Generations Market Booth

Community gardens in the West Willow neighborhood have brought greater access to fresh, local food in the neighborhood. Residents have benefitted from access to healthier food choices.

A few youth have been inspired not just to try gardening, but also to start a business in their own neighborhood. Coming in Summer 2024, a small group of youth and older adults, will have a chance to potentially put into action a youth-ran business.

Youth and older adults participating in this program will discover the world of entrepreneurship. Older adults will continue to teach youth what they know about planting, growing and maintaining a garden. While youth learn want it takes to turn the outcome of their hard work into a successful enterprise.

Both groups practice the skills needed to function successfully as an entrepreneur and explore types of businesses, products and pricing, marketing, partnership, agreements, and contracts. Older adults and youth create a business plan and start their own business.

The West Willow "Earn & Learn Program" incentivizes work and savings to help youth gain financial stability, increase their economic capability, and plant the seeds for building a community’s wealth and the next generation of leaders.