PROGRAM HISTORY
Launched in 2020, the Youth Website Design Program provided a viable solution to the challenges businesses faced when Covid 19 health protocols were put into effect. It also created opportunities for students at a time when paid internships and other avenues for employment and training were being eliminated.
Black and immigrant owned small businesses and those without websites and lacking digital tools were more negatively impacted by the pandemic as they weren’t equipped digitally to smoothly pivot into online ordering and digital sales, shipping & deliveries. The Website Design program offered a solution for these businesses to remain open by gaining digital tools for immediate and long term economic sustainability.
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and the Seattle Office of Economic Development partnered to pilot this program and have served [30 businesses and trained 20 youth since 2020]. During the same time, the Kay Tita organization developed a solution to these urgent needs by offering this community of small business owners a key piece of the digital puzzle by developing & implementing the Digital Sales Access Program (DSAP) in partnership with the Seattle Office of Economic Development.
The DSAP summit conference is a day of hands-on training plus ongoing support. DSAP provides all participants with a free Square POS system, social media & marketing workshops, free Quickbooks accounting software subscriptions, accounting workshops & one on one consulting. The DSAP Program has held 3 Summit program events since 2020 and has served over 100 businesses.
The Spring 2023 Youth Web Design Program cohort, Kay Tita’s Digital Sales Access Program will host and present the program with support from The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and in partnership with Seattle OED.
Program Overview
As we embark on the fourth installment of this impactful program, it's essential to underscore its significance and legacy at the Office of Economic Development (OED). In today's digital era, a robust online presence is crucial for small businesses, and a well-crafted website serves as a powerful storytelling tool, fostering a dynamic and competitive digital landscape. This program has been at the forefront of innovation, evolving to meet the changing needs of businesses in the digital realm. Y2B aims to serve 30 Seattle Small Businesses and ten Franklin High School students.
Going Deeper with Past Students
This year, we've made a strategic decision to delve deeper with students who participated in our program last year, enhancing their skills in web design. We believe in the transformative power of continued education and the value it brings to both businesses and students. By empowering businesses with enhanced online capabilities and offering students an opportunity to deepen their expertise, we contribute to building a skilled and competitive workforce for the future.
Diversity in Action
The program's collaboration with a diverse group of Franklin High School students and Seattle small business owners exemplifies our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. By providing a platform for students from various backgrounds to engage in real-world technology applications, we're not just fostering skill development but also breaking barriers in the tech sector. Our partnership with Square and Seattle Public Schools reinforces our commitment to creating meaningful connections and impactful collaborations.
Previous Websites Completed
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Impact Hub Port-Au-Prince takes an authentic approach to developing community, inspiring members through sustainable practices. Emphasizing progressive inclusivity and transparency, Impact Hub aims to preserve and expand Port-Au-Prince’s creative and thriving entrepreneurial culture. We hope to reach maximum effectiveness with the intentional practice of accountability. Guided by love, respect, honor, and trust, we always seek to refine, elevate, and restore the health of our community.
will direct a training and operations program within Impact Hub called GeoHaiti. GeoHaiti trains adults on geospatial information systems (GIS) that serve to improve community disaster resilience. Training topics include community communications, water and sanitation management, environmental preservation, public health measures, community disease surveillance, sustainable infrastructure, and hazard analysis.
Kay Tita will be the greenest commercial building in Haiti since it will be constructed according to The Living Building Challenge (LBC) standards, considered the most rigorous environmental performance standard. People from around the world use this regenerative design framework to create spaces that produce more energy than they utilize.
MUCE EDUCATES is an organization co-founded by Barthelemy Mervil, David Pierre-Louis’ brother, and utilizes arts promote intercultural exchange and to bring an end to cyclical poverty. MUCE is committed to teaching the visual arts to youth in urban areas so that they may compete in the global market. The organization provides educational workshops and opportunities for the emerging labor force with an emphasis on production in arts and culture.
Haiti Coffee Co. is a U.S. based company that imports Haitian Coffee while working towards infrastructure development that directly benefits the farmers from whom they source. The organization provides solutions that address deforestation, environmental sustainability, agriculture training, and infrastructure development.
Seattle‐based startup, Impact Bioenergy, manufactures and sells bioenergy systems that convert organic waste materials into renewable natural gas and fertilizer with zero waste.
Ambient Water (formerly AWG International) is Washington state based company that uses a patented technology that transforms humidity into an abundant source of safe, clean water.
Startup Week brings entrepreneurs, local leaders, and friends together over five days to build momentum for their vision for change.
The DoSchool develops experiential learning programs centered around innovation and facilitates opportunities for entrepreneurs to move from ideation to implementation.
Yes Baby I Like it Raw helps people tap into their raw potential and “process the unprocessed life” by developing health and wellness programming such as yoga meditation, and nutrition.
Days for Girls puts freedom and opportunity back into the hands of women and girls by providing sustainable hygiene solutions.
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