A local Brooklyn teenager has become a full-fledged entrepreneur, according to the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).Steven Gordon, age 18, was named a winner recently of NFTE’s New York Metro Business Plan Competition.

The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is a global non-profit that helps students convert street skills into business skills, providing free business education to at-risk youth.

While it’s difficult for recent college grads to find work in this economy, it’s four times as difficult for high school dropouts, according to a NFTE spokesperson. Recent reports show that 54 percent of dropouts, ages 16 to 24, were jobless, compared to 13 percent for those with a college degree.

Gordon was named a winner based on his development of a fully-functioning and budding business called TattooID that offers a solution to parents’ biggest fears. With his personal inspiration of growing up with a younger brother who would constantly wander off in crowded places, he developed a business model and prototype for non-toxic customizable temporary tattoos that help identify children in public places. Parents can customize them with fun designs that incorporate contact information and personalized initials to ensure the child’s safe return.

Gordon says he is available to offer tips to peers looking to start a summer business or earn extra allowance. He can be reached through http://thetattooid.com/.

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