Building Connection for Boise Teens: Youth-Friendly Businesses

Communities for Youth Teen Action Team members during a visit to some downtown Boise businesses

In today’s ever-evolving digital world, the need for in-person connection has never been greater. Data from the 2025 Idaho Youth Well-being Survey in Boise highlighted social connection as one of the most significant factors affecting teen mental health and well-being, underscoring the importance of creating spaces where Boise teens feel welcome and valued by the local community. 

To support this movement, Communities for Youth Boise teamed up with the Downtown Boise Association to lauch the Youth-Friendly Business program. This initiative helps local businesses learn how become more youth-friendly and recognizes them for their efforts.

What is a Youth Friendly Business?

Youth-Friendly businesses (YFBs) implement practices and policies that value young people, whether by design or through their impact. 

For Boise’s YFB program, businesses are asked to incorporate the three following youth-friendly pillars: 

Pillar 1. Treat youth customers and employees with respect and kindness

This can look like:

• Greeting and engaging with young people in a welcoming, respectful way.

• Being open to youth feedback and encouraging young people to share their ideas and perspectives.

• Adopting youth-friendly policies, such as:

  • Allowing respectful “hangout” time without purchase penalties.

  • Designating hours that are welcoming and accessible to youth.

  • Offer discounts or promotions for youth, such as student ID specials.

    
    

Pillar 2. Hire and prepare young people for future careers and success

This can look like:

• Regularly hiring a certain number of teenagers.

• Offering volunteer, internship, or job-shadowing opportunities.

• Being willing to be flexible for school and family situations, recognizing the unique challenges youth may face.

  
  

Pillar 3. Support community events and activities for youth

This can look like: 

• Hosting a youth event to foster connection and belonging.

• Contributing in-kind support to local youth-focused events or activities hosted by community organizations.

• Offering meeting or event space for youth group or club events when possible.

• Schedule special events or share messages around teen milestones (e.g., “We know it’s finals week—you’ve got this!”).

  
  

 By embracing the Youth-Friendly Business pillars, local businesses can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Boise teens. When businesses prioritize youth engagement, they help build a stronger, more vibrant Boise where young people feel seen and supported.

Get Involved

To learn more, join us at our Youth-Friendly Business Kickoff:

When: January 29, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Where: Micron Economics Building, Boise State

The Vibe: Enjoy light refreshments while we share the latest data on the need for community support of young people, discuss simple ways your business can help youth well-being, hear from a panel of local teens on the importance of business involvement, and recognize partners already leading the way.

Cost: Free, with parking provided.

Please RSVP here as soon as possible to help us plan for refreshments.

Questions? Contact Heather Allan, C4Y Boise Community Lead, at HAllan@cdh.idaho.gov.