Wayne Veldsman, Author at Bizworld

Students participating in BizWorld’s entrepreneurship and STEAM program, showcasing projects that inspire creativity, teamwork, and innovation for National Entrepreneurs Day.

education

From STEAM Projects to Startups: How Entrepreneurship Education Creates Young Innovators

National Entrepreneurs Day: Celebrating Curiosity and Creativity Every great entrepreneur starts with a question – a single “What if?” “What if I could solve this problem?” “What if my idea actually worked?” “What if I could make a difference?” That same curiosity lives in today’s classrooms. On National Entrepreneurs Day, November 18th, 2025, we celebrate not only the dreamers and innovators who are building businesses, but also the educators who light that spark of creativity in the next generation. At BizWorld, we believe entrepreneurship doesn’t begin in a boardroom. It begins in a STEAM-powered classroom where students explore, experiment, and discover how their ideas can shape the world. What Does Entrepreneurship Have to Do with STEAM? STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math – teaches students how to think critically, collaborate, and create. But more than that, it teaches them how to turn ideas into impact. When a student codes a prototype, designs a product, or tests a hypothesis, they’re doing what every entrepreneur does: identifying problems, building solutions, and learning from failure. This way of thinking lies at the heart of both the entrepreneurial mindset and the STEAM approach; it’s what defines entrepreneurs, and it’s what STEAM education seeks to develop. In this way, STEAM and entrepreneurship education share the same DNA. Both encourage curiosity, creativity, and courage; the durable life skills every student needs to thrive in the future of work. Why STEAM + Entrepreneurship Is the Perfect Combination Educators know that real learning happens when students can connect lessons to life. That’s why entrepreneurship education is one of the most effective forms of STEAM learning; it’s project-based, student-led, and rooted in real-world problem solving. Through entrepreneurship: This isn’t about teaching business for business’s sake. It’s about helping students gain life skills of confidence, empathy, and persistence, the durable skills that stay with them forever. How BizWorld Brings STEAM to Life in Classrooms Across the globe, educators use BizWorld programs to make STEAM and entrepreneurship come alive for their students. Each program in our 4 stage trajectory of learning builds essential skills in creativity, leadership, and problem-solving, all while making learning fun and engaging. BizWorld+ BizWorld+ transforms the classroom into a real-world startup simulation, giving elementary and middle school students the opportunity to experience what it takes to launch and run a business. Working collaboratively, they form companies, take on leadership roles, and guide their teams through the process of designing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling a product. Along the way, they learn to budget, design, and pitch their ideas, integrating STEAM concepts through collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. ID8 ID8 is a STEAM-focused program that brings technology and innovation to life through a challenge-based simulation. Students work in teams to develop app-based solutions to real-world problems, creating wireframes and mock-ups that showcase their ideas. As they explore user experience, coding concepts, and design thinking, they connect creativity with technology—just like real startup teams do. Impact Challenge Impact Challenge empowers students to become social entrepreneurs, creating real businesses that make a difference. Working in teams, they design and produce products, sell them for a profit, and donate their earnings to a charitable cause of their choice. Along the way, students develop creative ideas for products and solutions while applying financial literacy, ethics, and empathy, integrating STEAM concepts as they discover how entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change. Each BizWorld program is created to be easy for teachers to implement, flexible for different grade levels, and built to support STEAM standards and social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes. From the Classroom to the Real World: The YES! Accelerator – The Final Stage in the BizWorld Trajectory For students ready to take their ideas beyond the classroom, BizWorld’s YES! (Young Entrepreneur Success) Business Accelerator Program is the final step. This 12-week online accelerator for youth ages 16–22 connects aspiring founders with experienced mentors and business professionals. Young entrepreneurs learn how to refine their business models, develop marketing strategies, and pitch to real investors, all free of charge to them. The results speak for themselves: What’s the thread between these success stories and the many others that have come from the YES! Program? Each success story began with curiosity, and grew through the mentorship and mindset BizWorld provides. Educators: The True Investors in Innovation Behind every confident young entrepreneur is an educator who made space for curiosity. When teachers introduce entrepreneurship through programs like BizWorld+, id8, and Impact Challenge, they’re not just teaching business, they’re guiding students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and solve problems creatively. “This is what school should be like all the time!” — Meg Anderson, 4th Grade Teacher “Students who were shy came out of their shells and discovered their strengths.” — Brian Rinderknecht, 5th Grade Teacher“The transformation of students in the BizWorld Program is real. Even quiet students found their voices through the BizWorld programs.” — Carolyn Tatem, Elementary School Teacher BizWorld’s trajectory of programs gives educators the tools to turn creativity into confidence, helping students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world challenges and lifelong success and access to pursue their dreams. Most importantly, they showcase how building an entrepreneurial mindset equips students with skills that will carry them into successful futures, regardless of the careers they ultimately pursue. What Does Celebrating National Entrepreneurs Day Really Mean? It’s about celebrating the partnership between educators, mentors, and young innovators who turn imagination into impact. When STEAM and entrepreneurship meet, students don’t just learn skills – they discover possibility. And thanks to the YES! program, they have the mentorship and resources to bring those possibilities to life. This National Entrepreneurs Day, let’s continue building classrooms where creativity feels possible, innovation feels accessible, and every “what if?” finds its “how.” For Educators It’s up to you to empower your students to think boldly, act creatively, and collaborate fearlessly. Bring entrepreneurship education to life with BizWorld’s classroom programs. 👉 Explore the BizWorld Programs For Young Innovators Do you have an idea that won’t leave your mind? The Young Entrepreneur

November 10, 2025 No Comments

YES! Alumni Success Stories blog cover showing young entrepreneurs and their journey of building impactful businesses through the BizWorld YES! Program.

Case Studies

YES! Alumni Success Stories: How Young Entrepreneurs Are Building Businesses That Matter

What does it really take to start a business as a young person? For many, the thought feels impossible – too little experience, too few resources, and no access to funding. But for graduates of BizWorld’s Young Entrepreneur Success (YES!) Program, those same obstacles become the foundation of their journey. YES! provides mentorship, training, and seed funding, equipping young people with the tools they need to turn ideas into entrepreneurial ventures that make a difference. What follows are the stories of alumni who prove that with the right support, youth entrepreneurship doesn’t just work – it thrives. Joe Knopp – Ripple (Summer 2022 YES! Cohort) When most young people wonder how to start a business, Joe Knopp went ahead and did it. During the Summer 2022 YES! cohort, he launched Ripple, a unique water bottle company with a powerful mission: every purchase funds clean water projects in Africa. What began as a student startup is now a growing social venture expanding its reach and impact worldwide (see Ripple communities). By Demo Day, Joe had not only secured $8,000 in funding to scale his venture, but also positioned his startup for a successful exit shortly after the program. The mentorship gave him the structure to refine his business model and prepare for profitability. “I used that funding to reduce my costs and sharpen the business model” – Joe Knopp Joe’s story proves that youth entrepreneurship can do more than generate revenue – it can create lasting social change. Jonathan Graham & Ben Ward – StudyStash (2024 UK–UAE Cohort) For Jonathan Graham and Ben Ward, the challenge wasn’t just how to start a business as students – it was how to build one that could scale across continents. Together, Ben and Jonathan launched StudyStash, an edtech startup using neuroscience and adaptive AI to help students learn faster. YES! came at a pivotal moment for StudyStash. The program pushed them to look beyond product development and embrace the realities of running a business: finance, strategy, and pitching. With weekly accountability and mentorship, including guidance from a former Alphabet executive, they gained the clarity and confidence to scale. Since winning funding at Demo Day 2024, they’ve launched pilots with universities in Texas, the UK, and Amsterdam, and closed upwards of $500,000 toward their first investment round thanks to introductions and opportunities presented by BizWorld. “YES! gave us structure beyond product building. It pushed us to think bigger than the UK and sharpen our pitch for global opportunities.” – Jonathan Graham Jonathan and Ben’s journey is proof that with the right entrepreneurial training and support, student founders can compete on a global stage. Vienna Sparks & Skye Lam – MabLab (Winter 2024 YES! Cohort) Some founders chase profit. Others chase purpose. For Vienna and Skye, it was the latter. During the Winter 2024 cohort, they created MabLab, a venture aimed at fighting the dangers of adulterated and laced drugs – a public health crisis claiming countless lives. At Demo Day, they secured first-place, $15,000 in BizWorld seed funding and the attention of industry leaders who believed in their mission. “YES! gave us the resources and mentorship to take our idea seriously and prove it could save lives.” – Vienna Sparks Their journey highlights how programs that provide funding for young entrepreneurs don’t just spark startups, they help launch solutions that matter to entire communities (and potentially the entire world). Dylan Kong, David Choe & Nishant Saravanan – SanoSyn (Summer 2025 YES! Cohort) For Dylan, David, and Nishant, entrepreneurship meant solving a challenge no textbook had ever prepared them for: the lack of access to safe anesthesia in underserved regions. Through YES!, they co-founded SanoSyn, a portable anesthesia system designed for communities without advanced medical infrastructure. With expert mentorship, they transformed their early prototype into a viable solution and secured a spot as Pitch Day Finalists, moving on to Demo Day to pitch for up to $30,000 in funding. “The relationships we built with our mentors and peers really helped us to refine our pitch which is what specifically accelerated our idea.” – Dylan Kong SanoSyn’s story shows the power of a youth entrepreneurship accelerator, paired with mentorship, and a community of like-minded individuals. The Bigger Picture: YES! Alumni Impact Across these stories: Joe’s profitable exit, Jonathan and Ben’s global expansion, Vienna and Skye’s mission-driven startup, and Dylan’s healthcare breakthrough, a clear picture emerges: At the core of each success is a young person who once asked themselves, “Can I really start a business at my age?” Today, they’re living proof that the answer is, “YES! I can.” These stories aren’t just about business – they’re about confidence, resilience, and community. They highlight what happens when young people are given mentorship and access to pursue their dreams. Most importantly, they showcase how building an entrepreneurial mindset equips YES! alumni with skills that will carry them into successful futures, regardless of the careers they ultimately pursue. Ready to Launch Your Idea? If you’re between 16–22 and have a business idea – whether it’s just forming, already launched, or ready to scale, the YES! Program is for you. 👉 Apply to the YES! Program Winter Cohort Thanks to the generosity of BizWorld’s donors, YES! is free for all participants. That means every young entrepreneur, regardless of their background, can access world-class mentorship, the potential for seed funding, and a life-changing community. Don’t wait – apply today and take the first step toward turning your idea into a venture that makes a difference. A Call for Support Did you find the stories in this blog article inspiring? Well, they would not be possible without the support from our amazing community (people like you). From offering time and expertise to providing seed funding, your contribution shapes stories like Joe’s, Jonathan’s, Vienna’s, and Dylan’s. Please help us and support youth entrepreneurship – whether it be through mentorship, a donation, or being an advocate for our mission, your help will directly fuel the next YES! success story. “As a first-generation, lower-income

October 2, 2025 No Comments

National Make a Difference Day Blog Cover at BizWorld.org

Educational Blog

Inspiring Youth to Lead with Purpose on National Make a Difference Day

Every year on the fourth Saturday in October, communities across the United States unite for National Make a Difference Day, a nationwide celebration of service and kindness. From neighborhood clean-ups to local food drives, people of all ages step forward to create meaningful change. It’s a reminder that when we work together, small actions can add up to big impact. While this day shines a spotlight on community service, it also highlights an important truth: making a difference isn’t limited to one day. It’s a mindset that can be nurtured in people young and old, giving them the tools and confidence to positively impact the world around them. Can Youth Entrepreneurship also be Community Service? One powerful and perhaps surprising way that students are making a difference is through entrepreneurship. When young people build businesses with a purpose, they aren’t just learning financial literacy and leadership, they’re practicing service, innovation, and problem-solving that directly benefits their communities. For example, BizWorld’s Impact Challenge encourages students to design businesses that generate both revenue and social good. These classroom ventures are built to donate profits to charitable causes, address local challenges, or raise awareness about issues that matter most to the students. It’s entrepreneurship, but with a heart for service. When we teach the leaders of tomorrow the importance of making a difference, they grow into adults that are focused more on impact, rather than simply profit. Student Stories: Youth Start-Ups Making a Difference Some powerful examples of service, innovation and making a difference, come straight from BizWorld’s YES! youth entrepreneurs. Take MabLab, a 2023 YES! start-up, co-founded by Skye Lam and Vienna Sparks. Their company is developing a 5-in-1 rapid drug test to detect lethal contaminants in recreational drugs, a solution designed to address a pressing public health challenge. “What sets MabLab apart is not just their innovative technology, but their commitment to addressing a critical yet often overlooked public health crisis. The founders are passionate about decreasing the danger surrounding drugs, particularly in marginalized communities that are frequently overlooked by startups and investors.” – BizWorld Staff Member Another exciting young entrepreneur change-maker is Titilope Olotu, a third-year biology student at UCLA and a Nigerian immigrant who founded PADI and its nonprofit arm, PADI for You, a company with a mission woven into its core. Her business began by addressing the lack of access to safe menstrual products back home in Nigeria, ensuring that girls and women had the sanitary care they deserve. “Healthcare is becoming more inaccessible. We wanted to provide a resource, especially for young girls, so they can understand what’s going on with their bodies, early.” – Titi MabLab and PADI are just two examples of how young entrepreneurs transform ideas into meaningful impact. Their stories remind us that with mentorship, resources, and encouragement, youth find creative ways to serve their communities. How Volunteering Multiplies Into Big Impact At its core, National Make A Difference Day is a celebration of volunteering. From helping at a food pantry to cleaning up a local park, volunteers remind us that positive change begins with everyday people choosing to give their time, energy, and care. These contributions may feel small in the moment, but together they build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. One of the most powerful and perhaps unexpected ways to volunteer is through mentorship. Mentoring a young person doesn’t just make a difference in their life today; it gives them tools, confidence, and perspective they’ll carry into every future decision. And when that young person happens to be an entrepreneur, the ripple effect is even greater. A single piece of guidance can shape a business that impacts hundreds, even thousands, of people. “We owe it to help young minds to be steered in the right direction. So many have belief in an opportunity but may not have the resources or access, and that’s where mentors can change everything,” said Jay Allardyce, BizWorld Mentor and Board Member. “Mentorship gives them confidence, resources, and a network. Things every young person needs to keep going.” That’s what makes mentorship such a meaningful form of volunteering: it blends the personal with the global. You’re helping a young leader grow, while at the same time investing in the ideas and innovations that can uplift entire communities. Carrying the Spirit of Making a Difference, Beyond the Day National Make a Difference Day is one day on the calendar, but its message is timeless: every act of service has the power to spark change. Whether it’s a volunteer lending a hand, a mentor guiding a young entrepreneur, or a student turning an idea into a business that serves their community, these actions ripple far beyond the moment. What matters most is the spirit behind them, the belief that we each have something to contribute, and that when we do, our efforts add up to something greater than ourselves. So as we celebrate this day, let’s also carry its energy forward. Let’s keep asking, “Where can I lend my time, my knowledge, or my resources?” Because making a difference doesn’t have to be something big or extraordinary; we just have to start. Sign up to Mentor a young entrepreneur in the YES! Program and start a ripple effect that will last a lifetime. Learn more about Volunteering with BizWorld.

October 2, 2025 No Comments

BizWorld Jamaica pilot students presenting business ideas during entrepreneurship education workshop

Case Studies

Entrepreneurship Education in Action: How BizWorld’s International Pilot Turned Students into Entrepreneurs

“Entrepreneurs will change the world. All they need is someone to open the door.”– Chris Cochran, Executive Director, Entrepreneurs Across Borders Ruby walked into the room with her arms crossed. “I don’t want to be here,” she told the BizWorld team on the first morning of the BizWorld Jamaica pilot program. By lunchtime, everything had changed for Ruby – she was standing in front of her group, directing tasks with confidence. By the second day, she was pitching a business idea with a seriousness that surprised everyone; most of all, herself. A few weeks later, another participant from the same program launched a small barber service and is now earning enough money from his new business to pay his own school fees and even hire help. These aren’t just nice anecdotes. They are glimpses of what happens when young people step into entrepreneurship education and discover that their ideas matter. “That barber shop idea reminded all of us that it’s not about creating the next unicorn startup. It’s about a young person realizing, ‘I can do this. I can start something of my own.’” – Chris Cochran Behind these life-changing stories is Entrepreneurs Across Borders (EAB), led by their Executive Director, Chris Cochran. Their mission is simple but bold: beat poverty through entrepreneurship. When EAB partnered with the BizWorld US team, the alignment was clear. Provide hands-on entrepreneurship education to build teamwork, financial literacy, and leadership to underserved communities. EAB brings the networks and partnerships that connect students to mentors, resources, and real-world opportunities around the world. Together, they piloted BizWorld’s flagship program internationally in Jamaica, and the ripple effects began immediately. What does a BizWorld International pilot program look like in action? Think of it as a hackathon: intense, hands-on collaboration packed into just a couple of days of immersive, project-based learning! In this unique immersive environment, students team up, design products, budget resources, and pitch ideas, all while educators guide and encourage these budding young entrepreneurs. It’s fast, fluid, exciting and deeply revealing. In just two days, a reluctant teenager like Ruby (the nervous, apprehensive girl from before) can transform into a leader. In the same timeframe, a student can walk away inspired enough to launch a real business, like the barber who proudly shared that his mom no longer needs to cover his school fees on his behalf. But wait, these two stories aren’t just one-off accidents. Over the past 25+ years, BizWorld has equipped more than 890,000 young people worldwide with entrepreneurial life skills, reaching nearly 22,000 students in the past year alone. Those numbers aren’t simply statistics for a report. They’re proof that a short spark can grow into an ecosystem of entrepreneurs, mentors, and opportunities. Why is Now the Time for Entrepreneurship Education? Entrepreneurship education is one of the fastest ways to create opportunity worldwide. It changes how students see themselves. It gives them the tools to build businesses, support families, and transform communities. Do you want to be a part of helping to spark the inner superpowers of youth world-wide? Whether you become a partner, mentor, or BizWorld educator, you’re not just helping students learn, you’re opening doors for the next generation of leaders. Every contribution helps scale these life-changing programs to reach even more young entrepreneurs worldwide. [Donate to Empower Young Entrepreneurs] [Learn about becoming a BizWorld International Partner] [Sign Up to Mentor Young Entrepreneurs] [Bring Entrepreneurship Education to Your School]

September 9, 2025 No Comments

This Female Founder Story Will Change How You Think About Success | Olivia Batraski | BABCO

August 28, 2025 No Comments

education

Educators, Kickstart Your Student’s Year with 50% off BizWorld’s Entrepreneurship & STEAM Programs.

“BizWorld+ is not a teacher-led program, it’s student-led. We just guide the process, and they take off.” – Sherri Wright, BizWorld Educator As a new school year begins, so do the questions: This fall, BizWorld is making it easier than ever to start the year strong — with 50% off all programs for a limited time. (Use code “Back2School” at checkout to get 50% off any BizWorld Program.) The demand for SEL and STEAM programs in schools, project-based learning, and entrepreneurship education is growing rapidly. Educators are seeking tools that combine academic standards with life skills. BizWorld’s programs give educators a way to teach real-world life skills, including business, financial literacy, and collaboration while inspiring students to think creatively and solve real-world problems. Whether you’re teaching 3rd graders or mentoring high schoolers, BizWorld gives you a real-world-ready curriculum that’s easy to implement and powerful in impact. Why Do Educators Choose BizWorld? Educators choose BizWorld because its programs are designed for real classrooms: they’re flexible to implement, teacher-supported, and rooted in 21st-century skills. The magic of BizWorld isn’t in a binder. It’s in the way students step up, speak out, and surprise you. BizWorld helps you teach: Each program, from BizWorld+ to id8 to Impact Challenge and YES!, is part of a larger trajectory that grows with your students. “The transformation of students in the BizWorld Program is real. Even quiet students found their voices through the BizWorld programs.”– Carolyn Tatem, 2024 Educator of the Year According to We Are Teachers, the average educator impacts more than 3,000 students in their lifetime. That means the tools you choose, the experiences you offer, have a ripple effect that lasts for decades. As more schools adopt SEL and STEAM programs for elementary students, and explore entrepreneurship curriculum in the classroom, BizWorld stands out as a proven solution that aligns with both student needs and teaching goals. You’re not just teaching content. You’re unlocking futures. “BizWorld helped me step back and watch students take control — that’s where the real magic is.”– Wendy Tibbs, Educator For a deeper look at how educators like Sherri Wright, Caroline Tatem and Wendy Tibbs bring BizWorld to life, read their story here → Why Are All BizWorld Programs 50% Off Right Now? Because this year’s Back2School campaign is more than a sale. It’s a moment to give students the kind of start they deserve — where learning feels exciting, empowering, and real. Use code Back2School at checkout and receive 50% off any program.Shop all programs now. Get Started Explore BizWorld’s trajectory of programs, and let this year be the one your students truly remember. From hands-on entrepreneurship projects to STEM-aligned lessons that build real-world skills, BizWorld’s programs give educators a meaningful way to introduce project-based learning into their classrooms with purpose and flexibility. The most impactful classrooms don’t just deliver information, they create innovation. 🔗 Get 50% off all programs with code “Back2School” at checkout →

August 8, 2025 No Comments

Learn Smarter, Stress Less: The Vision Behind StudyStash

July 30, 2025 No Comments

Empowering Women in Tech: Trina Celeste Limpert’s Inspiring Journey and Mission | BizWorld

July 23, 2025 No Comments

From Ideas to Bold Entrepreneurs: Inside the YES! Summer 2025 Cohort

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: 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: “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. 👉 Learn more about the YES! Program now →

July 20, 2025 No Comments

Blog Cover Image - What Do Kids Really Need to Succeed Why Life Skills Matter More Than Ever

Educational Blog

What Do Students Really Need to Succeed? Why Life Skills Matter More Than Ever on World Youth Skills Day

Every year on July 15, the world celebrates World Youth Skills Day—a global initiative that shines a spotlight on a simple but urgent truth: Young people need more than academic knowledge. They need real-world skills to thrive in life and work. But today, far too many students are graduating without the tools they need to succeed in college, careers, or their communities. At BizWorld, we’re changing that. We equip students to not only thrive in future jobs, but to create them. By equipping students to build entrepreneurial mindsets and practical skills early in their lives, we’re helping them to become changemakers who drive economic impact in their communities. From Skills Training to Ownership Thinking Across the U.S., more schools are embracing Career Technical Education (CTE)—hands-on learning that prepares students for real careers. Whether it’s culinary arts, cosmetology, coding, or business management, students in CTE programs are gaining the technical skills to succeed in a range of industries. But often, the focus stops at employment. BizWorld fills the next gap: we help students connect their technical skills to entrepreneurship, showing them how to lead, innovate, and eventually own the businesses they’re training to work in. “Instead of just becoming a cosmetologist, BizWorld students learn how to open their own salon.Instead of just training to be a chef, they learn how to run the restaurant.” – Melissa Doppler, BizWorld Development & Community Director Why the CTE Career Clusters Framework Still Matters The National Career Clusters® Framework organizes nearly all career fields into 14 major pathways—like Finance, Marketing, Digital Technology, Health Sciences, and Hospitality. These clusters are the backbone of most CTE programs. And BizWorld fits perfectly within this structure. We teach core Career-Ready Practices like: But we supercharge those with entrepreneurial application—letting students practice real roles like CEO, CFO, and VP of Marketing. What We Hear from Educators in the Field At the Educating for Careers Conference in Sacramento earlier this year, our Development & Community Director Melissa Doppler spoke with dozens of CTE teachers from across the country. What did she hear? Many of them are already trying to build their own entrepreneurship curriculum—because they know it’s what their students need. One culinary teacher shared that while her students were learning how to cook and serve food, they weren’t learning how to open and operate a food business. She told Melissa, “This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I teach them how to cook—but they want to know how to turn it into something of their own.” That’s what BizWorld delivers. Why It All Ties Back to World Youth Skills Day World Youth Skills Day is about preparing young people to succeed in a rapidly changing world. That means: At BizWorld, we’re proud to be part of that solution. And we’re just getting started. “This program is student-centered… There are no right or wrong answers. There are no failures, but they can self-assess and learn from each other.” — Sabrina Lou, 4th Grade Teacher, Brookline, MA Ready to Help Students Take Control of Their Future? This fall, bring career-ready and ownership-ready programming to your classroom or after-school program: 👉 Explore our programs →

July 7, 2025 No Comments

Author: Wayne Veldsman

From STEAM Projects to Startups: How Entrepreneurship Education Creates Young Innovators

YES! Alumni Success Stories: How Young Entrepreneurs Are Building Businesses That Matter

Inspiring Youth to Lead with Purpose on National Make a Difference Day

Entrepreneurship Education in Action: How BizWorld’s International Pilot Turned Students into Entrepreneurs

This Female Founder Story Will Change How You Think About Success | Olivia Batraski | BABCO

Educators, Kickstart Your Student’s Year with 50% off BizWorld’s Entrepreneurship & STEAM Programs.

Learn Smarter, Stress Less: The Vision Behind StudyStash

Empowering Women in Tech: Trina Celeste Limpert’s Inspiring Journey and Mission | BizWorld

From Ideas to Bold Entrepreneurs: Inside the YES! Summer 2025 Cohort

What Do Students Really Need to Succeed? Why Life Skills Matter More Than Ever on World Youth Skills Day

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