This collection of social businesses for youth spans giving consideration to young people as both a means and an end. For instance, GeboMana sends a child to school for every t-shirt that's sold. And the Global Block Foundation focuses on personal sustainability for marginalized black youth. Investing in youth through charity or empowering services is the name of the game for the social entrepreneurs featured here.
It's an overused saying that "youth are the leaders of tomorrow," because, sometimes, youth are the leaders of today. From socially aware street wear to safe neon clothing and cuddly comfort donations, this SocialBusiness.org top list of social businesses for youth will give you something to think about whether you're a young person, have kids or simply care about what's going on in the world around you.
32 Social Businesses for Youth
From Hip-Hop Social Enterprises to Education-Giving T-Shirts:
Tiana Reid — Feb 12, 2012 — Social Good
32
Empowerment Jewelry
SWAK X Educates and Employs Young Adults with HIV/AIDS
31
Reforestation Fashion
Rain Tees Have Illustrations from Kids in Endangered Rainforests
30
Hip-Hop Social Enterprises
The Global Block Foundation Promotes Personal Sustainability
29
Socially Aware Streetwear
Ed's Threds Supports the Nettlefold Foundation to Prevent Youth Suicide
28
One for One Blankets
The Company Store Gives Comforters to Homeless Children
27
Empowering Crochet
Fair Trade 'Pebble' Baby Line Employs Women in Bangladesh
26
Youthful Entrepreneur Projects
'Social Enterprise Africa' Trains Ethical Changemakers
25
Buy Shoes, Give Back
When You Purchase 'TWINS for Peace' You Give a Pair to a Child in Need
24
Education Springboards
Juma Ventures Helps Youth in California Enter College
23
Embedded Generosity Frocks
Whitten Grey Gives Away One Dress for Every Dress Bought
22
1 for 1 Snacks
Each KUTOA Health Bar Also Buys a Nutrient Pack for a Child in Need
21
Baby Subscription Services
Good Karma Clothing for Kids Encourages Collaborative Consumption
20
Hand-Washing for Haiti
When You Buy 'SoapBox Soaps' They Give Bars to Children in Need
19
1 for 1 Toothbrushes
When You Buy From Smile Squared, They Give to a Child in Need
18
One-for-One Prenatal Vitamins
Build Nutrition Tackles Malnutrition in the Majority World
17
Fair-Trade Pet Playthings
Dog Head Chew Toy is Made of Wool by Crafters in Nepal
16
Mission-Driven Kids' Foods
Nest Collective Makes Healthy Options More Accessible
15
Enterprising Confidence Workshops
UK-Based Street Style Surgery Runs Creative Programs for Youth
14
At-Risk Teen Tees
Tees at Risk Sells Original Works from Troubled Teenagers
13
Youth-Oriented Finances
MyBnk Teaches Money Management and Entrepreneurial Skills
12
One-for-One Multivitamins
Life Equals is Partnered with Vitamin Angels to Fight Undernutrition
11
Street Youth Enterprises
SYJA Helps Vancouver's Young Homeless People Find Jobs
10
Cuddly Comfort Donations
Happy Blankie is a One-for-One Business Giving Children Something Soft
9
Benevolent Babe Threads
For Every Onesie Bought 'Baby Teresa' Gives One to a Child in Need
8
Mind-Altering Social Enterprises
Positive Intentions Works for the People by Working with Them
7
Empowering Childcare Networks
Cool2Care Matches Personal Assistants with Disabled Children
6
Education-Giving T-Shirts
GeboMana Sends a Child to School for 2 Months for Every Shirt Sold
5
Multivitamins for Purpose
A Bottle of Vitamma Gives 2 Years of Nutrition to 3 Kids
4
For-Profit Social Ventures
The TOMS Shoes Movement Creates Customer-Philanthropists
3
Safe Neon Clothing
BrightKidz is a Social Enterprise That Sells High Visibility Designs
2
Stigma-Stopping Initiatives
The SOS Gangs Project Guides Ex-Offenders Through Resettlement
1
Change-Making Communities
Ashoka's Youth Venture Empowers Young People to Promote Positivity
Related Ideas
Sustainable Play Clothes
Peace House Studio Designs Are Made to Be Recycled
Social e-Commerce Platforms
Hoppn Creates "A New Type of Centralized Online Shopping Experience"
Problem-Solving Youth Skincare
Epic Skincare Shares Purposeful Products for Gen Alpha & Gen Z
Cozy Sustainable Fashion
Good For Sunday Offers Curated Cozies that are Perfect for Fall
Uplifting Gen Z Fashion
Boohoo & Pantone Created a Collection for Mental Health Awareness Month
Youth Beauty Boutiques
Hamleys Boutique: Be You is an Inspiring Space for Kids Ages Four to 14
Eco-Friendly Bath Essentials
Bebo Seeks to Reimagine the Packaging of Kid's Bath Products
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Purposeful Empowering Apparel
Living Life on Purpose: Connecting with Customers through Clothing
Collaborative Lifestyle Streetwear
GAP and Madhappy Join Forces to Create Mad-GAP-py
Playful Entrepreneurial Metaverses
e.l.f. UP! on Roblox Helps Gen Z & Gen Alpha Build Skills
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Sustainable Clothing Collections
New 'Regenration Nation' Collection is Inspired by Unity
Inclusive Social Support Programmes
MCR Social is Supporting Underrepresented Neurodiverse Youth
Graphic Collaborative Streetwear
Born x Raised Joins Online Ceramics on the Born Online Capsule
Collaborative Streetwear Retailers
Better Gift Shop in Toronto is a Bustling Hub for Hip Fashion
Youth Apparel Retail Integrations
The Children's Place is Available on Shein's Online Storefront
Gen Z Crafting Events
Red Heart Hosted an Exclusive "Crafternoon" in NYC
Streetwear Experimental Kids Capsules
The Ksubi 'Kids' Collection Arrives Ahead of the Holidays
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Incentivized Recycling Hoodies
The SIXR ‘For Tomorrow’ Hoodie Rewards Consumers for Recycling
Gen Alpha Fitness Influencers
ASICS' Little Reminders Inspires Adults to Make Movement Joyful
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Kids' Money Management Books
'The Adventures of Ca$hman & Supersaver' Promotes Financial Awareness
Sustainable Artist Endeavors
CASETiFY Launches a New Artistic Upcycling Project Called Re/CASETiFY
Vegan Sportswear Pop-Ups
Hylo Athletics' Pop-Up at Harrods Includes a Recycling Component
Sustainability-Oriented Kids Toys
Learning Resources Unveils a New Sustainable Toy Capsule
Esports CSR Initiatives
The Global Esports Federation Launched a Global Social Impact Initiative
Active-Minded Refreshing Streetwear
YoungLA Drops the First Instalment of its October Collection
Experiential Social Clubs
Marshalls' Good Stuff Social Club Empowers & Connects Women
Gen Alpha Creativity Workshops
The LEGO Group Launched Free Creativity Workshops for Ages 6-12
Charitable Limited-Edition Leggings
Splits59 & The Goods Mart Create the "Do Good" Leggings
Reimagined Sustainable Menswear
22Ahead Has Relaunched Its Eco-Friendly Menswear With New Benefits
Charitable Loungewear Sets
Boys Lie Sought to Empower the LGBTQ+ Community During Pride Month
Ultra-Stylish Tween Clothing Collections
Hayden Girls Offers a Diverse Range of Tween Clothing
Bronx Childhood-Inspired Sneakers
Jae Tips and Saucony Present the To Do List Collection
Affordable Gen Z Apparel
Foundry by Cover Story Clothing Enters the Fashion Scene Through AJIO
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Teen Skincare Hubs
Indu 101 Educates, Empowers and Inspires Young Beauty Consumers
Wasteful Shopping Billboards
Not On The High Street's Billboards Highlight a "Don't Gift Guide"
Sparkly Cannabis Products
Beboe by Scott Campbell Debuts at RISE Dispensaries in New York
Peer-Connected Support Platforms
'Togetherall' Offers a Safe Online Community for Mutual Support
Expansive Graphic-Detailed Streetwear
Drama Call Presents its New Collection for the Season
Rapper-Starred Streetwear Campaigns
Loyle Carner Stars in New Always Do What You Should Do Series
Eco-Minded Workout Wear
H&M Unveils a Sustainable Activewear Line to Combat Fast Fashion
Kid Entrepreneur Carts
Allboss is a Creative Approach to Entrepreneurship for Children
Business Founder Newsletters
The Solo Founder Newsletter Compiles the Top News and Inspiration
Abstract Artful Spring Streetwear
Hyo Isak Presents its New Range of Apparel for the SS23 Season
Waste Tarp-Made Public Seating
The Membran Collective Joins the Urban Networks Project
Youth-Focused Social Campaigns
Claire’s Introduces a New Gen Z-Alpha Platform Called 'The Collab'
Tech-Powered Business Solutions
Apple Business Connect Leverages the Brand's User Base
Gamified Custom Kidswear
Supermix Studio Empowers Kids to Create Their Own Apparel & Accessories
Community-Honoring Graphic T-Shirts
AELIZA Joins New Currency on a Collaborative Tee
Social Good Hats
The Home Depot Canada Foundation is Releasing a New Social Good Hat
Socially Supportive Retailer Promotions
Wawa 'Buy a Kids Meal, Make an Impact' is Supportive
Educational Affordable Housing Initiatives
Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington is Uniting Youth
Collaborative Dynamic Streetwear
Soho Yacht Club Joins Forces with Limo Boyz on Soho Limo Club
Engaging Youth-Focused Platforms
V&A Introduces the Mused Website for Gen Z Digital Natives
Visionary Youth Platforms
The Collab by Claire's Celebrates and Activates Gen Zalpha Creators
Creative Music Community Initiatives
Awake NY and Marshall Join on the Live from Awake NY Project
Entrepreneur-Focused Online Marketplaces
Agora Exchange Caters to the Need of Creatives and More
Savings-Focused Youth Accounts
Absa Bank Tanzania Unveils a New Youth Savings Account
Gen Z Streetwear Brands
'HOS Wear' Prioritizes Individuality and Self-Expression with its Clothing
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Planet-Friendly Organic Clothing
Toby Tiger Offers Ethical and Affordable Kids Clothing for All
Sleek Kid-Oriented Apparel
Authentic Brands Group Partners with Kidz Concepts for Aéropostale Kids
Anniversary-Honoring Graphic T-Shirts
Places+Faces Launch Collaboration Tees for 10 Years
Social Justice Desert Campaigns
Ben & Jerry's 'Make Some Motherchunkin' Change' Campaign Debuted
Social Good Kids Jackets
RUDSAK Supports Breakfast Club of Canada with Kids' Collection Profits
Mezcal-Inspired Charitable Merch Collections
Dos Hombres Mezcal Highlights Its Winter Line
Women-Supporting Clothing Brands
'Sozy' Aims to Support Women and Victims of Violence
Basketball Social Networks
Basktball is the Sports Social Network for Fans and Players Alike
Small Business Investment Initiatives
'aeXea Capital' is Investing in Baby Boomer-Founded Brands
Sustainable Kids Apparel
Kidly Debuts a New Eco Denim Collection for Toddlers and School-Age Kids
Mental Well-Being Foundations
The AE Foundation Launched on World Mental Health Day
Youth-Catered Transportation Apps
Uber Introduces Teen Accounts in the Latest Update
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative To Save the Forests
Back-To-School Sporty Campaigns
JD's Start Fresh Campaign Celebrates Today's Youth Culture
Farmer-Supporting Merch Ranges
This sweetgreen Merch Benefits the National Young Farmers Coalition
Community-Driven Clothing Companies
'Bombas' Makes a Donation for Each Item Purchased
Children's Wearable Blankets
Super Blanky Encourages Adventure and Positivity
College-Targeted Awareness Campaigns
PepsiCo Launched its 'Taste of Tomorrow' STEM Initiative
Experiential Gift Registries
Nabu is a Gift Registry Platform to Give Kids Memorable Experiences
Youth Art Campaigns
Sun Bum Taps Into the Gen Alpha Market with an Innovative Art Contest
Peer-to-Peer Conversation Campaigns
JOYBA's Real Tea, Real Talk Supports Mental Health in Youth
Youth Education Partnerships
FP Markets and Cricket Brasil Debuted a Youth Development Initiative
Summer-Inspired Co-Branded Collections
Soho Yacht Club Joins Forces with the Emerging Limo Boyz
Youth Intern Social Stunts
Louis Vuitton Hires a 13 Year Old Intern After Sketches Went Viral
Anniversary-Celebrating Nonprofit Partnerships
LILYSILK Engages in Philanthropic Partnerships
Sustainable Kids Cartoon Capsules
Primark & Disney Unveil a Collection Inspired by The Lion King
Charitable Toy Stores
Dayra is the World's First Free Online Toy Store
Youth Culture Telecom Campaigns
Deutsche Telekom's Summer Campaign Connects with Gen Z
Hyper-Local Gifting Communities
On the Buy Nothing Project App, Everything is Given Freely
Festive Eco-Friendly Apparel
EarthyTweens Offers Up a New Clothing Capsule for the Holidays
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Equity-Focused Cannabis Companies
Vic Mensa Launches a New Cannabis Brand Called 93 Boyz
Social E-Commerce Platforms
TikTok is Launching a New E-Commerce Platform for Consumers
Financial Literacy Platforms
Secret U Supports Gen Z Women with Free Tools for Financial Success
Music Culture-Honoring Graphic Tees
Patta's Dance T-Shirt Celebrates the UK's Music Culture
Social Good Pajama Donations
Petit Lem and WCK Team up to Support Families Affected by Cancer
Meaningful Jewelry Gifts
Bluboho X Fashionista Introduce a Timeless Gift for Your Future Self
Influencer Marketing Agencies
NYMA Embraces Influencer Marketing as a Part of its Core Offerings
Activism-Focused Apparel Capsules
Aéropostale and Global Citizen Launch a New Apparel Collection
Billboard-Transformed Tent Shelters
Wunderman Thompson Morocco Creates the Life-Saving Outdoors
Luxurious Spring-Ready Streetwear
AMBUSH Presents a Look at its New Collection for SS24
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Virtual Self-Expression Summits
göt2b's Virtual Metaverse Experience Uplifts Millennials & Gen Z
Niche Community Builders
Socially is the Community Builder Platform for Niche Creators Everywhere
Tree-Planting T-Shirt Lines
Pinko and Treedom Debut Another Green Capsule with Watercolor Printing
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Slogan-Detailed Graphic Tee Capsules
Soho Yacht Club Suggests to Do Something Nice Today
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Inclusivity-Centric Back-To-School Campaigns
Sistema Launched a Back-To-School Survey
Emerging London Designer Exhibitions
POOR Collective Showcases the Powershift Exhibition in London
Child-Focused Handwashing Ads
Lifebuoy Continues Global Handwashing Campaign, H for Handwashing
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Circular Luxury Clubs
'More' Supports More Conscious Shopping and More Accessible Luxury
Reflective Peer Support Platforms
HOPE Connects Struggling People to Their Future Selves
Whimsical Ethically Made Apparel
iClothing Unveils its Bold and Eco-Friendly Sugarhill Collection
Children-Supporting Trust Initiatives
The Children who Trust Again Campaign Supports Abuse Victims
Branded Small Business Contests
Staples Canada Honors Small Businesses with Boost My Biz Contest
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Youth-Focused Mentorship Programs
Career Accelerator Empowers Queer Youth in Career Advancement
Gen Z-Backed Eco Initiatives
The EPA Debuts a Youth Advisory Council to Address Climate Challenges
Design-Led Lifestyle Brands
The John Lewis Partnership Unveils a New Lifestyle Brand and Tote Bag
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Youth-Oriented Arts Camps
QNB is Set to Unveil an Eco-Friendly Arts Camp for Kids 4-14
Social Media Lead Generation
IgLeadGen Helps People Find and Target Leads for Business
Entertaining Business News Magazines
Business For You Magazine Brings Exciting Narratives
Business Slogan Generators
The Slogan Generator Will Create a Catchy Slogan for Any Business
Charitable Esports Projects
Epic Foundation Launches the Esports for Good Initiative
Diverse Leadership Inanities
Civic Nation Launched a New Initiative Dubbed the Change Collective
Youth-Focused Non-Profit Programs
In Tandem's Youth Voice Fellowship Offers Paid Opportunities
Educational CSR Initatives
Shimanto Bank Contributes to Bangladesh's Education Assistance Trust
Philanthropic Investment Banks
Builders Vision Helps Build a More Humane and Healthy Planet
Back-To-School Barbershop Initiatives
City Gear is Launching Its Sixth Annual Cutz 4 Kids Event