The Arts District Action Coalition formed after a shooting earlier this month killed a 15-year-old in the district. The initiative aims to build partnerships between local businesses and youth across Clark County, offering internships and jobs as well as guidance on starting and running a business.

Jocelyn Poirier, owner of The Honeypot, said she wants to share lessons from her own difficult past. She plans to teach participants practical skills, including setting up a business license, promoting products online and building relationships with customers.

Eighteen-year-old Kadyn Phillips said he found the program while looking for a place to complete community service. He said he is now considering a business career and resells clothing.

The county’s gang intervention team, which has worked with youth for years, will help connect young people with participating businesses. A team representative, Juan Torres, said the program may be able to pay participants’ wages for as long as six months through community partners.

Seventeen-year-old Dearion Rivera, who said he was previously caught up in street life, now runs a pavement-marking business that also does curb lettering. He said he wants local businesses to provide spaces where young people can express themselves.

The coalition’s launch comes as the downtown First Friday event has been paused following the fatal shooting. Organizers said their work with youth will continue across the county and that they are still accepting applications from businesses interested in joining.