BECOME A YOUTHTRADE ENTREPRENEUR TODAY

Certify your company with YouthTrade and join a growing number of successful entrepreneurs! You'll be one step further in getting your products on the shelves of YouthTrade Exclusive partners, including premium retailers like Whole Foods Market and Nordstrom. Click here to fill out the application now.

the idea & story

THE IDEA & STORY | IMPACT | THE TEAM | PARTNERS

YouthTrade is a social movement that aims to open access to markets for mission-driven youth entrepreneurs. Inspired by Conscious Capitalism, we're built on a simple yet big idea—aligning conscious companies with conscious entrepreneurs.

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We create a unique architecture, certifying youth businesses, and enrolling conscious companies to open shelf space for these goods--lastly, we're on a mission urging consumers to shop with a conscious mind--building awareness through social media, through corporate buying programs (YouthTrade Champions), and through setting up YouthTrade Clubs to educate the next generation.

impact

THE IDEA & STORY | WHO HAVE WE HELPED | THE TEAM | PARTNERS

We've helped over 30 entrepreneurs build their dreams. How? Simple: we certify them, help them build a brand, and help them get their product on the shelves of our retail partners--Whole Foods Market and Nordstrom.

who are we?

THE IDEA & STORY | WHO HAVE WE HELPED | THE TEAM | PARTNERS

YouthTrade Leadership

YouthTrade is powered by a dynamic group of accomplished global activists, recognized leaders, and young entrepreneurs—all committed to improving the world by reducing poverty by increasing youth entrepreneurship. Each team member boasts rich experiences in public services and philanthropic causes.

Poonam Ahluwalia This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Linked-in

Poonam Ahluwalia
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A recognized global activist for youth employment and entrepreneurship, Poonam has worked tirelessly for the past twelve years to successfully bring youth employment to the global agenda. Under her leadership as President and Founder of YES, the parent organization of YouthTrade, YES has mobilized stakeholders in over 120 countries around the world toward finding innovative ways to promote youth entrepreneurship and employment.

Alek Sudan
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direct: 530.727.8326

Alek Sudan

CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER

As CCO, Alek is responsible for YouthTrade's creative vision, managing branding, imaging, and marketing initiatives. Since YouthTrade's founding, Alek has worked to build YouthTrade's social movement of entrepreneurial change by merging technology with design--staying true to its vision of supporting youth entrepreneurs. He also oversees all YES technology projects and implementations throughout the world, with active projects in over 55 countries.

Alek's received a bachelor's degree, cum laude, from Harvard University, majoring in Liberal Arts and minoring in Educational Technologies. His past and current work is diverse: Alek is a technology integrator and entrepreneur at heart. Alek was responsible for shaping early access to education and technology integration at Christa McAuliffe Regional, an innovative charter school, where we founded its technology program in 2006. Alek currently still serves as the school's Chief Information Officer. He also was a Research Associate at MIT's Office of Educational Innovation and Technology.

partners

Retail Partners

YouthTrade has partnered with premium retailers including Whole Foods Market and Nordstrom to carry YouthTrade Certified products, helping create market access for young entrepreneurs.

Whole Foods Market

Academic & Outreach Partners

In August 2012, YouthTrade—the leading youth entrepreneurial certification—partnered with a leading entrepreneurial school, Babson College, to pilot the first ever YouthTrade Innovation Studio. YouthTrade is now easily accessible to all Babson students and alumni.