A Program of Community Wellness Works

Turn Your Idea Into A Real Business

The Real In Business is Buffalo's youth entrepreneurship program for ages 14–19. Build a business idea, learn the real skills behind it, and pitch it on a real stage.

Sign Up Now See The Program

Free to join · No experience needed · Just bring your idea (or we'll help you find one)

Next Session Starts
Coming Soon
Winter 2027

Spots are limited. Sign up today and we'll contact you with the exact start date, schedule and location.

Ages 14–19 Buffalo, NY After School
The Program

How The Real In Business Works

We take young people from "I have an idea…" to standing on a stage pitching it. Here's the journey every student takes.

01

Find Your Idea

Already have a business idea? Great. Don't have one yet? We help you discover one from the things you already love and the problems you see in your neighborhood.

02

Build It For Real

Work with mentors and coaches to shape a real plan — customers, pricing, marketing and money — the same way real founders do it.

03

Pitch On Stage

Graduation is a showcase: you present your business to family, mentors and the community — just like our students have done at showcases and Pitch 10.

Students and mentors of The Real In Business together outside in Buffalo
Who It's For

Made For Buffalo's Next Generation

If you're between 14 and 19 years old, you're old enough to start. No GPA requirements, no experience needed — just show up, be real, and do the work. Family and mentors are with you at every step.

Claim Your Spot

In The News & On Stage

We Don't Just Talk Business. We Make News.

The Real In Business has been featured on local news and took the stage as a finalist for United Way of Buffalo & Erie County's Pitch 10 — 10 nonprofits, $50K in funding.

WGRZ Local News 4 segment: Local students learn entrepreneurship
Highlighted Moments
  • Featured on WGRZ News 4 — "Local Students Learn Entrepreneurship"
  • Pitch 10 finalist with United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
  • Graduation & Youth Business Showcase celebrating our young entrepreneurs and their families
  • Youth Business Showcase at Buffalo's historic downtown venues

Be Part Of The Next Story

Sign Up

Apply For The Next Session

Fill out the application below. It takes about 5 minutes, and a parent or guardian can help you complete it. We'll reach out with next steps.

Student Info

Age must be between 14 and 19.

Collected for program reporting and grant funding only.

Contact & Address
Your Business Idea

By applying you agree to be contacted about The Real In Business program. Questions? Call (716) 308-7557.

You're All Set! 🎉

Thanks for applying to The Real In Business. We received your application and will contact you soon with the next session details. Keep an eye on your phone and email!

Questions? Call (716) 308-7557