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The Door, a youth agency that includes among its services, classes in dance, music, painting, theatre, ceramics and other art forms, developed a partnership with Gap Inc. that permitted it to expand its efforts to assist young people. Gap, Inc. was interested in programs that help young people identify business options, develop a business plan and create or operate a business. A $130,000 grant from Gap Inc. to The Door led to the establishment of the Young Entrepreneurs' Program (YEP), a new initiative that integrated business "know-how," career development, college preparation, and hands-on training. Under this partnership Gap Inc. not only committed financial resources, but also gave The Door access to unlimited technical assistance, sponsoring The Door’s attendance at special training seminars around the country, making its creative, administrative and management staff available for workshops at The Door and inviting students to tour its design facility.

With Gap’s assistance, The Door is expanding its member-run Sweet Stop Café, while launching two business ventures that complement its instructional arts program. Specifically, The Door has focused on the development of businesses in (1) sound engineering recording and studio management, adjuncts to music study in theory, harmony, composition, voice, instrumentation and (2) arts and design, including illustration, photography, graphic design, adjuncts to The Door’s visual arts program. In addition to studio classes, the "young entrepreneurs" attend classes in finance, business planning and management, and technology.

Gap’s presence at The Door has opened a window of opportunity for students interested in acquiring the skills and vocabulary needed to participate in today’s economy. Its participation in The Door’s programs has brought a level of credibility that has attracted support from foundations, individual donors, and government officials.