This manual is designed to help teachers, businesses, Chambers of Commerce, and students start their own economic development activities and youth ventures. It describes a two-step plan to economic development through youth: development of an in-school student chamber of commerce program and development of a youth-owned venture. The first part of the manual explains how to start an in-school student chamber of commerce program. Entrepreneurship is the first topic covered. The following pages document success stories of young entrepreneurs. The next section discusses the involvement of business people, educators, chambers of commerce, and students; their roles; and benefits of involvement. The steps for development of an in-school student chamber of commerce program are described: orientation with a local chamber; start of the student chamber; activities for the role model chamber; structuring of the work groups; and reports and records. The second part of the manual offers tips and guidance for starting a youth-owned business. Six steps are discussed: (1) research; (2) decide what kind of business; (3) select business structure; (4) write a business plan; (5) start the business; and (6) market the business. Other contents include a list of ideas for youth-owned business, and a sample Youth Venture Volunteer Contract, and a business start-up checklist. Appended are materials to supplement the activities of the manual (information on pricing, licensing, regulations, and tax reporting) and a list of resource people, organizations, and publications. (YLB)