BUFFALO, N.Y. — Several community groups hosted a business development program for the next generation of up-and-comers in Buffalo Saturday.

Called the Youth Entrepreneur Marketplace (YEM), the program was designed to teach business development to kids ages five to 18.

The Community Action Organization of Western New York held the event with groups including PUSH Buffalo and the MLK Business District Association.

Attendees got to learn from entrepreneurs in their age range who had started their own businesses, and older business professionals from the community.

Members say the program helps teach families and children how to destroy the cycle of poverty by encouraging them to be self-sufficient.

"There has always been a lack of economic power in the Black community and other people of color," GSNC program manager Da'Von McCune said. "And we want to plant the seed early in youth to let them know that there are no boundaries and that they can be their own boss and that we can make connections."

The first YEM program was held in 2018 and has grown since then.

CAO will also be hosting youth business development workshops later this month and early August.