MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | B3I Offers Six-Week Saint Paul Program for Justice-Impacted Young People

Lock-Up to Lift-Up combines mentorship, employer connections and practical instruction for participants ages 16–24, with Saturday classes beginning November 14.

SAINT PAUL, MN (October 25, 2026). The Better Black Business Initiative is accepting applications for a six-week Lock-Up to Lift-Up class designed to help young people affected by the justice system strengthen their goals, develop practical skills and connect with support for their next steps.

The fall class will meet Saturdays from November 14 through December 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N. Kent St. in Saint Paul. The program is for ages 16–24 and is presented in partnership with Cummins, according to B3I’s program materials.

Applying is free. Accepted participants pay a $50 fee covering the six-week program. Enrollment requires an application and a short interview, and submitting an application does not guarantee admission.

Who the Program Serves

B3I describes justice-impacted youth as young people affected directly by the justice system or indirectly through the experiences of family members and others close to them. Its program description recognizes that those experiences can affect relationships, access to opportunities and family circumstances.

Founded by LeBrent Speed, B3I focuses on economic opportunity for Black youth and justice-impacted individuals through business education, mentorship and community connections. The organization’s broader work includes youth entrepreneurship programs and support for people navigating reentry.

For this fall class, the application asks prospective participants to consider their current circumstances, what they hope to accomplish and whether they can make the full six-week commitment.

Applicants younger than 18 must have a parent or guardian’s consent signature before enrollment.

Six Saturdays, Six Areas of Instruction

The published curriculum moves from setting personal goals to managing conflict, overcoming obstacles, supporting mental wellness and understanding finances.

B3I also lists one-on-one mentorship, direct employer connections and a support team to help participants connect with organizations and employers. Bus tokens are available for participants who need transportation assistance.

The schedule totals 18 classroom hours. It includes November 28, the Saturday following Thanksgiving, an important consideration for applicants planning family travel or holiday commitments.

Attendance Is a Condition of Participation

The application makes clear that participants are expected to attend every session. B3I describes the class as a connected six-week commitment rather than a series of independent workshops that participants can attend selectively.

Applicants must acknowledge that they can attend all six Saturdays and understand that missing sessions may affect their standing in the class.

That requirement makes advance planning important for students, working participants and families arranging transportation. Prospective applicants should review the entire schedule before accepting a place.

How the Application Process Works

After receiving an application, B3I says a team member will contact the applicant to schedule a short interview. The organization says applicants will receive an acceptance decision within one week of the application and interview.

The application is organized around program commitment, applicant information, justice-system impact, goals and readiness, and a final review before submission.

The $50 program fee is charged only after acceptance. B3I will send accepted participants a payment link. Once paid, the fee is nonrefundable, so applicants are asked to accept a place only if they are prepared to complete the program.

Applicants for whom the timing is unsuitable may be kept informed about other B3I opportunities, according to the application materials.

Where to Find Information and Apply

Prospective participants can visit the official Lock-Up to Lift-Up program page and select “Apply for the Training Program.” The page contains information about both the October summit and the separate November–December class; applicants should select the six-week training option.

B3I publishes info@theb3initiative.org and 612-669-1150 as general organizational contacts. Applicants can use those contacts to ask about enrollment, transportation assistance or accommodation needs before committing to the class.

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