Category: Uncategorized

We love the idea of being self-made. We use it to describe people who seem to have started with nothing and reached extraordinary success through determination alone. Yet the closer we look at most success stories, the harder that idea becomes to defend. In a 2024 conversation on The Diary Of A CEO, Trevor Noah challenged the myth of the self-made success story. His broader point was that people rarely reach extraordinary heights alone. Behind them are often teachers, mentors, families, communities and others who offered guidance, belief or an opportunity at the right moment. Once you sit with that idea, the story we tell about success starts to look different. If no one is truly self-made, then success depends not only on talent or determination, but also on access to people, experiences and opportunities that help those qualities grow. That raises an important question: who gets access to those opportunities in the first place? For many young people in under-resourced schools, access is not equal. The issue is not a lack of talent or ambition. It is that the experiences that help develop communication, collaboration, problem-solving, confidence and other durable life skills can be far less available to them. This is the opportunity gap in education. What Is the Opportunity Gap in Education? The opportunity gap in education is the unequal access young people have to experiences, resources and support that help them develop the skills they need to succeed in school, work and life. Those skills matter more than ever. An analysis of roughly 76 million job postings by America Succeeds and Lightcast found that more than three out of four postings requested at least one durable skill, while eight of the ten most-requested skills across the economy fell into this category. These include skills such as communication, collaboration, leadership, adaptability and problem-solving. They are not simply useful extras. They are increasingly part of what employers expect people to bring with them. The challenge is that young people do not all have the same opportunities to develop them. The Hamilton Project at the Brookings Institution has documented a major gap in enrichment spending between families at different income levels. The wealthiest families spend roughly seven times as much as the lowest-income families on experiences such as lessons, camps and other activities outside the traditional school day. That difference can mean more chances to lead, collaborate, speak in front of others, solve real problems and learn how to recover when something does not go according to plan. The talent may be there in equal measure. The opportunity to practise it is not. Why Durable Life Skills Matter for Students Research highlighted by The Hamilton Project, including work by economist James Heckman and colleagues, has linked these kinds of human and social skills to long-term outcomes including educational attainment, employment and earnings. But durable life skills are difficult to develop through memorization alone. Young people learn communication by having something meaningful to communicate. They learn collaboration when they have to work through different opinions. They develop resilience when an idea does not work and they are given the support and space to try another approach. This is why hands-on learning opportunities matter. Why BizWorld Uses Entrepreneurship to Teach Durable Life Skills BizWorld uses entrepreneurship education as a vehicle for teaching durable life skills because it gives students a practical reason to use them. Students have to communicate ideas, work with teammates, manage money, solve problems, listen to feedback and adapt when their first plan does not work. Entrepreneurship turns these skills from abstract concepts into something students have to practise in real time. The goal is not to convince every young person to become an entrepreneur. The goal is to give them experiences that help develop skills they can carry into whatever path they choose. Whether a student eventually starts a company, joins an organization, enters a trade or follows a path that does not yet exist, communication, collaboration, confidence, financial literacy and problem-solving will continue to matter. Helping Close the Opportunity Gap Where a young person begins should not determine how many opportunities they are given to discover what they can do. BizWorld works to expand access to hands-on entrepreneurship education so more students can practise these skills in environments where they are encouraged to make decisions, take responsibility and learn through experience. That is the purpose behind Skills for Success, BizWorld’s summer awareness and fundraising campaign focused on helping more young people gain access to the durable life skills that can support them far beyond the classroom. No one becomes who they are entirely on their own. Somewhere along the way, someone usually offers guidance, opens an opportunity or gives them the chance to try. Your support can help create that opportunity for another young person. Donate to Skills for Success and help more students develop the durable life skills that can shape their future.

Age is not a prerequisite for building something meaningful, and the wildcard nominee at BizWorld’s 2026 YES! Demo Day proves it. There’s an unspoken “rule” in entrepreneurship that too many young founders have heard in one form or another: wait your turn. Come back when you have more experience. More traction. More years under your belt. For aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 and 22, that message can feel impossible to escape, but it is also completely wrong. At BizWorld.org, we’ve believed the opposite since 1997: that young people are not future builders, but that they are builders, right now. And every cohort of our YES! Young Entrepreneur Success Program reinforces that belief. The Wildcard That Changed Everything At BizWorld’s 2026 Global YES! Demo Day, the community rallied behind a wildcard vote – a chance for the public to give one additional startup a spot on the final stage alongside graduates from the Summer, Winter, and International cohorts. The company that earned that spot through your votes was CuraVoice, a startup working to improve how healthcare students learn to communicate. They didn’t just compete at Demo Day, they won, securing $10,000 in seed funding. “Sometimes all it takes is one room – and one second chance – that sees you differently.” CuraVoice’s founder described the journey with refreshing honesty. They didn’t get in at first and they were on the outside looking in until the wildcard vote gave them another shot. That second chance earned by a community of peers and supporters who believed in the vision, turned a near-miss into a defining moment. It’s a reminder that entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line, and that it takes a community to really make a big difference in this world. Being Young Is Not a Limitation One of the most persistent myths in startup culture is that youth equals unreadiness. Young entrepreneurs routinely walk into rooms where they are the youngest person present, where assumptions are made before they’ve said a word. That subtle dismissal, the raised eyebrow, the “come back in a few years” – is something the YES! Accelerator is deliberately designed to counter. The program doesn’t treat participants as “student founders” or “future entrepreneurs.” It treats them as founders – full stop. Over 10 weeks, participants refine their pitches, connect with experienced mentors, and compete for real funding. The structure is rigorous because the founders are ready for rigor. Some of the most driven young entrepreneurs in the country have come through this program, and what they build during those 10 weeks often surprises even themselves. History, of course, is full of examples. Many of the world’s most transformative companies were started by founders in their late teens or early twenties. What they lacked in experience, they made up for in clarity of vision, energy, and a refusal to accept that the current way of doing things was the only way. Youth is not a bug, it is often a feature. Community Is Part of the Formula What makes programs like YES! work, is not simply just curriculum or funding, it’s community. In a post-Demo Day LinkedIn post, the CuraVoice founder spoke about an entire village rallying behind them, about the energy of building alongside other driven young founders, and about the reconnection with a fellow winner first met at another pitch competition. That kind of peer network – of people who understand the late nights, the doubt, and the determination – is irreplaceable. BizWorld’s commitment to equity means this community is intentionally diverse. We believe every young person, regardless of background or zip code, deserves access to the tools, mentorship, and funding that make entrepreneurship possible. When 97% of participating classes show increased business knowledge and 98% of teachers confirm real-world relevance, that’s not just a statistic, it’s proof that access changes outcomes. What a Second Chance Really Means The wildcard format at the 2026 Demo Day was more than a fun voting mechanic. It was a structural statement: this community believes in second chances. It believes that a great idea deserves to be heard even when the first door closes. For every young entrepreneur who has been told “not yet,” the wildcard vote is a counter-narrative built into the program itself. The votes cast for CuraVoice weren’t just clicks, they were an act of belief. And that belief translated into $10,000 in funding, a stage, and proof that the community surrounding a founder matters as much as the founder’s own grit. If you’re between 16 and 22 and you have an idea worth building, you don’t have to wait. The Young Entrepreneur Success YES! Program exists precisely for this moment and i accepting applications now. And if you’re an educator, a mentor, or a supporter who wants to help create more moments like this, there’s a place for you in the BizWorld community too. The only prerequisite for starting something meaningful is deciding to start.

When I first decided to become a YES! Mentor back in 2021, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The thought of guiding ambitious high school entrepreneurs was exciting yet a bit daunting. Little did I know this experience would not only be rewarding, but also incredibly fun and energizing! Mentoring these young visionaries took me back to my own early days of entrepreneurial enthusiasm. Brainstorming sessions often felt more like invigorating challenges than work. It was like returning to my origins—those initial sparks of creativity and ambition. One of the most surprising aspects of being a mentor was how seamlessly it fit into my schedule. The time commitment wasn’t immense—it was just enough to be meaningful without being overwhelming. Whether it was answering a quick question between tasks or a fun brainstorming meeting over lunch, mentoring provided a delightful mid-week break from my usual activities. Volunteering as a YES! Mentor is more than guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs; it’s about growth, both for the mentees and for yourself. It’s about stepping into a community that is vibrant, supportive, and always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. I’m calling on anyone looking for a rewarding and manageable way to give back—consider becoming a YES! Mentor. Whether you’re seasoned in the business world or just passionate about helping others grow, your experience and insights can make a huge difference to these young entrepreneurs. Are you ready to inspire and be inspired? To create and explore alongside bright, motivated minds? If so, I invite you to join me in this fulfilling journey as a YES! mentor. Let’s nurture the next generation together, one brainstorm at a time.

Career exploration is a crucial aspect of a student’s development. It helps young people better understand the world of work, the opportunities available, and how their interests, strengths, and values align with various career paths. Engaging students in career exploration activities at an early age equips them with essential skills and insights to make informed decisions as they transition into adulthood. This article will explore the value of career exploration for young people, provide a variety of career planning activities for students, and discuss how educators can implement career exploration activities for teens to guide them in discovering future career opportunities. Additionally, we’ll touch on practical tools and resources such as career exploration worksheets for students, career readiness activities, and the BizWorld program, which can support students in their career journey. Why Career Exploration is Important for Young People Understanding career options at an early age is more important than ever in a world that is continuously evolving. Career exploration for young people involves identifying their interests, developing relevant skills, and gaining exposure to different industries and professions. Starting early allows students to build a foundation of knowledge about potential career paths, reducing confusion or indecisiveness when it comes time to choose a career. It also allows for more time to set personal goals, identify educational pathways, and plan for internships or other work-related experiences that can shape their future careers. Moreover, career exploration helps students understand the link between what they learn in the classroom and the skills they will need to succeed in the workforce. It encourages them to see education as a stepping stone to real-world applications, making their learning more meaningful and motivating them to stay focused on their academic goals. Career Exploration Activities for Students Career exploration activities for students are designed to engage them in thinking critically about their futures while fostering creativity, self-awareness, and decision-making skills. By incorporating career planning activities for students, teachers can create an interactive and enriching experience that enables students to explore their career interests and aspirations. Here are several career exploration activities for teens that can be easily implemented in a classroom setting: Career Exploration Lesson Plan To create an engaging and meaningful career exploration lesson, educators can incorporate various activities that foster self-discovery and career awareness. Here is an example of a career exploration lesson plan that can be tailored for young students: Objective: Materials Needed: Lesson Outline: Tools and Resources for Career Exploration As students engage in career exploration activities, they can benefit from various career exploration tools for teens in school. These resources can help them gather information, assess their skills, and make informed decisions about their career paths: Conclusion Career exploration for teenagers is an essential step in preparing young people for their futures. With the right activities and resources, educators can help students discover their passions, set achievable goals, and identify the career paths that align with their skills and interests. Career planning activities for students, like career interest inventories, job shadowing, and interactive simulations, help guide teens toward meaningful career choices. Tools such as BizWorld further enrich the learning experience, offering a fun and engaging way to explore entrepreneurship and business careers. By investing in career exploration activities early on, we give students the tools they need to succeed in both their education and their future careers.

BizWorld is so much more than a program! Together, we form a community passionate about creating a pathway that unlocks the power of entrepreneurship for youth by focusing on the three primary pillars of entrepreneurial success: knowledge, networks and capital. Pillar 1: KnowledgeThey say “knowledge is power.” That’s why we believe in sparking an entrepreneurial mindset in students as young as 3rd grade – all the way through college. BizWorld programs provide the knowledge and skills youth need to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and recognize and create meaningful opportunities for themselves. Our elementary and middle school programs, BizWorldPRO, Id8 (coming early 2024) and BizWorld Impact Challenge teach youth the fundamentals of business in a real-life context, paired with 21st century skills in a STEAM framework. Standing alone, or used as a stepping stone, each program builds upon and reinforces the knowledge gained to develop deeper understanding and broader opportunities. BizWorld’s Young Entrepreneur Success! (YES!) Program provides the necessary tools and resources to accelerate high-potential young entrepreneurs as they create and develop thriving businesses. In this 12 week virtual program, young entrepreneurs (16-22 years) learn from industry professionals through weekly workshops, a self-paced curriculum, network with like-minded peers, and receive one-on-one mentorship. We know that engaging youth in entrepreneurship education will inspire and set the stage for future leaders. Pillar 2: NetworksSupporting BizWorld programming is a community of educators, alumni, mentors, donors and educational partners. They share our passion 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. This community brings programming to life in classrooms, after-school programs, and summer camps – impacting over 850,000 students in diverse settings in 50 States and over 100 countries. Through YES!, young entrepreneurs from across the globe have been able to meet, learn together, and support each other in their endeavors. Our mentors share their knowledge, network and resources – expanding our impact exponentially. And the financial support of our donors allows BizWorld.org to continue to innovate, expand, and achieve our vision of enabling youth around the world to be prepared for bright futures that support global economic growth and vibrancy. Pillar 3: CapitalThrough the YES! Program we are providing opportunities for youth to have access to capital to make their visions a reality. Since 2019 we have granted $80,000 to 12 of the top youth-run businesses accelerated through YES!. Eighty-seven percent have continued and progressed their businesses, and 100% have either continued on to higher education or pursued their business goals. The funding, while relatively small, allows for significant growth and forward momentum for their businesses. It also proves that what they created matters, and that they have the ongoing support of the BizWorld community. Pulling together, we can strengthen this pillar by growing the BizWorld YES! Seed Fund and sharing access to funding outside our organization. Through our combined networks we can create introductions and opportunities to launch the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs with greater tools and resources than we ourselves experienced at an early age. Our Dream When we dream of unlocking the power of entrepreneurship, we are dreaming of raising a generation of problem solvers and change makers. A force of young people whose mindsets are agile, innovative, and thoughtful. As our programs continue to evolve so does our dream: an equitable ecosystem for young entrepreneurs. An environment where they can thrive regardless of their gender, how young they are, or background. In this ecosystem they can develop and flourish, and learn from and work with each other as their mindsets are nurtured with the tools and support they need. Twenty five years of experience has shown us that this is possible. Providing young people with guidance, learning opportunities, the space to make their own decisions and test the outcomes and mentorship, equips them for bright futures. Thank you for being part of the BizWorld community. With your help, we can achieve this dream!

BizWorld launched its summer cohort of the exciting, life-changing YES! Program where high potential young entrepreneurs create and develop thriving businesses. YES! builds confidence and breaks down barriers to propel youth businesses to success. We had a chance to interview Learns’ CEO’s, Miranda and Valentina, two passionate and altruistic students who want to broaden job opportunities for Costa Rican students by providing free English tutoring. We asked Miranda and Valentina some questions so we could learn more about their App and hear what inspired them to start Learn. Tell me a little bit about your company and what interested you in starting Learn? Learn is a platform where students teach students. Its purpose is to educate the future workforce by giving students the opportunity of an elevated global education. Learn offers this by connecting students who know fluent English and want to do service teaching, to students who do not know English and would like to learn. We decided to start Learn when we learned from La Nación- an Argentinian newspaper- that in 2014, 85% of students who graduated in Costa Rica didn’t speak English. We knew that this had to be fixed because in Costa Rica and around the world, you will have broader job opportunities if you speak English. We noticed that many students in rural areas were not receiving extra English tutoring. Therefore, we designed Learn as a way to ensure the opportunity to learn English reaches every student in Costa Rica. What do you hope to learn and get out of the Yes! Program? We hope to be able to develop our app, but more importantly we want to look at our business from different points of view and challenge our ideas as much as possible with the help of our mentor Michele Hanson. Where do you see your business in 5 years? Learn is about learning and in 5 years, we hope to have expanded to other countries and subjects. We aspire to be a profitable business and be able to reinvest in Learn to make the platform better and have it reach other student demographics. Additionally, since we are educating the future workforce, we want to be able to connect them with job positions where they can use their new skill set. Lastly, we also want to have a peer program between countries where we connect students who are learning opposite things such as English and Spanish and have them practice together. How did you guys become business partners? As business partners we have embarked on a number of different projects and of those projects, two specifically come to mind when asked about our previous ‘business’ endeavours. The year we met, Valentina, at the time in fifth grade, was throwing a bingo party to help children in poverty. After seeing Valentina and her friend in the newspaper, the Shark Tank obsessed third grader Miranda, offered her help with the bingo. Needless to say the bingo was extremely successful, and a handful of lucky players received beautiful trips to the destination of their choice courtesy of Delta airlines sponsoring part of the event. Other big businesses, such as Marriott, also sponsored the event. All that hard work was worth it when we were told that we had raised almost two thousand dollars. Soon after we became close friends and embarked in many more projects including the following: a kombucha tea bar that sadly did not get through the first stage of development, a franchise of nitrogen ice cream that also did not make it very far, and many more failed attempts to start ‘business’ (most of which still have saved business plans, detailed budgets, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and ‘accurate’ expected returns on each project in our shared google drive folder). After 7 years, we are now in middle school and high school and have decided to take on more feasible projects that would still improve the world. At her school, Miranda decided it would be a good idea to create a culture club, an afterschool club where young students are taught about culture in fun and creative ways. Miranda decided it would be a good idea to tell Valentina to start it at her own school as a branch of the Lincoln School Culture Club. After some time and hard work with the other co-founders, we managed to make the Culture Club an international after school club. Additionally, we have created and taken up major roles in small businesses such as designing and selling T-shirts. In January of this year, we decided to put our business plan experience to good use and started drafting a plan. After a few sleepovers and even more reading breaks, we were ready to start improving the world with our roles as co-founder and CEO’s of the Learn platform. As Chief executive officers, we will devote as much time as possible to this project in order to accomplish its goals. We will take on the roles of managing the project and making sure that the timeline is being followed and the goals are met during the expected time. Who is your role model and why? Miranda: My role model is Tracy Edwards. Tracy Edwards is a British sailor who put together and skippered the first all female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race. Additionally, she was the first woman to receive the Yachtsman of the Year award and was also awarded an MBE. Through hard work and determination , she achieved her goals and made a positive change in the world. I admire her leadership skills and her ability to follow her dreams, even though everyone told her she wouldn’t be able to do it. Valentina: Although it might be kind of basic, my role model is my mom. My mom has been such an important person in my life and has shown me everything there is to know. Additionally, she’s encouraged me to develop my entrepreneur side and has helped me with all my business endeavors. She’s