Category: News & PR

Case Studies
Farzaana January

AI and the Journey of a Co-Founder – YES! Special Edition Workshop

What does it really take to build a company from the ground up and how is Artificial Intelligence reshaping that journey? On October 21st, BizWorld is giving you a front-row seat to find out. Meet Jay Allardyce, co-founder of GenAI.Works, strategic advisor, and BizWorld Board Member. With over 20-years of experience guiding startups, launching businesses and exploring the potential of AI, Jay has seen firsthand how entrepreneurship is evolving and he’s ready to share those insights with you. Who is Jay Allardyce? Jay’s career has spanned startups, global tech companies, and now the frontier of artificial intelligence. His journey proves that entrepreneurship isn’t a straight line, it’s a series of risks, lessons and bold moves. Today, Jay serves as the Growth Advisor of GenAI.works, Board Member to BizWorld.org, and as an advisor to four additional AI Technology companies! To put it lightly, Jay is an expert in everything Artificial Intelligence. In this special workshop, Jay will open up about: Why Attend This Workshop? 📌 YES! Special Edition Workshop: AI & the Journey of a Co-Founder 🗓️ October 21, 2025 🕞 3:30 – 5:30 PM PDT This isn’t your ordinary Zoom webinar! Whether you’re curious about launching a business, passionate about tech, or just looking for inspiration, this session is for you! You’ll get the chance to: Bring a friend as this event is open to all young entrepreneurs, alumni and guests. Don’t Miss This Event Jay Allardyce’s workshop is more than a talk, it’s a chance to see how AI and entrepreneurship collide in real time. If you’re ready to be inspired, learn from experience and connect with fellow changemakers, this event is for you. Sign up now as spots are limited – join us on the October 21st, 2025

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BizWorld Jamaica pilot students presenting business ideas during entrepreneurship education workshop
Case Studies
Bright Lebeya

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]

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The BizWorld Trajectory of Programs
education
Leane Pottas

The BizWorld Programs Trajectory: The Ultimate Building Blocks for Youth Entrepreneurship!

Are your students ready to launch into the future with real-world skills, entrepreneurial confidence, and critical thinking? This blog unpacks the full BizWorld Trajectory – our series of four progressive youth entrepreneurship programs that build on each other, starting as early as 3rd Grade and continuing through to college. The BizWorld Trajectory is our structured “rocket launch mission” of entrepreneurial learning: beginning with BizWorld+, followed by id8, then the Impact Challenge, and culminating in the YES! Program. Each stage is designed to develop future-ready, business-minded young leaders through real-world experience and hands-on learning. Welcome aboard the BizWorld Trajectory, where learners don’t just dream about success… they land it. With every module, BizWorld helps students build, launch, and land skills that shape future-ready leaders. Whether you’re teaching 3rd Grade or middle schoolers, the BizWorld Trajectory provides age-appropriate, hands-on entrepreneurial education that empowers students to lead, innovate, and solve real problems. Let’s countdown and blast off through each stage of the BizWorld Trajectory. 👩‍🚀👨‍🚀🛸 Stage 1: BizWorld+ – “Ignition: Building the Entrepreneur’s Brain” The first step in the BizWorld Trajectory is BizWorld+, our foundational program. Like prepping your rocket for launch, this stage gives students the tools to think like entrepreneurs. Through 17 action-packed lessons, students start and run mock businesses. They budget, manage cash flow, collaborate, and market their products, all while learning essential life skills, financial literacy, leadership, and critical thinking. As one educator puts it: “I think this program is going to change everything; not just how students learn, but how teachers see their role in unlocking real-world skills.” – Wendy Tibbs, Educator and BizWorld advocate. Skills Built in BizWorld+ : By the end of BizWorld+, students don’t just understand business, they see themselves as capable problem solvers, ready to take on the entrepreneurial world. Stage 2: id8 – “Prototype & Launch: The Design Mission” The next program in the BizWorld Trajectory is id8, where students become mission designers! This STEAM-based program focuses on design thinking, empathy, and technology. Students identify real-world challenges, prototype digital apps, and pitch solutions that matter. Think of it as creating advanced tech for intergalactic explorers.  If your students can design for Earth, who says they can’t design for Mars? Skills Built in the id8 program: Got your tech toolkit ready? Then it’s time to move on to our next stop! Stage 3: Impact Challenge – “Reaching Orbit: Leading with Purpose” Now the real leadership training begins. The Impact Challenge, our third program in the BizWorld Trajectory, equips students to become social entrepreneurs – leaders who combine business strategy with community impact. Students launch ventures that tackle real issues, from recycling to mental health, proving they’re not just dreamers; they’re doers. This is where they plant their flags, not just on any planet, but in their own communities. Skills Built in the Impact Challenge program: With their mission in motion and impact underway, it’s time for the final ascent. Stage 4: the YES! Program – “Final Landing: Build Your Own Business Base” The YES! Program (Young Entrepreneur Success) is the final stage of the trajectory. It’s a 12-week accelerator for students aged 16–22, packed with expert mentorship, full business planning, and real investor pitches. Here, students don’t just simulate businesses, they build them. They launch real companies and pitch their ideas to investors for a chance to win up to $30,000 in seed funding, taking their first bold step into the real business universe. Skills Built in the YES! program: It’s the ultimate launchpad, where young entrepreneurs turn vision into venture and ideas into impact. Why the BizWorld Trajectory Matters for Educators The BizWorld Trajectory transforms your classroom into a launchpad. The BizWorld programs are all built on one another to provide an all in one project-based learning, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and 21st-century learning curriculum. The impact that teachers have is extraordinary. In fact, the average teacher will influence over 3,000 students in their career. Imagine how powerful that influence becomes when paired with real-world education that prepares students for life beyond the classroom. Key benefits for your classroom through the BizWorld programs: ✅ Aligned with state curriculum and standardized testing goals✅ Designed for elementary to middle school ✅ Hands-on, engaging, and ready to deploy✅ Supports a flexible implementation✅ Fosters SEL, teamwork, and leadership Ready to Launch? Don’t wait for a spaceship. The future is already in your classroom. Equip your students with the entrepreneurial tools they need to build, innovate, and lead. 👉 Explore deeper into all of these programs at bizworld.org/programs At BizWorld the trajectory to student success isn’t light-years away – all it takes is one small step.

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Blog cover photo _ This Female Founder Story Will Change How You Think About Success | Olivia Batraski | BABCO
Educational Blog
Farzaana January

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

Who says you have to follow one path to reach success? What if in order to achieve success, you didn’t have to pick just one career, and what if you didn’t have to sacrifice your personal life to get there either? Meet Olivia Batraski, former Airbnb design leader, mom of two, and now founder of a global creative agency built on joy, flexibility, and real impact. Her story is a blueprint for anyone (especially young women) who want to lead without having to fit into a mold. Olivia’s story shows that entrepreneurship isn’t only about starting a company it’s about creating something meaningful on your own terms. Work, Life, and Leadership – Redesigned For Olivia, “building boldly” means designing a life where work, motherhood, and creativity don’t compete – they coexist. In a culture that often equates success with hustle and burnout, she’s proving that leadership can be flexible, authentic, and joyful. As the founder of BABCO (Badass Bitches Co) Olivia leads a global, women-led, A.I. design agency built to serve fast growing startups without sacrificing the human side of work. A former Airbnb design leader, she spent nearly a decade helping shape the digital experiences of millions; but something shifted when she became a mother… “I realized I wanted to work on my own terms, in a way that allowed me to be fully present in both my life and my work,” said Olivia Today, Olivia and BABCO deliver high-impact design strategies, while giving its team the freedom to live and work how they choose – a vision many young leaders now aspire to. Rethinking What It Means to Be a Founder For most of her career (up until now) Olivia didn’t see herself as an entrepreneur. “I didn’t consider myself one… until people started calling me one,” she says. “It took stepping out of the corporate world to realize that building something of your own, especially in a way that feels authentic is a form of leadership in itself.” That mindset shift is one she hopes to pass on to the next generation of creators and innovators. Her journey is proof that you don’t need to have it all figured out to start building and that entrepreneurship can be deeply personal. Inspiring the Next Generation with BizWorld When Olivia judged BizWorld’s YES! Demo Day in a “Shark Tank” style pitch event, something clicked. “These kids were fearless. They were pitching real ideas, solving problems, and collaborating. I wish I had been exposed to that kind of thinking when I was younger.” Now, she’s a vocal advocate for BizWorld’s mission to spark entrepreneurial mindsets early, especially in underrepresented communities because early exposure to a different way of thinking can change everything. Representation Matters: Black Business Month During National Black Business Month, this August 2025, Olivia’s journey is a reminder that leadership comes in many forms, and representation matters. In a field where black women are still underrepresented in tech and design leadership, Olivia’s presence inspires others to claim their space. “I try to show up as myself. I’ve learned that how I present myself matters, and I want my kids to understand that too.” Her story is a powerful example of what’s possible when we stop trying to be someone else and we start steering into our own true identities and build what’s most important to us; no matter what anyone else thinks. Olivia’s Advice to Young Entrepreneurs Inspired by Olivia’s story? BizWorld wants to help you to gain the skills and confidence to lead. Learn more about our Young Entrepreneur Success Program, and take the first step towards becoming the entrepreneur of your dreams.

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education
Bright Lebeya

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 →

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Blog Cover Photo _ BizWorld Plus is coming _ Website Blog Covers
education
Wayne Veldsman

BizWorld+ is Coming

A Bold New Chapter for Entrepreneurship Education What happens when you combine 25+ years of classroom-tested impact with real educator feedback and a bold vision for the future? You get BizWorld+ the all-new evolution of our flagship entrepreneurship program (formerly BizWorldPRO). Debuting with a soft launch this month, BizWorld+ is more than a curriculum refresh. It’s a reimagined learning experience designed to equip teachers and empower students with real-world skills, flexible tools, and a dynamic new digital platform. What’s New in BizWorld+ Formerly known as BizWorldPRO, this program was beloved for a reason: it worked. But teachers wanted more flexibility, clearer support, and customization for different student levels. So we listened and we built it! BizWorld+ introduces: “BizWorld is not just about economics. It’s about life skills. When my students participated in BizWorld, they grew more confident, more collaborative, more goal-oriented.” – Wendy Tibbs, BizWorld Education Community & Outreach Coordinator A Curriculum That Grows With Your Students Whether you’re teaching a group of energetic 3rd graders or mentoring future high school CEOs, BizWorld+ adapts to meet your classroom needs. From paper ledgers to digital spreadsheets, leadership lessons to startup pitches, every activity in the new BizWorld+ program helps students discover their voice, build confidence, and practice real-world problem-solving. At the heart of it all, BizWorld+ isn’t just about teaching entrepreneurship, it’s about transforming how young people see themselves and what they’re capable of. Ready to explore the new era of BizWorld? Learn more and get started with BizWorld+ today. 🚨 BizWorld Hub Beta Testers Wanted In August, we’re rolling out a brand-new online portal, the BizWorld Hub, a digital home base for teachers to: We’re now accepting beta testers to explore the platform early and share their insights. You’re invited to sign up to be a BizWorld Hub beta tester. 🎒 Back-to-School Special: Save 50% on All BizWorld Programming To celebrate the launch, we’re offering a limited-time discount for teachers and program leaders preparing for the fall. Use code Back2School to save 50% on all BizWorld program purchases now through August 15. Visit the BizWorld Shop now and start changing the future of entrepreneurship education.

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US Bank's BizWorld Camp Brings Financial Literacy to Life
Educational Blog
Wayne Veldsman

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.

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YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS WHO ARE CHANGING THE GAME
Educational Blog
bizworld

15 Young Entrepreneurs Who Are Changing the Game

Age is no barrier to entrepreneurial success, as evidenced by the remarkable achievements of young entrepreneurs. Today’s youth are shaping the future, running companies that span a variety of industries, from health and beauty to sustainability and tech. BizWorld, a leading platform dedicated to kids entrepreneurship, is here to support young minds who are eager to turn their youth business ideas into thriving ventures. Whether it’s a teen entrepreneur idea or a kid-run business, BizWorld provides the tools and resources to help young entrepreneurs succeed. Learning from the World’s Youngest Entrepreneurs As we look at young innovators who have founded companies at ages as young as 4, it’s clear that age doesn’t limit ambition or success. From 15-year-old CEOs to 7-year-old inventors, these trailblazers have proven that young business owners can shape industries, solve real-world problems, and create lasting change. BizWorld believes in harnessing the energy and creativity of kids to inspire entrepreneurial activities for kids and give them the foundation to build their own businesses. BizWorld helps children discover their entrepreneurial potential, offering age-appropriate business ideas and entrepreneurial skills for kids that can lead to lasting success. Here are some of the incredible young entrepreneurs who have made waves in their respective industries, along with how BizWorld can help guide your child on a similar path: How BizWorld Helps Your Child Become the Next Big Kid Entrepreneur At BizWorld, we provide young innovators with the resources, tools, and guidance needed to turn their dreams into reality. Through our engaging and educational programs, we offer entrepreneurial projects for kids that teach them the fundamentals of starting a business. Whether they want to create a product, start a service, or launch a startup, BizWorld equips kids with the skills to succeed. Our platform offers step-by-step business guides, interactive activities, and valuable insights to help your child grow as a young business owner. BizWorld also encourages kids to think creatively, develop a solid business plan, and apply essential entrepreneurial skills for kids that will serve them for years to come. Ready to Help Your Child Start Their Own Business? BizWorld is here to help! Our platform offers kids startup ideas, creative business projects, and simple businesses for kids that allow them to explore their entrepreneurial potential in a fun and structured way. Start today and watch your child turn their business dreams into a reality with BizWorld’s support.

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Donor Advised Fund

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    BizWorld Foundation
    Tax ID: 94-3280297
    344 Thomas L. Berkeley Way, Suite 111, Oakland, CA 94612

 

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344 Thomas L. Berkeley Way, Suite 111
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