Wayne Veldsman, Author at Bizworld

YES! Mentor David Fingerote on the Power of Purposeful Mentorship blog cover

Educational Blog

Why Feedback, Failure, and Follow-Through Build Real Leaders | BizWorld Mentor, David Fingerote

“These young entrepreneurs are doing real things. They’re fast, focused, and fearless. And that kind of energy—it’s contagious.” – David Fingerote, YES! Mentor, Educator, Coach A Mentor With a Global Mindset When David Fingerote began teaching overseas nearly two decades ago, he didn’t imagine he’d one day be mentoring teen entrepreneurs from across the globe. A lifelong educator with roots in Southern California, David has built his career working with learners of all ages—from university students in Tokyo to startup founders in the edtech space. But when he joined BizWorld’s YES! Program, something clicked. “I had been consulting with education tech companies, but many of them were tech-heavy and education-light,” David explains. “BizWorld stood out immediately—it was focused on real learning, not just flashy tools.” What started as curiosity turned into commitment. Now a mentor to multiple YES! cohorts—including Japan-based teams—David brings a unique blend of perspective, patience, and purpose to every student he meets. Why Mentorship Matters For David, mentorship isn’t about giving instructions—it’s about offering insight. “You’re not there to tell them what to do,” he says. “You’re there to reflect, to provide perspective, and to help them process the decisions they’re already making.” That philosophy has made him a favorite among YES! entrepreneurs. One student—already running a successful clothing brand—emailed David months after their last session, sharing how meaningful their time together had been. Inspired by the message, David later looped that same student into a future cohort to provide marketing advice to another participant. “That was a full-circle moment. It reminded me just how deep the ripple effect of this program can go.” A Lesson From the Court (and the Classroom) David is also a certified tennis coach and ski instructor—and he sees clear parallels between athletics and entrepreneurship. “Both require communication, confidence, and the ability to take imperfect action,” he says. “You can’t build the perfect product in your head. You have to test, fail, adjust. That’s where the learning happens.” It’s this mindset—of learning through doing—that makes BizWorld so effective. And for mentors like David, it’s just as much a growth opportunity for them as it is for the youth. “You’ll develop skills you didn’t expect. You’ll listen to yourself offering advice and realize it applies to your own life too. That reflection—it’s powerful.” Why This Work Deserves Support When asked what he’d say to a potential donor, David doesn’t hesitate: “I’ve lived and taught in places where the idea of youth entrepreneurship is nonexistent. In those places, kids are trained only to work for someone else. Programs like YES! are necessary—not just to empower students, but to build a better future for all of us.” He adds: “If young people aren’t given the space to create new ideas, then only old, worn-out ones keep circulating. And that’s a dangerous place for society to be.” The Final Word: Just Show Up At the end of the day, what matters most to David is simple. “They show up. The YES! program young entrepreneurs wake up early or stay up late just to meet with me across time zones. They work hard. They follow through. Their commitment alone makes my involvement worth every minute.” Whether it’s mentoring through a pitch deck, troubleshooting a business model, or just listening—David is there. And thanks to mentors like him, the next generation of entrepreneurs isn’t just dreaming. They’re doing. Want to Support the Next Generation of Leaders? While mentors like David generously volunteer their time, your support powers everything else—from curriculum and coordination to tech platforms and global access. Help us continue to provide these life-changing opportunities for youth around the world. 🔗 Learn how you can get involved or give at https://bizworld.org/supporter/

June 9, 2025 No Comments

The Relentless Passion of a Lifelong Teacher: Carolyn Tatems Journey from Childhood Dream to 2024 Educator of the Year.jpg

Educational Blog

The Relentless Passion of a Lifelong Teacher: Carolyn Tatem’s Journey from Childhood Dream to 2024 Educator of the Year

It Started With a Chalkboard and a Dream Long before she ever set foot in a classroom, Carolyn Tatem was already teaching. “As a little girl, I would line up my dolls on the bed, grab my ruler, and pretend to teach them a lesson,” Carolyn remembers. For her, teaching wasn’t just a career aspiration—it was a calling. But the road to the classroom wasn’t straightforward. A Winding Road Back to Her Purpose Despite her passion, Carolyn’s path took a detour. Encouraged by her mother to seek a more “lucrative” career, she earned her degrees in information systems and landed a job in the business world. Yet, everywhere she went, the urge to teach resurfaced—whether it was training adults on new technology or running youth Bible classes at her church. “I just couldn’t let go of it,” she says. Family First, But Education Always When Carolyn became a mom, teaching took on new meaning. She homeschooled her children for several years, tailoring her approach to each of their personalities. Later, when it was time for them to head to college, Carolyn returned to teaching full-time. “My incentive was simple: I wanted my kids to graduate without student loans. If I went back to work, and alongside my husband’s amazing support, we could pay their tuition in cash.” Discovering BizWorld: The Missing Piece Carolyn’s return to the classroom led her to something extraordinary—BizWorld. “When I was introduced to BizWorld, it just clicked. It wasn’t just another curriculum. It checked every box: entrepreneurship, real-world skills, and it matched our state’s requirements.” From that moment, her classroom transformed into a bustling hub of activity, where every student took on a company role and learned by doing. A Classroom That Feels Like a Company In “Tatem Corporation,” (the name Carolyn has given to her classroom) students aren’t just learning—they’re experiencing what it means to work together, make decisions, and face challenges. “Everyone has a job. There’s a place for every student, no matter their personality or skillset,” Carolyn explains. For her diverse, international classroom, BizWorld’s hands-on, adaptable approach has been a game-changer. Even the initially skeptical students, including the boys who thought making bracelets wasn’t for them, ended up loving the experience. Real-World Lessons With Lifelong Impact What stands out most are the transformations. Shy students blossom into leaders. Teams learn the value of compromise, creative thinking, and financial responsibility. “I run my class like an office. My students learn how to be professional, how to work as a team, and how to dream bigger for themselves,” Carolyn says. Some students have returned with siblings, and after 30+ years, she’s now teaching children of her former students—a testament to her lasting influence. Recognition That Resonates Being named BizWorld’s 2024 Educator of the Year was a total surprise for Carolyn. “I thought maybe I’d get a certificate in the mail. I had no idea it would mean so much,” she says. The recognition wasn’t just for her, but for every educator who quietly makes a difference every day. “There are so many teachers who work so hard without ever being seen. This award was an honor—and a reminder that our work matters.” Advice to Educators and Supporters Carolyn’s message is clear: “If you’re considering BizWorld, just do it. Don’t be intimidated by something new—this program fits right into your requirements and gives students skills for life.” She encourages fellow teachers to look for the spark in every student and supporters to keep investing in programs that empower educators. “You’re not just changing classrooms—you’re changing generations.” Join Us in Shaping the Future Carolyn Tatem’s journey is proof that passion, perseverance, and the right tools can change lives. If you’re inspired by her story, now’s your chance to get involved. Join Carolyn as a BizWorld Educator, become a BizWorld mentor, or donate to help bring entrepreneurship education to more classrooms. When you lift up educators like Carolyn, you ignite a legacy that lasts for generations.

June 9, 2025 No Comments

YES to $500K _ The Story of BizWorld YES alumni StudyStash

Case Studies

A Week in the Life of a YES! Founder: How Jonathan Graham and StudyStash Are Bridging the Learning Gap

When most college students are prepping for exams or squeezing in a part-time job, Jonathan Graham is launching a business that’s already changing the way universities help students succeed. As a recent Demo Day funded company in BizWorld’s YES! Program, StudyStash (and it’s founders Jonathan Graham and Ben Ward) are proof of what’s possible when young innovators have access to the right support, mentorship, and a community that believes in their big ideas. Meet StudyStash: Turning Neuroscience Into Real Student Success “It was our own experience—being completely overwhelmed by hundreds of pages of slides and readings—that made us realize: something has to change,” Jonathan shares. StudyStash was born out of the frustration that so many university students feel: too much information, too little guidance. With a product that uses neuroscience to help students learn faster and more confidently, StudyStash bridges the gap between teaching and learning—empowering students, professors, and entire institutions. And it’s working. StudyStash’s platform helps students zero in on their most challenging concepts, gives professors actionable insights, and helps universities save millions by reducing dropout rates. Behind the Scenes: A Week in the Life of a YES! Participant Being a young founder isn’t all pitch decks and high-fives—it’s late nights, endless to-do lists, and juggling an academic life most adults would find exhausting. Here’s what a typical week looked like for Jonathan during the YES! cohort: What Makes YES! Different: Community, Mentorship, Real Results Jonathan is quick to credit the YES! Program for helping him and his co-founder transform a promising product into a scalable business. “Every week, BizWorld brought in people from industry who were the real deal—founders, investors, people scaling companies to hundreds of millions. The advice was actionable. Our mentor Yasmina, who had been at Alphabet, gave us feedback that directly shaped our investment pitch and business plan.” The impact isn’t just felt in advice. YES! alumni outcomes speak volumes: This is the power of community: “Founding a startup can be lonely, but in YES! we found other young entrepreneurs facing the same challenges. We learned as much from our peers as we did from the mentors.” From YES! to a Half-Million Dollar Investment StudyStash’s leap from a promising student startup to a globally ambitious, venture-backed company was no accident. “The YES! program didn’t just teach us business basics—it pushed us to think globally and equipped us with the tools, skills and networking opportunities to impress investors,” Jonathan explains. With the polish and confidence developed during YES!, StudyStash was able to raise $500,000 in their first investment round—a milestone Jonathan directly attributes to the experience and network built through the program. Why YES! Matters—For Today’s Students and Tomorrow’s Innovators In Jonathan’s words, “There’s just not enough encouragement for entrepreneurship in the school system—at least in Europe. YES! made us think bigger. We moved beyond just the UK and now have pilots in Texas, Amsterdam, and across the UK. Our $5,000 YES! funding is helping us set up a US base, cover legal and visa costs, and keep growing.” But the benefits go deeper than business growth: A Message to Future YES! Founders If you’re a young entrepreneur—or you know one—Jonathan’s advice is simple: “Just go ahead and apply for YES!. There’s no wrong stage to be at. Whether you just have an idea, or you’re already raising funding, YES! will help you get to the next level. And the network, especially in Silicon Valley, is something you just can’t find anywhere else.” Why We Need Supporters and Mentors—Now More Than Ever Jonathan’s story wouldn’t be possible without people who give their time, expertise, or financial support. “Programs like YES! are what make entrepreneurship possible for young people. Sometimes all it takes is 20 minutes with a mentor to unlock a breakthrough.” Here’s how you can help: What’s Next? As the new YES! Summer Cohort launches on June 19th—with applications closed and participants being selected—now is the perfect time to step up as a mentor or donor. Your support doesn’t just fund a business; it builds a legacy of innovation, confidence, and positive change. When you say “YES!” to supporting young entrepreneurs, you’re unleashing potential that will ripple out for years to come. Thank you for being part of the BizWorld community. Interested in bringing StudyStash to your university? Visit studystash.com.

June 9, 2025 No Comments

COMING SOON BizWorldPlus _ A New Era of Empowerment for Students and Teachers Blog Post Cover Photo

Educational Blog

COMING SOON: BizWorld+ — A New Era of Empowerment for Students and Teachers

What happens when you combine 25+ years of impact, a passionate team of educators, and a bold vision for the future? You get BizWorld+ — the powerful new evolution of BizWorld’s flagship program, designed to bring even more value, flexibility, and inspiration to classrooms around the world. Formerly known as BizWorldPRO, this reimagined version isn’t just a refresh — it’s a revolution. In a recent interview with Wendy Tibbs, a longtime BizWorld teacher turned Education Community & Outreach Coordinator, we got a behind-the-scenes look at how BizWorld+ is being built, why it’s happening now, and the game-changing impact it will have on both educators and their students. Why the Shift to the new BizWorld program? It’s more Than Just a Name Change! Over the years, BizWorldPRO became a beloved staple in classrooms worldwide thanks to its turnkey, engaging approach to entrepreneurship education. Teachers loved it because it worked — it brought out student initiative, built real-world teamwork, and sparked joy in learning. Now the new evolution, BizWorld+ brings critical insights directly from our educators, into the experience, giving them the support, context, and flexibility they need to teach confidently — whether they’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro. What Makes BizWorld+ So Powerful? 1. Customizable by Age and AbilityAs we progressively roll out the new content for each level (Initial modules will be available this July, with additional levels and tools released throughout the school year.) BizWorld+ will begin to include multiple tiers of difficulty and entry points—not just by grade, but by readiness. Whether you’re guiding third graders or high school entrepreneurs, teachers will be able to select the precise tools, lessons, and activities their students need. For example, early modules might start with color‑coded paper ledgers (perfect for less advanced students), with later modules coming soon that will teach spreadsheet formulas and more advanced exercises for older or more gifted programming. 2. Expanded Teacher SupportTeachers asked, and BizWorld listened! The new program will progressively include: 3. Built to EvolveWith BizWorld+, educators aren’t just end-users — they’re collaborators. The entire program is housed online, and teachers are invited to offer real-time feedback to continuously improve and adapt the curriculum. “We’ll have direct links right in the manual asking teachers, ‘Tell us what worked. Tell us what didn’t,’” Wendy said. This feedback loop makes BizWorld+ a living curriculum — designed with teachers, not just for them. The Heart of It All: Transforming Students While the upgrades for teachers are substantial, the biggest winners are still the students. As Wendy reflected, “BizWorld is not just about economics. It’s about life skills. When my students did BizWorld, they grew more confident, more collaborative, more goal-oriented. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just another unit — it was the unit that changed how they saw themselves.” From understanding money and decision-making to discovering the value of teamwork and leadership, BizWorld+ teaches students to think like entrepreneurs — and act like leaders. What’s Next? BizWorld+ is set to soft launch in July 2025, just in time for educators to explore the platform before school resumes in the fall. And the excitement doesn’t stop there — future updates include: Want to Be the First to Know? Learn more now on the BizWorld+ web page, stay updated on the launch, access sneak peeks, and be part of the growing community of educators transforming classrooms through entrepreneurship education. 🚀 Unleash your students’ inner superpowers. Experience the new BizWorld+.

May 12, 2025 No Comments

Not All Heroes Wear Capes—Some Carry Lesson Plans _ a tribute to our educators _ teacher appreciation week blog post cover photo

Educational Blog

When the Classroom Becomes a Company: The Unexpected Magic of Teaching BizWorld

Ask any great teacher, and they’ll tell you: the best moments in education are rarely about the tests or textbooks. They’re the moments when students surprise you—when a quiet child finds their voice, when a group of kids suddenly starts acting like a team, or when a lesson turns into something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. That’s what happens when the classroom becomes a company.That’s the unexpected magic of teaching BizWorld. It Starts With a Bracelet. It Becomes a Breakthrough. Across the country, teachers are using BizWorld to bring entrepreneurship to life; this Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 we’re so excited to feature a few of our change making educators! However, would you believe that they’re not just teaching but what they’re really doing is unlocking something much deeper: confidence, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Whether it’s a group of fourth graders pitching a new product in Alabama, middle schoolers in Virginia learning how to write resumes and manage a business, or students in California turning string into snowballs and leadership into legacy—BizWorld doesn’t just check the boxes of business education. It changes how students see themselves. As Wendy Tibbs put it: “The kid who couldn’t make a bracelet to save his life? He made the funniest commercial in class. Everyone cracked up. That was his moment to shine.” The Students Take the Lead. The Teachers See the Magic. Teachers using BizWorld consistently say the same thing: they expected to teach business.They didn’t expect their students to become businesspeople. They watch students organize teams, create job roles, run interviews, make decisions, navigate disagreements, and manage money—often for the first time in their lives. They see natural leaders rise, quiet creatives take initiative, and hesitant learners gain confidence. “At first, I thought it looked like a lot of work,” said Carolyn Tatem. “But once I saw how quickly the students took ownership, I just got out of the way.” Wendy Tibbs describes it as “executive functioning in disguise”—a way for students to learn how to plan, adapt, communicate, and take responsibility for outcomes. These aren’t just business skills. They’re life skills. And when students discover them early, everything changes. A Student’s Success Is a Teacher’s Legacy Many BizWorld teachers stay in touch with their students for years. They’ve watched young learners become confident high schoolers, return as mentors, and even launch real businesses—some inspired directly by their class projects. One standout moment came from Sherri Wright, whose students created a business called String Things that won a BizWorld demo competition and used the prize to launch an after-school Biz Club. “It was all their idea,” Sherri shared. “I was just the supporter and advocate. They wanted to teach it. They loved it so much, they wanted to pass it on.” Another long-time student of Wendy’s started in her fourth-grade BizWorld class and now owns her own salon. “It all started with that first simulation,” Wendy said. “She’s running a real business now.” That’s the power of a teacher: planting seeds in a child’s mind that grow into something far beyond the classroom. During Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re reminded that some lessons don’t end when the bell rings—and some legacies begin with a lesson plan. A Curriculum That’s Built to Support Teachers—Not Add to Their Plate BizWorld wasn’t created to be “one more thing” on a teacher’s to-do list. It was built to align with state standards, encourage cross-curricular learning, and adapt to students of all backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles. Carolyn Tatem, who teaches in a multilingual, international school, praised the flexibility of the program and how well it integrates with Virginia’s 22 Workplace Readiness Skills. “This isn’t just entrepreneurship—it’s everything from teamwork to banking vocabulary to interview prep,” she explained. “They’re learning skills they’ll use no matter what path they take.” And with BizWorld Plus launching soon, educators like Wendy are shaping the next chapter—combining years of teacher insights into a flexible, modern version of the program that grows with every classroom. Because when we listen to teachers, we make education better for everyone. To the Teachers Who Make the Magic Happen: Thank You This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re not just celebrating educators—we’re celebrating the moments they make possible. The unexpected breakthroughs. The new beliefs students form about themselves. The ideas that spark confidence and curiosity. To every teacher who’s ever handed a student a BizWorld workbook—or stood back while a kid stepped into the CEO role for the first time—we see you.You are leaders. Mentors. Legacy builders. Not all heroes wear capes.Some carry lesson plans.And some hand a kid a bracelet kit… and watch a business (and a student) come to life.

May 12, 2025 No Comments

How Aram Boyd Turns Pitches into Power Moves _ BizWorld YES Mentor Spotlight Blog Post Cover

Educational Blog

How Aram Boyd Turns Pitches into Power Moves | YES! Mentor Spotlight

What if your biggest leadership lesson came from knocking on strangers’ doors… to sell attic insulation? That’s how Aram Boyd got his start—21 years old, sweating in the California heat, learning how to talk to anyone and persuade them to say yes. That first job didn’t just pay the bills. It lit a fire. Today, Aram Boyd is a top executive coach, leadership trainer, and sought-after speaker who’s helped teams at Google, Cisco, Autodesk, and NVida sharpen their communication and connect with confidence. But one of his favorite stages? Coaching young entrepreneurs in the YES! Program on how to deliver their first-ever pitch. 💥 “Before they invest in your idea… they have to invest in you.” – Aram Boyd From Street Sales to Boardrooms Aram didn’t grow up dreaming of being a sales expert. He wanted to be a jazz musician. But life had other plans—and some surprising detours. A mentor introduced him to behavioral science and personality profiling. That changed everything. Suddenly, sales wasn’t about scripts. It was about people—how they think, how they listen, how they decide. He started closing deals. Then leading teams. Then training others to do the same. His career has taken him from knock-and-talk campaigns to C-suite boardrooms. And he’s bringing all of that hard-won wisdom to YES! students. Building Confidence, One Pitch at a Time Every year, the YES! Program gives students real-world experience building and pitching a business. It’s exciting… and terrifying. That’s where mentors like Aram come in. 🗣️ “These students are incredible. They just need someone to believe in them—and show them how to own the room.” In his pitch coaching sessions, Aram doesn’t just talk theory. He dives into body language, vocal tone, storytelling, and presence. He helps students turn nervous energy into magnetic confidence—even if it’s their first time speaking to a crowd. This is exactly what he does in his executive coaching business AB Strategic Leadership, as well. And he makes it fun. With his signature warmth and humor, Aram breaks down complex communication techniques into bite-sized, relatable lessons. 💡 “Confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being believable.” Why Mentorship Matters Aram first joined BizWorld through the National Speakers Association. What started as a one-time volunteer gig quickly became a passion. “I was hooked,” he says. “The kids. The creativity. The energy. You leave those classrooms feeling better about the future.” He’s coached dozens of YES! students since—and he’s just getting started. 🔥 “Mentorship isn’t a one-way street. I get just as much out of it as they do.” Calling All Changemakers! Want to make a real difference in a young person’s life? Step up. Share your story. Show up. Whether you’re a business pro, public speaker, or someone who remembers what it felt like to be 16 and uncertain—your voice matters. 👥 “These students are watching us. Let’s give them something real to look up to.” Ready to Make an Impact? 🤝 For Supporters:Want to help shape the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders?👉 Become a YES! Mentor | Donate to Support BizWorld 🌱 For Youth (Ages 16–22):Build your first business, pitch your ideas, and learn from mentors like Aram.👉 Join the YES! Program Aram’s Final Takeaway 💬 “Find your story. Own your voice. And when it’s your turn to speak—stand up and deliver.” Learn more about Aram Boyd and AB Strategic Leadership now!Connect with Aram on LinkedInVisit ABStrategicLeadership.com

May 12, 2025 No Comments

Trina Celeste Limpert Opening Doors in Tech for Women Everywhere bizworld yes Blog Post Cover

Educational Blog

How Trina Celeste Limpert Is Opening Doors in Tech for Women Everywhere 💐 Mother’s Day Spotlight

What if the path to your dream career started with wrecking your car? That’s how Trina Limpert’s incredible journey began… One fateful day after having to ride her bike to her part-time job sliding around the greasy floors of a fast food joint, she realized she was meant for something more. Today, Trina is a tech powerhouse, the founder of Tech Moms, founder of RizeNext Corp, a bestselling author, and Utah Business’s Most Influential Woman of 2024. This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating women like Trina—moms, mentors, and entrepreneurs—who are redefining success and creating new opportunities for the next generation. ✨ “Every job is a tech job now. Hands down, you need to know tech.” – Trina Limpert From Farm Girl to Tech Executive Trina grew up one of ten kids on a rural farm, chasing goats and dreaming big. But it wasn’t until a crash course in Pascal programming (a now-extinct coding language!) that her passion for technology ignited. From there, she blazed a trail through roles at Novell, eBay, and Oracle—designing, marketing, and leading global teams in enterprise software. Despite all her success, one thing kept bothering her: Why weren’t more women in tech? Turning Anger into Action 🔥 “I started Tech Moms out of anger. I was tired of hearing ‘Women just don’t go into tech.’” Trina saw a massive disconnect. While companies were hiring talent from overseas, highly educated women in her own neighborhood were being overlooked. She decided to change that. Since launching Tech Moms, Trina and her co-founders have trained over 700 women, helping them transition into high-paying, flexible tech jobs. Graduates see an average pay increase of 42%—that’s life-changing impact. 💡 Calling all young innovators!Are you ready to explore your purpose and build the future you want to see?👉 Join the YES! Program – our no-cost-to-youth entrepreneurship program designed to give you real-world experience and mentorship from leaders like Trina. Finding Your Spark Whether you’re 15 or 50, Trina believes your purpose is already inside you—it’s just waiting to be uncovered. 🧠 “Think back: What toys did you love as a kid? That’s your spark.” She built motorized cars for her Barbies using an erector set. Today, she builds programs that drive women’s careers forward. Whether it’s engineering, coding, or quilting (yes, quilting!), Trina’s message is clear: 🌟 “You’re more powerful than you think you are. Don’t let anyone put you in a box.” Speaking Up & Showing Up Trina’s story reminds us that our differences are our strengths. As the only woman in many of her tech classes and corporate teams, she often had to speak up—even when it was uncomfortable. But when she did, magic happened. 🎙️ “I raised my hand and shared an idea. They said, ‘Why didn’t we think of that?’ That was the moment I realized I belong.” To every girl who’s felt out of place in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), to every mom returning to work, and to every young entrepreneur with a dream: 💥 You belong. And the world needs your voice. Inspired? Here’s How You Can Get Involved: 🌱 For Youth (Ages 16-22):Discover your spark, learn real business skills, and get mentored by leaders like Trina.👉 Sign up for the YES! Program 🤝 For Adults:You can help shape the next generation of changemakers. Whether you’re a tech expert, entrepreneur, or someone who believes in the power of youth…👉 Become a Mentor | Donate to Support Youth Entrepreneurship Trina’s Final Words of Wisdom 💬 “Get really clear on the problem you want to solve. Then go figure out how to solve it. That’s where your journey starts.” This Mother’s Day, we honor all the moms—and all the women—who are building businesses, breaking barriers, and blazing trails for future generations. Are you ready to help unleash the innovative genius inside the next generation of entrepreneurs? Learn more about becoming a BizWorld mentor and making a lasting impact on young innovators.

May 11, 2025 No Comments

US Bank's BizWorld Camp Brings Financial Literacy to Life

Educational Blog

US Bank BizWorld Camp Brings Financial Literacy to Life

“It’s never too early to really start learning the value of money,” says BizWorld CEO Charlene Vaca. “Kids don’t need to be burdened by adult concerns, but having a basic understanding [of finance] will make them more productive and self-aware in the future.” This Financial Literacy Month 2025, we are proud to spotlight our recent partnership with US Bank that’s transforming how students experience business education. In an age where digital payments are replacing tangible cash in children’s hands, financial literacy education is more crucial than ever. This past February, BizWorld and US Bank celebrated their 8th consecutive year of partnership with their largest camp yet—bringing entrepreneurial education to 64 students in Santa Ana, California. Beyond the Classroom Walls The two-day camp offered something traditional classroom settings can’t: immersion in a corporate environment. “This experience provided many students their first glimpse into professional workplaces. We take for granted that children want to see where adults and professionals work,” Vaca explains. “It’s exposure to something they wouldn’t normally experience.” What truly sets the camp apart is the direct involvement of US Bank volunteers who serve as business advisors and venture capitalists, offering students authentic feedback and guidance through real-world business challenges. Financial Skills in Action The BizWorld+ program doesn’t just teach financial concepts—it brings them to life. Throughout the camp, students: One noteworthy group in particular experienced the consequences of their financial choices when they invested in expensive tassels and keychains for their product… “By the end, they realized they didn’t really need the expensive materials as it really affected their profits,” Vaca shares. “During the program we work to strategically advise and question their decisions, but we don’t tell them specifically not to do something. It’s all part of learning.” Transformation Beyond Numbers Perhaps the most remarkable outcome wasn’t financial at all, but personal. Educators repeatedly express amazement at how the program transforms students, particularly those who are typically reserved. “Shy and reserved kids really activate inside of BizWorld! They often don’t have roles like this in a regular classroom, and this allows them to be little superstars. There are opportunities to pitch, create commercials, and put themselves front and center which they don’t normally get a chance to do.” Meanwhile, naturally outgoing students find their talents channeled into productive sales and leadership roles—all while learning through collaboration. Filling the Financial Literacy Gap Financial Literacy Month reminds us of the gaps in traditional education that BizWorld programs help fill. While some states and districts are beginning to prioritize financial literacy, many curricula remain outdated. “Often we’re still teaching kids the same things that our parents and we learned years and years ago. How to balance a checkbook is a perfect example—who uses checkbooks these days?!” Vaca points out. The BizWorld approach focuses on evergreen business fundamentals while ensuring relevance to today’s economy. Most importantly, it answers the perpetual student question: “Why does this matter?” “We teach kids why math is important, how writing is important, why public speaking is important—and how it all is applicable to the real world,” Charlene emphasizes. The Impact Continues For US Bank volunteers, the experience provides something equally valuable: meaningful impact. “The biggest feedback we have from volunteers is, ‘Wow, I really feel like I made a difference in young people’s lives. I really think this is something they’re going to remember,’” Vaca shares. This partnership exemplifies BizWorld’s experiential learning approach, demonstrating that financial literacy education works best when students can see, touch, and experience business concepts firsthand. As we celebrate Financial Literacy Month, BizWorld continues seeking more corporate partners who want to bring entrepreneurial mindsets to young people in their communities. “If you believe that entrepreneurialism and financial literacy are important,” Vaca invites, “please reach out.” To learn more about hosting a BizWorld camp with your organization, contact us through https://bizworld.org/sponsor-bizworld-camp/. Together, we can empower the next generation with essential financial skills.

April 15, 2025 No Comments

Educational Blog

Unleashing Inner Superpowers: The Mentors Behind Our Young Entrepreneurs

In the entrepreneurial journey, guidance can make all the difference. At BizWorld, our mission to “equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity” comes to life through the dedication of our volunteer mentors. These professionals don’t just share knowledge—they help unleash the innovative genius inside each young entrepreneur. The Power of Mentorship: Paying It Forward For many of our volunteers, their commitment to mentorship stems from their own experiences of being guided—or sometimes, navigating without that crucial support. “Having a mentor is super important,” emphasizes Larry Jacobson, Author, Speaker, Coach and BizWorld Volunteer. I remember at one stage in my career I couldn’t find a mentor when I really needed it and it was really frightening to have to build alone…” Today, Larry donates his time to ensuring young entrepreneurs don’t face the same challenge. “Through my coaching and mentorship, I give people the motivation, strength, and permission to take action and make change happen.” Marc Hankin, an International Patent, Tradework and Copywriting Attorney who leads IP workshops for our young entrepreneurs, shares similar sentiments. “Everyone has benefited from mentors in their careers, and unfortunately there often are not enough mentors to go around, but they are so needed and important!” Having spent 37 years in the intellectual property law industry, Marc finds additional fulfillment in guiding the next generation through the complexities of protecting their innovative ideas. Translating Expertise into Accessible Wisdom Our mentors excel at making complex professional concepts accessible to young minds. Whether it’s intellectual property law, public speaking, or effective communication, they’ve mastered the art of simplification without sacrificing substance. Lital Cohen, a Public Speaking and Communication Coach who helps our young entrepreneurs tell their stories effectively, emphasizes: “KEEP IT AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE! Simplicity does not mean that it’s not sophisticated.” With clients ranging from Stanford University to Google, Lital brings high-level expertise to her workshops but delivers it in ways young entrepreneurs can immediately apply. When we asked Marc Hankin how he breaks down complex IP concepts into practical advice he had this to say, “One simple tip that I always share is to before you create a product, do a little bit of searching to see what’s already out there! A little bit of Google searching can go a long way.” By focusing on actionable steps rather than overwhelming theory, he empowers young entrepreneurs to protect their innovations from the start. The BizWorld Difference What draws these accomplished professionals to volunteer with BizWorld specifically? For many, it’s the quality and motivation of the young entrepreneurs themselves. “I’ve been very surprised by the quality of the YES! Participants! They’re really smart and have really good ideas, and they’re open to listening to how to improve,” shares Larry Jacobson. “I used to worry about younger generations, but there are clearly a lot of really smart younger kids who will hopefully help to fix the world.” For Marc Hankin, it’s about the unique opportunity to work with highly motivated students. “It’s very rewarding to work with highly motivated students! These young professionals want to be here!” he explains. “BizWorld has created a really great and unique program and being able to contribute to these young entrepreneurs future success is a really great way to give back.” Lital Cohen, who has been volunteering with BizWorld for over eight years, is drawn by the organization’s authentic commitment to its mission. “It’s rare that you get a chance to impact an organization filled with employees that really work from the heart; that makes it so easy to want to support BizWorld!“ The Transformation: Witnessing Growth and Impact Perhaps the most rewarding aspect for our mentors is witnessing the transformation of our young entrepreneurs throughout the program. “In the beginning of the YES! program I see confusion and a lot of shy faces, but at the end at Demo Day when they’re ready to pitch their businesses, WOW! It’s amazing to see the transformation from shy, to them pitching and answering live public questions with confidence, all while still being their authentic selves.” In our exclusive interview with Marc Hankin he told us, “I love watching these young entrepreneurs learn new concepts… Seeing the lights come on for the students as they really understand how they fit into their industry and how they might protect their specific businesses and inventions really makes this all worth it.” A True Community of Mentors As we continue to grow our impact—reaching over 890,000 young people since our founding—we’re always seeking new mentors to join our community. You don’t need to fully understand entrepreneurship or the BizWorld programming to get started. As Lital Cohen advises: “If you simply have a gut feeling of curiosity, I recommend you come as a visitor or guest to an event and get a sneak peek! Even if you’re unsure about it, I suggest that you volunteer your time anyway; you don’t have a long or big commitment! I started with 1 workshop and now I’ve happily given 8 years of volunteering because of the impact that I saw was happening.” The benefits flow both ways. “Mentorship is good for the mentor as well!” Lital points out. “The highest level of happiness comes through giving and then seeing the impact!” In Marc Hankin’s words: “Everyone has benefited from mentors in our careers… for the system to keep circling and working, you have to be willing to give back to it! It can’t just all be take, take, take because end of day it won’t be self-sustaining, you have to give back.” Are you ready to help unleash the innovative genius inside the next generation of entrepreneurs? Learn more about becoming a BizWorld mentor and making a lasting impact on young innovators. Watch our full feature video interviews with each of our mentors on our Youtube Channel linked below. Larry Jacobson, Author, Speaker, Coach – Business Website | BizWorld Interview on Youtube Marc Hankin, International Patent, Trademark and Copywriting Attorney – Business

April 14, 2025 No Comments

Draper Innovation Index News

2024 Draper Innovation Index (DII) Annual Overview

How Both the DII U.S. and DII Global Have Evolved in 2024 2024 has been a transformative year for the Draper Innovation Indices (DIIs) because it’s been a transformation year for the global economy. The DII Global has reflected significant economic, social and political change experienced worldwide, most notably the increasing tensions in the Middle East, Russia’s war in Ukraine, worldwide inflationary pressures, economic uncertainty in Europe and political change in the United States. Despite economic optimism following the US election, uncertainty remains regarding the depth of future policy shifts and their potential impacts on the global economy and financial markets. The year also saw many reasons for optimism. The United States economy remains the world’s strongest and most resilient, while Argentina’s Milei administration has pushed the country out of its longstanding inflationary malaise into economic growth and job creation. Technological advances – including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and further integration of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into the global economy and financial systems – promise to fuel future innovation and economic opportunities. In response to these changing circumstances, the Draper Innovation Index has made a number of advancements and enhancements to both its data inputs and algorithms. For example, to better reflect current economic trends, both the DII US and DII Global now integrate total monthly and annual investment growth in artificial intelligence/machine learning industries into its algorithm. LLMs and Generative AIs such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Notebook LM, and Deep Mind have captured the attention of everyone from high school students to Fortune 500 CEOs, promising the potential to supercharge innovation, operational efficiency, and cost savings across the global economy. Cryptocurrency is also a growing part of the global economy; to reflect this, the DII Global has replaced Chainanalysis’s Crypto Adoption Index datasets with Triple-A’s Cryptocurrency Ownership Data, which ranks countries and territories based total cryptocurrency ownership. These datasets help the DII better reflect the positive efforts taken by many governments to increase cryptocurrency adoption. For the DII US, the US News Opportunity Scores (previously used to measure a state’s social environment) have been replaced by Social Progress Imperative’s Social Progress Index, which grades state performance across 50 different indicators in three primary categories: Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and Opportunity. While monthly indicators continue to track overall investment growth, cryptocurrency/blockchain-related investment growth and monthly Business Formation Statistics, additional metrics are constantly being evaluated for their potential inclusion. DII Global Shifts in Top 20 Ranks The DII Global has seen significant change in terms of rankings over the past year. While the top three countries remained the same, Norway fell completely out of the Top 10 and Australia fell to 8th place. Canada and Sweden rose to 4th and 5th place, respectively, while Denmark rose from 8th place to 6th. Singapore and Finland each rose by two places, with the latter breaking into the Top 10. New Zealand remained in 10th place. DII Global Notable Movements Shifts in DII US Top 20 Ranks The DII US Top 10 has also remained fairly consistent during 2024, with Utah overtaking Texas for second place and North Carolina and Colorado swapping places at 4th and 5th, respectively. DII US Largest Gains and Declines The Draper Innovation Index (DII) will release monthly updates to continually reflect the latest developments in global innovation and entrepreneurship, available here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to enable youth from all backgrounds to unlock the power of entrepreneurship to create career opportunities, inspire self-reliance, and build confidence that drives economic prosperity globally. Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/

January 2, 2025 No Comments

Author: Wayne Veldsman

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2024 Draper Innovation Index (DII) Annual Overview

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