FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jimmy Rao, Senior Manager of Strategic Programs, MassHire Metro North Workforce Board, 508-888-9666, jrao@masshiremetronorth.org
New Biz Opens Doors to Non-Traditional Career Paths and Mentorship for Youth
For many young adults, the traditional college-to-career path does not feel like the right choice. Across the country, young people are seeking new ways to build stability, express their creativity, and take control of their futures. Nearly 40% are open to starting their own business rather than pursue a conventional career path.*
This New Biz program stands apart by connecting aspiring youth entrepreneurs with local small business owners who were once in their shoes. These mentors provide real-world insight, build confidence, and help participants envision new possibilities for their future. Mentorship is the heart of the program and a defining feature of the model.
“We are thrilled to be launching the second cohort of the youth-focused New Biz program,” said Chris Albrizio-Lee, President and CEO, MassHire Metro North Workforce Board. “This innovative initiative provides invaluable exposure and skill-building related to entrepreneurship and small business ownership, a key driver of our local economy. We thank all of our local partners without whom this program would not be possible, and look forward to another successful round of training in the spring!”
Backed by strong community partnerships, the New Biz Entrepreneurship program is preparing to launch its second youth cohort in February 2026. Through the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board’s Work to Thrive Initiative, in partnership with The Immigrant Learning Center (ILC), Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE), and Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), the 14-week program based in Malden Center will equip out-of-school youth ages 16 to 24 from the Metro North region with the tools and guidance needed to turn their ideas into real businesses.
This youth-focused entrepreneurship program is funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth grant. Participants will engage in entrepreneurial training through the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) “Start It Up” curriculum, learn business fundamentals, prepare for the Certiport Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) exam, develop a business plan, and pitch their ideas to an audience.
Mentors: The New Biz program is actively seeking local small business owners to guide youth participants in this cohort. Learn more and apply to be a mentor: Masshiremetronorth.org/RFQnewbiz
Youth Participants: If you are an aspiring entrepreneur age 16-24, ready to turn your idea into a real business, register for the program here: Tfaforms.com/5200428
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About the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board
The MassHire Metro North Workforce Board (MNWB), incorporated in 1995 as the Metro North Regional Employment Board (REB), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the Workforce Development Board (WDB) for the Metro North region of Massachusetts. As one of sixteen local Workforce Development Boards established in Massachusetts by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, MNWB was formed to set local workforce policy, determine how state and federal funds are best used for workforce development, align the needs of employers to the needs of area residents, leverage partnerships to meet the region’s workforce needs, and oversee the MassHire Metro North Career Centers (MNCC) where both job search and employer services are provided. Additional information is available at www.masshiremetronorth.org.
About the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth grant
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 established a comprehensive program to support youth ages 14-24, particularly those facing barriers to education, training, and employment. WIOA Youth programs focus primarily on out-of-school youth and provide a range of services, including career exploration, training, mentorship, and work experience opportunities. Additional information is available at www.dol.gov/agencies/eta.
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