson’s Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneur
- 6abc: Belmont Charter High School Program
- Google News: Entrepreneurship in West Philadelphia
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