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News & PR

BizWorld Nigeria – Entrepreneurship Education in Nigeria with MYLI Africa

Two Worlds. One Conviction. How BizWorld’s first African partnership is bringing entrepreneurship education to Nigerian youth – and why it matters. Every year, millions of young people across Africa finish school and face the same question. Now what? In Nigeria alone, the formal job market cannot absorb the number of graduates entering it each year. The math doesn’t work. And yet the system keeps telling young people that a degree leads to a job, and a job leads to a life. Most of them are walking toward a door that may not open. BizWorld has spent more than 25 years building a different answer. Not a workaround. A foundation. The conviction that entrepreneurship skills – how to identify a problem, build a solution, manage money, lead a team, and persist through failure – are not extras. They are the thing. Teach them early enough, and you change what a young person believes is possible for their life. That conviction has been tested across cultures and continents. In the UAE, the UK, Japan, and China, BizWorld’s international partners have run YES! cohorts that accelerated youth-led businesses – some of which have gone on to generate real revenue and create jobs in their own communities. Since 1997, BizWorld has reached more than 870,000 young people worldwide. The model works. It travels. Now, for the first time, it has arrived on the African continent. BizWorld is proud to announce its first-ever African partnership – welcoming MYLI Africa as BizWorld Nigeria. A milestone 25 years in the making. The Problem He Saw From the Inside Efosa Idemudia, CEO of MYLI Africa, didn’t set out to build an education platform. He set out to solve a problem he couldn’t ignore. While working to bring entrepreneurship programs into Nigerian secondary schools, Efosa walked into a school and discovered something that stopped him cold. The school had been operating without a principal for six months. Inside, he found teachers earning the equivalent of $50 a month – so underpaid that their teaching had become a side hustle, while their side businesses had become their main focus. Classrooms were built around passing exams, not building understanding. Parents, stretched too thin, weren’t showing up. He didn’t write a report. He took the principal’s office. From that vantage point, Efosa saw what Nigerian education actually needed – not more criticism, but a better structure. What emerged was MYLI Africa and its platform Ọ́málearn: a vetted, accountable system connecting qualified educators with students and families. Built on a simple belief. Teachers deserve to be treated as professionals. And learning should produce measurable outcomes, not just exam results. When MYLI Africa discovered BizWorld, something clicked. As Efosa puts it, having BizWorld’s backing changes the conversation entirely. Entrepreneurship education in Nigeria can be met with skepticism – seen as informal, unstructured, a fallback for those without better options. But when parents and schools see that MYLI Africa is part of a global network backed by some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, the conversation changes. It stops being a pitch. It starts being a partnership. That shift is exactly what BizWorld was built to create. This partnership is just beginning. Right now, MYLI Africa is training its founding cohort of verified teacherpreneurs – educators being equipped with BizWorld’s curriculum, tools, and global network to deliver entrepreneurship education to Nigerian students for the very first time. What comes next – the classrooms, the cohorts, the young people who will see a different future because of what they learn – depends on the continued generosity of people who believe in this work. You’ve helped BizWorld reach more than 870,000 young people across the globe. Nigeria is next.

April 9, 2026 No Comments

News & PR

The People Who Change Everything (And Never Ask for Credit)

Why mentors, volunteers, and coaches matter more than ever You don’t need millions to change a young person’s future.Sometimes, you just need to show up. Right now, young people are stepping into a future that feels uncertain. For many students, the question is no longer simply, “What job will I get?”It’s, “What can I actually do with my life, and how do I get there?” That’s where mentorship changes everything. The Missing Piece: People Programs, curriculum, and tools all matter. But what shifts a young person most is often a person. Someone who takes time to guide them.Someone who listens.Someone who helps them see what they’re capable of – sometimes before they see it themselves. At BizWorld, mentors and volunteers don’t just teach business concepts. They help students understand how the real world works. They simplify complex ideas, ask better questions, and push students to think beyond what feels comfortable. As communication coach and BizWorld mentor, Lital Cohen explains: “Mentorship for me is like giving somebody oxygen.” And that’s exactly what it becomes – oxygen for confidence, clarity, and courage. Opening Doors – Not Just for One Student For students like Isaac, a BizWorld camp alumni, mentorship goes far beyond a single experience. “BizWorld didn’t just change my perspective… it changed my family’s trajectory.” Programs like BizWorld don’t just show one student what’s possible – they can shift the direction of an entire family. Before the program, roles like CEO, investor, or designer felt distant. Afterward, they became real options. That shift matters. Because when one student begins to think differently about their future, it influences conversations at home, decisions about education, and the paths siblings and peers begin to consider. And without the support of mentors, volunteers, and partners, programs like this wouldn’t reach the students who need them most. From Uncertainty to Confidence One of the most consistent transformations mentors see isn’t technical – it’s personal. Students who start unsure grow into leadership roles.Students who are quiet find their voice.Students with ideas learn how to bring them to life. As Lital describes: “In the beginning, I see confusion and people being shy… but by Demo Day – wow.” It carries into how young people speak.How they think.What they believe is possible for their future. And this growth doesn’t only matter for aspiring entrepreneurs. The skills they develop – confidence, communication, responsibility – carry into any career path they choose. Why Mentors Matter – Now More Than Ever The future of work is changing quickly. Young people are expected to think independently, adapt fast, and solve real problems – often without ever being shown how. Mentorship fills that gap in a way nothing else can. It gives young people: As BizWorld mentor Larry Jacobson explains: “Having a mentor is super important. Without guidance, many young people are left to figure things out on their own. That can feel overwhelming, and for some, it limits what they believe is possible.” With the right support, that changes. Students start taking initiative.They begin to lead.They start seeing opportunities where they didn’t before. The Impact Goes Both Ways Mentorship doesn’t only shape students. It changes the people who give their time, too. “The highest level of happiness is giving and then seeing the impact.” There’s something powerful about watching someone grow because of a conversation you had, a question you asked, or encouragement you gave. And for many mentors, it becomes something they continue doing – not out of obligation, but because of the meaning it brings. As Larry shares: “You have to give back – it can’t just be take, take, take.” Where This All Leads At the beginning, the numbers tell a concerning story. Young people feel unprepared.Opportunities feel uncertain.The path forward isn’t always clear. Mentorship changes that direction. It gives young people clarity.It builds confidence.It helps them move from uncertainty into action. Over time, those same young people become leaders, problem-solvers, and contributors in their communities – not because someone told them what to do, but because someone helped them believe they could. This April, You Can Be Part of That Shift April is Volunteer Month – a reminder that impact doesn’t always come from large-scale actions. Sometimes, it comes from showing up. Whether you’re a founder, a professional, or someone with experience to share, your time and perspective can shape how a young person sees their future. And that shift can last far beyond a single program. 👉 Become a BizWorld mentor👉 View our volunteer opportunities to help shape the next generation of leaders Because sometimes, the difference between uncertainty and confidence… is one person who chose to get involved.

April 9, 2026 No Comments

education

What the America250 Event Revealed About Student Confidence and Engagement

At the recent America250 event, BizWorld had the privilege of being in the room as students were asked a powerful question: “What does America mean to me?” Moments like this reveal something educators are constantly working to improve: student participation in the classroom. In the audience were students from different backgrounds. Some had experienced BizWorld programs. Many had not. But what followed was striking. Students raised their hands, willingly, confidently, and with curiosity. Why Student Participation in the Classroom Is a Challenge Student participation is not simply about asking questions. It is about confidence. Recent research shows that: Student confidence declined in many classrooms following the pandemic, making active participation even more difficult. Research highlights that confidence-not ability-is often what determines whether a student participates. This raises an important question for educators: How do we create classrooms where more students are willing to raise their hands? What This Moment Revealed At the event with America250, participation did not feel forced. Students engaged naturally. Some of these students had experienced BizWorld, where they had opportunities to: Others had not, but were still influenced by the environment around them. This is what strong learning environments do. They create space for students to: Why Participation Matters More Than We Think When a student raises their hand, it reflects more than engagement. It reflects: These are the same competencies identified by the World Economic Forum (2023) as essential for the future workforce, including communication, collaboration, and creative thinking. These are not developed through passive learning. They are developed through experience. The Environment That Invites Participation Moments like this do not happen in isolation. They are shaped by the people in the room, the questions being asked, and the level of conversation students are invited into. At this event, students were not only responding to a meaningful event, they were doing so in a space shaped by leaders like Rosie Rios. As the 43rd Treasurer of the United States, Chair of America250, and someone who has served across multiple U.S. administrations, her presence represents a level of leadership and real-world impact that students rarely experience firsthand. And that matters. Because when students are placed in environments where real conversations are happening-where their perspectives are invited alongside experienced voices-they begin to see their role differently. Students Are Already Shaping the Future One of the most powerful takeaways from the event is this: Students are not only preparing for the future. They are already shaping it. Through their questions, their curiosity, and their willingness to engage, they begin to step into that role early. For educators, this reinforces the need to create learning environments that: Why This Matters to BizWorld At BizWorld, moments like these matter. Not because every student in the room has participated in the program, but because they reflect what is possible when students are given the opportunity to develop confidence and real-world skills. Participation is not something students are simply told to do. It is something they grow into. The Takeaway for Educators If we want more students to raise their hands, the focus should not only be on asking more questions. It should be on creating environments where students feel ready to answer them. When students: Participation becomes natural. And when that happens, classrooms, and moments like America250-begin to look very different.

April 8, 2026 No Comments

education

Entrepreneurship Education in Action: How BizWorld Camp Changed One Student’s Future

Entrepreneurship education can shape a student’s future in powerful ways. Programs like BizWorld Camp help students experience business concepts through hands-on learning, teaching financial literacy, teamwork, and leadership skills at an early age. Programs that teach financial literacy and entrepreneurship education can have a lasting impact on students. One BizWorld Camp alumni is proof of that. Eight years after attending a BizWorld Camp hosted in partnership with U.S. Bank, Isaac Algeria is preparing for college and planning a future that includes business. Looking back, he credits much of his confidence and interest in entrepreneurship to the experience he had during camp. A First Experience with Entrepreneurship Isaac attended BizWorld Camp in 2018–2019 and still remembers many details from those two days. “I remember being at the bank and seeing where professionals work,” he says. “It was exciting to see that environment.” During the camp, students take on leadership roles within their teams and create their own small companies. Isaac served as Vice President of Design, helping his group create and present their product idea-slime and friendship bracelets-to volunteer investors. Through the BizWorld program, students learn core business concepts by doing them in real time. They collaborate with teammates, design products, pitch to investors, and make decisions about pricing and strategy. Learning the Power of Communication Like many young entrepreneurs, Isaac’s team faced challenges along the way. “Our biggest problem was communication,” he explains. “Everyone wanted to do their own thing.” That experience became one of the most important lessons he took away from the program. “The biggest thing BizWorld taught me was how important communication and teamwork are,” Isaac says. “If we had worked together better, we might have had more success.” Experiential programs like BizWorld help students learn these lessons through practice, which is often more impactful than traditional classroom instruction. Opening Doors for the Future For Isaac, BizWorld did something even more powerful, it helped him imagine new possibilities for his future. “The program showed me that roles like CEO, VP of Finance, or VP of Design are things you can actually become,” he says. Today, Isaac plans to study international studies with a business component when he begins college. The program’s impact also reached his family. His sister participated in BizWorld as well and is now studying business administration with hopes of working in marketing. “BizWorld didn’t just change my perspective,” Isaac says. “It changed my family’s trajectory.” Confidence That Lasts When Isaac talks to younger students about BizWorld, his advice is simple: “Come in with a positive attitude and be ready to learn something new.” Many students experience a major confidence shift during the program. Reserved students often step into leadership roles, while outgoing students learn to collaborate and guide their teams effectively. According to Isaac, the most valuable skills BizWorld teaches are confidence, communication, and responsibility-skills that benefit students no matter what career path they choose. Why Support Matters BizWorld is a nonprofit organization that depends on corporate partners and donors to bring entrepreneurship education to students in communities across the country. Isaac believes that support has a real impact. “If you ask students what they want to do before BizWorld and after BizWorld, I guarantee at least one student will say they want to be a CEO, an investor, or a designer,” he says. For him, that shift in perspective changed everything. “BizWorld gave me confidence in myself,” Isaac explains. “It opened doors and helped me see opportunities I didn’t know existed.” Help Bring BizWorld to More Students Programs like BizWorld Camp show students that entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation are within reach. As BizWorld continues expanding its impact, partnerships with companies and donors remain essential to reaching more classrooms and communities. If you believe that financial literacy and entrepreneurship education are important for the next generation, we invite you to get involved. To learn more about hosting a BizWorld camp with your organization, visit:https://bizworld.org/sponsor-bizworld-camp/ If you’re interested in supporting this work through giving, you can also explore ways to contribute here:https://bizworld.org/donate/ Together, we can empower the next generation with essential entrepreneurial and financial skills.

April 7, 2026 No Comments

education

How to Teach Students to Create Business Brand Names

An Entrepreneurship Classroom Resource for Educators One of the most exciting moments in entrepreneurship education happens when students name their business. It may seem like a small step, but choosing a business name teaches students powerful lessons about branding, strategy, creativity, and identity. A company name is often the first impression customers have—and successful companies rarely choose names randomly. By teaching students how businesses develop brand names, educators help them think like real entrepreneurs. This classroom activity introduces students to branding strategy and guides them through creating their own business names. Why Business Names Matter in Entrepreneurship Education A company’s name does more than label a product. It communicates a story. A strong business name can signal: Understanding this helps students see that branding is a strategic part of starting a business, not just a creative exercise. Famous Business Names Students Will Recognize Using real-world examples helps students understand how branding works. Nike Nike is named after the Greek goddess of victory. Teaching insight:The name reflects the feeling of winning, achievement, and performance. Adidas Adidas comes from the founder’s name: Adolf “Adi” Dassler. Teaching insight:Some companies build their brand directly from the founder’s identity. Apple Steve Jobs intentionally chose a name that felt simple and approachable, especially in a highly technical industry. Teaching insight:Unexpected simplicity can make a brand stand out. Google Google was originally called Backrub before the founders changed it to Google, inspired by the mathematical word “googol.” Teaching insight:Brand naming is often iterative. The first idea is not always the best one. LEGO LEGO comes from Danish words meaning “play well.” Teaching insight:A business name can communicate the company’s mission. Amazon Amazon was named after the largest river in the world, reflecting the company’s ambition to build something enormous. Teaching insight:Some business names communicate scale and vision. 3 Business Naming Strategies to Teach Students Students can use several strategies when creating business names. Introducing these frameworks helps them approach naming intentionally. 1. Personal Name Strategy Some brands use the founder’s name or initials. Example: Adidas Students might use: 2. Emotion-Based Naming Strategy Some brands choose a name that reflects how customers should feel. Example: Nike Students might brainstorm emotions like: 3. Symbolic or Unexpected Naming Strategy Some brands choose names that are simple but symbolic. Example: Apple These names are often memorable because they spark curiosity. Classroom Activity: Create Three Business Names This entrepreneurship classroom activity helps students experiment with branding. Step 1: Create Three Names Ask students to create three possible names for their business: Step 2: Evaluate the Names Have students discuss or reflect: Step 3: Peer Feedback Students can present their ideas and vote on: Peer feedback helps students think critically about branding and marketing. Reflection Questions for Students Encourage deeper thinking by asking students: These questions reinforce the connection between branding decisions and long-term business strategy. The Big Lesson: A Business Name Is the Start of a Brand When students create business names, they are doing more than brainstorming. They are practicing real entrepreneurial thinking. A business name represents: When students understand this, naming becomes purposeful, creative, and meaningful—and they begin thinking like entrepreneurs. Educator Tip:Pair this activity with a student logo design activity or marketing pitch so students can extend their brand into a full business concept.

March 10, 2026 No Comments

Draper Innovation Index News

The Draper Innovation Index, Economic Freedom, and Why BizWorld Matters More Than Ever

When global economic advisors track innovation across 50 U.S. states and countries worldwide, they are asking one core question: Where does entrepreneurship flourish, and why? The purpose of the Draper Innovation Index (DII) is to find out the answer to that exact question. What Is the Draper Innovation Index? The Draper Innovation Index (DII) is a monthly global ranking that evaluates how easy, safe, and profitable it is to: It analyzes over 5,000 data points, including: Unlike traditional economic rankings that look backward, the DII is predictive. It identifies the environments where innovation is likely to thrive next. As Wallace Walrod, Chief Economic Advisor of the DII, explained: “The DII shows where innovation is actually happening and flourishing.” But here is the bigger question: What creates those environments in the first place? Innovation Is Not Accidental – It Is Cultivated According to the DII data, innovation flourishes where there is: But Wallace emphasized something even more foundational: “Creativity and risk-taking are two of the highest things associated with innovation and entrepreneurship.” That is not a tax policy.That is not a venture capital metric. That is mindset. And mindset begins long before someone starts a company. The Missing Link: Entrepreneurship Education During the interview, Wallace reflected on why many universities struggle to teach entrepreneurship effectively. His insight? Traditional academia prefers structure and certainty. Entrepreneurship is creative, unpredictable, and driven by experimentation. Which raises an important question for educators: If entrepreneurial thinking is difficult to teach at the university level, shouldn’t we start earlier? This is where BizWorld comes in. 🔗 Learn more about BizWorld’s programs here:https://bizworld.org/programs/ The Connection Between the DII and BizWorld When asked directly about the relationship between the DII and BizWorld, Wallace said: “The DII shows where innovation is happening. BizWorld shows how to make it happen.” The DII measures outcomes.BizWorld develops the mindset behind those outcomes. BizWorld equips students with: These are the same human skills Wallace’s research identified as “defensible” in an age of automation and AI. His studies found that creativity, teamwork, and adaptability were more future-proof than technical memorization. In other words: The skills BizWorld cultivates are the skills that will protect the next generation in a rapidly changing economy. “BizWorld is really onto something that’s increasingly important for US and global economies.” It’s clear that innovation ecosystems do not begin in venture capital firms. They begin in classrooms. Are Entrepreneurs Born or Bred? Near the end of an interview with Wallace, he shared a striking reflection: “Probably everybody is somewhat born as an entrepreneur. Then it gets beaten out of them over time. It’s in their brains. It’s innate. BizWorld is just in the business of bringing that back out and then growing it.” Children naturally: BizWorld protects and strengthens that instinct instead of allowing it to fade. For educators, this means you are not adding “one more program.”You are activating something already present in your students. For supporters, this means your investment multiplies across decades. For young professionals, this means the entrepreneurial mindset is not reserved for startup founders – it is essential for navigating AI, automation, and economic change. The Future of Innovation Starts Earlier Than We Think The Draper Innovation Index demonstrates that countries can rise or fall rapidly based on leadership, policy, and freedom. But those shifts are influenced by something deeper:the people within those economies. If we want future innovation leaders – whether in Wyoming, Florida, Canada, Singapore, or Estonia — we must start by cultivating entrepreneurial thinking in youth. The DII measures the landscape. BizWorld cultivates the next generation who will shape that landscape. And when the chief economic advisor of a global innovation index says that BizWorld is onto something increasingly important, that should give every educator, policymaker, and entrepreneur confidence. Explore Further Learn more about how the partnership between the DII and BizWorld is helping to share our future global economy; one data point and one young entrepreneur at a time. 🔹 The Draper Innovation Indexhttps://bizworld.org/index/ 🔹 BizWorld Entrepreneurship Educationhttps://bizworld.org/about-us/

March 3, 2026 No Comments

education

What Is Business Ethics? A Guide for Junior Entrepreneurs

Have you ever set up a lemonade stand, sold crafts, or helped organize a school fundraiser? If so, you’ve already taken your first steps into the world of business! But running a business isn’t just about making money. It’s also about making good choices. That’s where business ethics comes in. Let’s break it down. What Does “Business Ethics” Mean? Business ethics is a big phrase that means something pretty simple: Doing the right thing when you’re buying, selling, or running a business. It’s about being honest, fair, kind, and responsible—even when it’s hard. Think of it like this: if life were a game, ethics would be the rules that help everyone play fairly. Why Does Business Ethics Matter? Imagine this: Would you trust them again? Probably not. Trust is one of the most important parts of any business. When people trust you, they come back. They tell their friends. They support you. Trust is like a balloon. Once you pop it, you can’t blow it up the same way again. 6 Big Ideas in Business Ethics for Junior Entrepreneurs 1. Honesty Tell the truth about what you’re selling. If your product has nuts in it, say so. If something might break easily, be honest. If your slime is homemade, say so. If it’s glittery but messy, warn people! Being honest builds trust. 2. Fairness Treat everyone equally. Charge the same price for the same product. Follow the same rules for everyone. Fairness makes people feel respected. 3. Responsibility Own your mistakes. If something goes wrong, fix it. Replace it. Apologize if needed. Responsible business owners don’t hide problems—they solve them. 4. Respect Care about how your actions affect others. That means: Respect builds strong relationships. 5. Integrity Integrity is a powerful word. It means being consistent with how you behave — being honest, kind, and fair all the time, not just when people are watching. Integrity means: Someone with integrity doesn’t change their values depending on who is around. Their actions match their words. 6. Caring for the Community Ethical businesses think beyond just making money. They ask “How can we help?”. Here are some ways businesses can care for their community: Share Some of the Money They Make Some businesses give part of what they earn to help others. They might: Sharing helps everyone grow stronger together. Use Less Plastic and Keep the Earth Clean Businesses can protect the planet by making smart choices like: Small actions can make a big difference for the Earth. Help Fix Problems in Their Neighborhood Businesses can step up when their community needs help. They might: When businesses care about their neighborhood, everyone benefits. A Quick Story Two friends, Ava and Jordan, both start snack stands. As their stands grow, they each hire two classmates to help. Ava’s Stand Ava: She makes sure her helpers: When someone makes a mistake, she talks calmly and helps them learn. Her helpers enjoy working with her and do their best. Customers notice how she treats people—and they feel good about supporting her business. Jordan’s Stand Jordan: He: Soon, his helpers quit. Customers notice how he treats people, and they stop coming. At first, Jordan makes quick money. But it doesn’t last. Ava’s stand keeps growing because she built something stronger than profit. She built trust. And she treated both customers and employees with fairness and respect. Is It Always Easy to Be Ethical? No! Sometimes doing the right thing: But in the long run, ethical businesses grow stronger. People remember how you treat them. Think of ethics like planting seeds. You may not see results right away—but with time, they grow. Money can come and go. Your reputation stays with you How You can Practice Business Ethics (Even Now!) You don’t need to own a company to be ethical. You can: Ethics isn’t just for adults in offices. It’s for anyone whose choices affect other people. The Big Question to Ask Whenever you’re unsure, try this: “If everyone knew what I was doing, would I still feel proud?” If the answer is yes—you’re probably on the right track. Final Thought Business ethics isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trying your best to do what’s right. A great business doesn’t just make money. It makes a difference. And no matter how young you are, you can start building integrity — and making that difference — today.

February 19, 2026 No Comments

education

How Entrepreneurship Education Prepares Students for the Real World

Preparing students for the real world has never been more complex. Today’s learners are stepping into a future shaped by rapid change, new technologies, and careers that may not even exist yet. In this environment, entrepreneurship education has emerged as one of the most effective ways to equip students with the skills and mindset they need to thrive beyond the classroom. Entrepreneurship education isn’t about pushing every student to start a company. Instead, it focuses on developing real-world readiness, helping students learn how to think critically, adapt to uncertainty, lead with confidence and take initiative in meaningful ways. What Makes Entrepreneurship Education Different? Unlike traditional learning models that prioritize memorization and exams, entrepreneurship education centers on physical, project-based learning. Students are challenged to identify problems, explore solutions, and make decisions with real consequences. This approach mirrors the realities of adult life, where problems are rarely neatly defined and answers are not always obvious. Through entrepreneurship education, students learn to: These competencies extend far beyond business. They are essential life skills that students carry into higher education, the workplace, and their communities. Building Skills Employers Actually Look For One of the strongest arguments for entrepreneurship education is its alignment with what skills employers value most. Across industries, organizations consistently seek individuals who can communicate clearly, solve problems, work well with others, and take ownership of their work. Entrepreneurship education helps students develop: Students who engage in entrepreneurship education are often better prepared to navigate interviews, collaborate in professional settings, and adapt to changing expectations. Learning That Feels Relevant Students are more engaged when learning feels connected to real life. Entrepreneurship education creates relevance by showing how academic concepts translate into practical outcomes. Whether students are analyzing costs, researching customer needs, or refining an idea, they see how learning applies beyond the classroom walls. This relevance builds motivation. Instead of asking, “Why do we need to learn this?”, students begin to understand how knowledge can be used to create value and make an impact. Where BizWorld Fits In This is where BizWorld plays a distinctive role. BizWorld’s trajectory of programs are designed to make entrepreneurship education accessible, practical, and people-focused, connecting learning directly to real-world experience. A standout example is the BizWorld+ program. BizWorld+ is BizWorld’s flagship classroom program, built to make entrepreneurship education hands-on, practical, and easy for educators to use. Instead of learning about business from a textbook, students learn by doing. In BizWorld+, students work in teams to start and run real companies inside the classroom. They take on roles like CEO, Head of Marketing, or Finance Lead and experience the full business journey from idea to sales. Through the program, students are challenged to: BizWorld+ turns the classroom into a safe space to try, fail, adjust, and grow. It shows students that entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business, it’s about building confidence, teamwork, and real-life skills they’ll use long after school ends. Confidence, Resilience, and Ownership Beyond skills and knowledge, entrepreneurship education helps students develop confidence in themselves. When students are trusted to explore ideas and make decisions, they begin to see themselves as capable contributors, not just learners following instructions. This sense of ownership builds resilience. Students learn that setbacks are part of the process, feedback is valuable, and growth often comes when you dream big and dare to fail. These lessons are critical for navigating both professional and personal challenges later in life. Preparing Students for What Comes Next As education continues to evolve, entrepreneurship education is becoming an essential bridge between school and the real world. It helps students understand how to apply what they learn, how to collaborate with others, and how to adapt when circumstances change. For parents and educators looking to prepare young people for life beyond school, entrepreneurship education offers a powerful solution. Through programs like BizWorld+ and the many other BizWorld initiatives, students gain more than knowledge, they gain the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to shape their own futures.

February 9, 2026 No Comments

education

STEM Education for Kids: How the YES! Program Is Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

As we celebrate International Day of Women & Girls in Science, conversations around STEM education for kids and innovative learning pathways are more relevant than ever. Across the globe, educators, parents, and organisations are asking an important question: How do we prepare young people not only to learn science and technology, but to apply those skills to solve real-world problems? One way that BizWorld is working to answer that question is through the Young Entrepreneur Success (YES!) program. YES! is where young innovators actively refine their ideas, learn from mentors, and transform technical knowledge into physical action. We don’t prepare young people for success by only teaching them about business, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) we prepare them by actively helping them to apply these skills. Why STEM Education Programs Matter More Than Ever Learning in science, technology, engineering, and math has evolved far beyond textbooks and exams. Today’s most effective STEM education programs prioritise real-world application, encouraging students to think critically, experiment boldly, and collaborate across disciplines. The United Nations established International Day of Women & Girls in Science to promote full and equal access to science education and to address persistent gender gaps across STEM fields. Despite progress, girls and young women remain underrepresented in many science, technology, and innovation careers, particularly in leadership and entrepreneurship roles. We believe that one of the most effective ways to help close this gap is by starting to expose kids to STEM early in their education. When young people can clearly see how classroom concepts connect to real outcomes, learning becomes more meaningful, and far more empowering. International Day of Women & Girls in Science: Why Early Exposure Matters Research consistently shows that early exposure to science and technology increases long-term participation, especially for girls. UNESCO highlights that while women make up nearly half of the global workforce, they remain significantly underrepresented in STEM-related fields. Confidence, access, and mentorship during the teenage years play a critical role. Programs that give students the freedom to explore ideas, take risks, and learn from real experiences help build self-belief alongside technical skills. When girls are supported at this stage, they are far more likely to pursue careers in innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership later in life. Where STEM Meets Entrepreneurship Traditional STEM education often focuses on technical ability alone. Entrepreneurship-driven learning goes one step further, showing students how to apply analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving to challenges that exist beyond the classroom. That’s where BizWorld comes in. Through the Young Entrepreneur Success (YES!) Program, STEM learning is brought to life by helping young people turn ideas into real-world ventures. YES! is a 12-week global accelerator for high-potential youth ages 16-22. With mentorship from experienced business leaders and hands-on guidance, the program demonstrates what modern, applied STEM learning for young people can look like – practical, mentorship-driven, and impact-focused. Participants in YES!: This approach transforms technical learning from theory into practice. Empowering the Next Generation, Especially Girls in Innovation In the spirit of International Day of Women & Girls in Science, programs like YES! are helping create more inclusive pathways into innovation. By combining hands-on-learning with mentorship and entrepreneurship, YES! empowers young women to lead with confidence, creativity, and purpose. The World Economic Forum continues to emphasize the connection between STEM participation, innovation, and future economic opportunity. When girls are encouraged to see themselves as founders, problem-solvers, and leaders early on, the impact extends far beyond the classroom. Looking Ahead: Future YES! Cohorts and Beyond While the current YES! Winter cohort is already in motion, future cohorts are always on the horizon. For students inspired by hands-on science and innovation, and for parents and educators around the world, now is the perfect time to explore what BizWorld has to offer. Beyond YES!, BizWorld provides a full trajectory of programing that introduces young people to entrepreneurship, innovation, and real-world learning at every stage of their educational journey. This International Day of Women & Girls in Science, take inspiration from the innovators already participating in YES! and start preparing for your next opportunity to turn curiosity into impact.

February 9, 2026 No Comments

News & PR

Reflecting on 2025 at BizWorld, and Dreaming Forward

A Year of Courage, Curiosity, and Community As 2025 comes to a close, the BizWorld team finds itself doing what entrepreneurs do best: reflecting, learning, and looking ahead for what’s next. At BizWorld, reflection isn’t about looking backward for the sake of nostalgia. It’s about understanding what we’ve learned, why it matters, and how it prepares us to keep moving forward, stronger, wiser, and more committed to the young people we serve. This year reminded us of something powerful: when you give students the space to try, fail, learn, and lead, the impact doesn’t end when the program does. It carries forward, sometimes for decades… The Moments That Reminded Us Why This Work Matters When looking back at 2025 for Charlene Vaca, BizWorld’s CEO, one moment stood out above the rest. Meeting Aatash, an adult who had gone through BizWorld over 25 years ago, was a rare and meaningful experience. Not only did he clearly remember his BizWorld experience, he had saved work from the program and shared how it helped shape his direction in life. Moments like that affirm what we believe at our core: BizWorld creates lasting impact, long after the classroom experience ends. That ripple effect showed up again and again this year. Melissa Doppler, BizWorld Development & Community Director, shared the story of Titi, a YES! Alumni, whose journey with BizWorld was fueled by belief, encouragement, and practical support. Titi’s perseverance and growth didn’t just impact her own path; it inspired others. Later, Dr. Ayesha Madni, our Education Director, learned during onboarding interviews that new YES! applicants had discovered the program through Titi. One student’s confidence had sparked another’s curiosity. That’s how impact grows, not in straight lines, but in waves. Across camps, classrooms, and YES! cohorts, Patricia Solis, Operations Manager, witnessed students take what they were learning and turn it into action. From teamwork and reflection to iteration and improvement, students weren’t just learning about entrepreneurship, they were practicing it. For many, these moments marked the beginning of something much bigger than a single program. Dream Big. Dare to Fail. Learn Together. Dreaming big also means facing challenges head-on, and 2025 asked BizWorld to do exactly that. Early in the year, the team navigated a major leadership transition while preparing to launch a new YES! cohort. Rather than slowing momentum, the challenge created space for growth. Charlene invited Ayesha to step into a bigger role, and what followed was a true example of learning in motion. As Ayesha shared, BizWorld may be small, but it is mighty. The team leaned into collaboration, trusted each other’s strengths, and stayed open to feedback. When early attrition surfaced in YES! cohorts, the response wasn’t blame, it was curiosity. With input from mentors, board members, and partners, the team adjusted, tested new approaches, and committed to learning from the data. It was the same mindset we encourage students to adopt every day: try, reflect, adapt, and keep going. Looking Ahead: Curiosity, Confidence, and Creation in 2026 What excites us most about 2026 isn’t just what we’re launching, it’s what those opportunities unlock. We’re excited about Compass, our new on-demand learning journey that will help reach exponentially more youth and meet learners where they are. Be sure to subscribe to BizWorld’s monthly newsletter for more updates on Compass! We’re energized by the upcoming Demo Day Designathon, which will bring creativity, community, and problem-solving together in new ways. And we’re looking ahead to a strong YES! cohort starting in January, filled with young entrepreneurs ready to stretch themselves. We’re also thrilled to see BizWorld+ expanding online, giving educators more flexible ways to bring real-world learning into their classrooms. As Wendy Tibbs, BizWorld’s Education Community & Outreach Coordinator, shared, when teachers feel confident implementing BizWorld programs, students thrive and the learning comes alive. In 2026, we hope students, educators, and supporters feel inspired, capable, and ready to take on real-world challenges with confidence. A Little Holiday Fun (Because Joy Matters Too) Entrepreneurship isn’t just about grit, it’s also about creativity and joy. When asked what Santa’s biggest startup challenge might be, ideas ranged from AI-powered translation tools for Gen Alpha letters, to last-mile delivery logistics, to convincing venture capitalists of the brilliance of a reindeer-powered model. And if we could place one “life skill superpower” under every student’s tree? The answers were clear and meaningful: resilience, emotional intelligence, and compassion. These are the skills that BizWorld teaches through it’s entrepreneurship curriculum; a curriculum that helps young people not only build businesses, but build better communities and futures. A Message to Young Entrepreneurs As we close out the year, one message stands out for young entrepreneurs everywhere: There is never just one path forward. There is never just one right way. Keep moving, keep learning, keep failing forward, and stay open to what comes next. Believe in your ideas. Take chances on yourself. When your work aligns with who you are and what you care about, opportunities, and people, have a way of finding you. This Place Works Because of You As the year came to a close, Charlene shared a holiday poem with the team, one filled with humor, gratitude, and truth. It captured late nights, early mornings, small mishaps, big wins, and the steady teamwork behind it all. At its heart was a simple message: This place works because of you. BizWorld feels like home during the holidays because of the people behind the mission, people who care deeply about each other and about the young lives they help shape. That culture of care extends outward, touching students, educators, mentors, and communities everywhere we serve. As we step into 2026, we do so with gratitude, curiosity, and confidence, excited for what’s ahead and proud of the journey we’re on together. Here’s to dreaming forward. Want to be the first to know about all of the new BizWorld initiatives happening in 2026? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter by filling out the form in the bottom footer of our website just below

December 16, 2025 No Comments

Category: News & PR

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Reflecting on 2025 at BizWorld, and Dreaming Forward

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