Devin Galligan and Jared Apodaca wanted to reduce the amount of vandalism in their community by giving graffiti artists an outlet without destroying property. They wanted to sell the works on T-shirts, signs and other products and pay the taggers for their art. A 2008 Youth Business Grant from the Los Alamos Small Business Center enabled these two high school sophomores to make their idea a reality.
Apodaca is the founder of Nerds Tagging Crew (NTC). He had been tagging since 8th grade, but never on public property. Last summer he and Galligan, founder of MARK-iT, applied for the grant that would allow their companies to succeed.
Galligan said, "Without the grant we wouldn't be able to get shirts, supplies or to get the word out."
The boys received $800. To be eligible they had to prepare a budget, and describe their business plan and customer base. Most of their customers are high school students who want to advertise their team or event.
Venessa Finn, the Youth Business Grant Coordinator, was impressed that they showed up to their interview wearing white collared shirts and ties, just like the figure in their logo.
Finn also was impressed by their enthusiasm. "They have this idea and feel like it's the greatest thing ever," she said. "They have the confidence to know that they can do it and that people are willing to listen."
In August they handed out business cards and displayed their products at Los Alamos Chamberfest, a networking event for members of Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, and were interviewed on KRSN radio.
Apodaca was thrilled with how supportive people were. "A lot of people said it was a good idea," he said.
Finn said the two most important things a young person can do if he or she want to start a business is to find a mentor who has business experience and to write a plan with goals.
The Web site, bizport.org, has a youth section with information on how to help young people learn about business, how kids can join a summer Young Biz Entrepreneur Camp, and how to enter a Youth Business Plan Competition.
"Every child should be exposed to business," said Juan Casimiro, the president of Insight, a company that organizes workshops and camps to give kids hands-on experience creating businesses using their dreams and passions.
"There are a limited amount of jobs out there,” Casimiro said. “Those with entrepreneur skills can make things happen for themselves."
People who are interested in getting paid to tag with NTC should contact Jared Apodaca at 505-927-9974. To special order items made with graffiti artwork, call Devin Galligan at 505-692-0860.