Urban Business Adventures

Back in early 1994, the local economy was struggling, competition for available jobs was intense and the majority of new business development was occurring outside of our community. It was becoming increasingly difficult for young people in the neighborhood to find work and develop their competitive advantage. At that time, Youth Express made the decision to start and operate manage a number of retail enterprises that are both traditional businesses and, behind the scenes, serve as a business lab where young people learn the tools of entrepreneurship.

Current Social Enterprises

Express Bike Shop

A unique partnership between the Youth Express, the Center for Employment and Training (youth wage ubsidy), Liberty State Bank (retail space), and the St. Paul and Minneapolis Police Departments (scrapped bicycles) resulted in the birth of the Express Bike Shop in 1995. Since that time, over 150 young people have completed a small business internship at the shop. For more information, check out www.exbike.com.

Express Yourself Clothing

In September 2008, four high school students joined a taskforce to identify a viable opportunity for a new enterprise. For over a year, the taskforce met weekly to conduct research and develop a business plan. The creation of Express Yourself Clothing (www.expressyourselfclothing.com) - A gently used clothing exchange - is the culmination of their efforts.

Past Social Enterprises

The Job Referral Service

For over twenty years, the Job Referral Service connected young people with seniors in our community to help with chore services. With the help of NSP and the Medtronic Foundation, over 300 low-income seniors received subsidized help around their home and over 500 young people earned their first paycheck.

Expression Skateboard Shop

In a small 150 square foot space behind the Youth Express office on Griggs Street, four St. Paul Central High School students dreamed, planned and ultimately launched Expression Skateboard Shop.

Express Lane Consignments

Express Lane Merchandise was started to test the concept of selling general merchandise from the St. Paul Police Impound Lot at a retail store staffed by young people. This concept has evolved into Express Lane Consignments - an eBay consignment storefront.