A 12-Week Journey of Growth, Grit, and Entrepreneurship
When young people are given the right tools, mentorship, and support, something remarkable happens.
They don’t just build businesses.
They start to believe in themselves as leaders.
That’s the heart of BizWorld’s YES! Program—and this summer’s cohort is already proving what’s possible when students are given the space to dream big and grow even bigger.
“We have a really diverse and passionate group of entrepreneurs this summer including their ideas, companies, backgrounds, and perspectives,” says Ayesha Madni, BizWorld’s new Education Director. “I learn something new from them every week.”
A Real Accelerator, Powered by Real People
The YES! (Young Entrepreneur Success) Program is a 12-week entrepreneurial accelerator designed specifically for students ages 16 to 23 years old.
Every week, students dive into:
- Interactive workshops led by expert guest speakers
- 1:1 coaching sessions with experienced mentors
- A guided curriculum built on BizWorld’s flagship entrepreneurial cycle
- Focused business plan development and pitch refinement
It all culminates in Demo Day, where students present their companies and compete for up to $30,000 in seed funding.
“These students are going through an experience of tremendous growth,” Ayesha explains. “They’re gaining real skills, but also confidence and clarity. We’re watching them transform in real time.”
From the Director’s Desk: Ayesha’s Reflections
We asked Ayesha what makes this group so special, and what she’s seeing behind the scenes.
On what stands out:
“These aren’t just ideas. These are serious founders. We have businesses focused on sustainability, mental health, and even AI-powered healthcare. But what really stands out is their thoughtfulness and drive. They ask such intelligent questions. Their entrepreneurial spirit is real.”
On what YES! teaches:
“It’s not just about starting a business. It’s about persistence. Adaptability. Celebrating progress, not perfection. And learning how to care for yourself while chasing something meaningful.”
On what makes the biggest impact for the young entrepreneurs:
“Mentorship is powerful. Seeing the growth from week to week: motivation, communication, resilience, it’s mind-blowing. But equally important is the sense of community. When students feel believed in, they rise.”
Not Just Learning Business—Becoming Entrepreneurs
What makes YES! different isn’t just what students do. It’s who they become.
They walk away with:
- Real startup knowledge
- A pitch deck and business plan they can keep refining
- Feedback from industry professionals
- A support system of mentors, peers, and the BizWorld team
- A deeper understanding of who they are as leaders and change makers
“The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones with perfect plans,” Ayesha reminds them. “They’re the ones who keep going, keep learning, and take care of themselves along the way.”
What’s Next?
The YES! Summer 2025 cohort is just getting started, but the transformation is already visible. Over the next several weeks, they’ll continue refining their businesses and building toward Demo Day.
Want to follow their journey or support what’s next?
Donate to YES! and help us to continue developing young entrepreneurs and global innovation.
Every donation, share, or word of encouragement helps these young entrepreneurs shine even brighter.