The Laney Entrepreneur Club has teamed up with Youth Business USA in reaching out to young adults who would like to start their own business. The first of four events was held last week on Thursday the 11th from 6 p.m. — 8 p.m. in room D200. Unsure what the turnout would be it was great to see the room packed with people. 
Bo Ghirardelli, co- founder and CEO of Youth Business USA talked about how the non- profit organization works. 
YBUSA was launched in North Africa in 2011 where Bo lived for two years. After successfully creating a business accelerator and working with 15,000 entrepreneurs Bo moved back to Oakland where he was born and raised to start working with young aspiring business owners.
The organization is non profit and offers free services to anyone starting their own business whether it is an idea or already in the works. They offer one on one coaching and mentorship as well as providing young entrepreneurs with up to $10,000 interest-free loans, as well as aid them in launching their business. 
According to YBUSA.ORG there are 13,400 low-income adults, ages 18–29 in Oakland alone who want to start their own business but lack the resources and the training. Their goal is serve those who need the most help. 
The “How to build your business” plan was presented in sixteen steps. From start to finish Bo discussed how the program can guide you through the process of starting a successful business. He asked the audience what motivated them, why they wanted to start their own business; an array of answers filled the room; “ ‘I want my business to support my lively hood,’ ‘I want to be able to do something without living paycheck to paycheck,’ ‘I am going to join the military and want to be able to sublet my business while I am away.” 
At the end of the event people were asked to come to the front of the room and talk about their business; from baking to social work to discounted travel more than half the room presented their business ideas to the audience. 
Three more events will take place over the next few months, all of them will be held in room D200. Anyone interested in learning more about Youth Business USA is encouraged to visit YBUSA.ORG and apply online. 
In addition to applying online anyone is welcome to attend meetings held by the Laney Entrepreneur Club, by creating more media the club is hoping to build the club up throughout the Peralta district. Jonel Anderson, president of the club says that they will be having empowerment sessions to provide entrepreneur training and development.