Tag: BizWorld

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

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

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

Read More »
National Make a Difference Day Blog Cover at BizWorld.org
Educational Blog
Wayne Veldsman

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

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

Read More »
education
Melissa Doppler

Fun and Simple Product Ideas For Junior Entrepreneurs

Looking for some fun and simple products kids who aspire to become junior entrepreneurs can make at home or in the classroom?  Here are some inexpensive and easy-to-make product ideas using readily available craft materials that anyone can create! Bookmarks Rings / Keyrings / Keychains Decorated / Painted Pebbles Stuff Animals Additional Resources & Patterns Have another product idea to add? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at program@bizworld.org Learn more about BizWorld – get started with BizWorld+ today.

Read More »
education
Melissa Doppler

Teaching Students About Incorporation

Teaching students about incorporation is a valuable part of business education, especially in programs like BizWorld, because it introduces them to the legal and organizational structure of real-world companies. Understanding incorporation helps students see how businesses grow, protect themselves, and operate professionally. Here’s a breakdown of why we teach it, and the advantages of incorporating. Why Does BizWorld Teach Students About Incorporation? 1. Real-World Relevance Incorporation is a fundamental concept in the business world. Teaching it helps students connect classroom learning to real companies they see every day—like Apple Inc. or Nike, Inc.—which are incorporated businesses. 2. Understanding Business Structure Students learn that companies aren’t just random groups of people selling things—they are organized entities with defined leadership, roles, responsibilities, and legal standing. 3. Preparation for Future Careers or Ventures Whether students become entrepreneurs, work in business, or simply manage their own finances someday, understanding incorporation gives them a head start on the kinds of decisions real business owners make 4. Teaches Teamwork and Leadership In BizWorld, incorporating a company usually means forming a team, assigning roles (like CEO or CFO), and working together with a common purpose—mimicking the structure of real-world businesses. What Are the Advantages of Incorporating a Business? 1. Limited Liability Protection One of the biggest advantages is that incorporation separates the company from the individuals who run it. This means if the company loses money or is sued, the owners’ personal finances are generally protected. 2. Professional Image and Credibility Incorporated businesses appear more legitimate and trustworthy to investors, customers, and partners. This can lead to more business opportunities. 3. Ability to Raise Capital Incorporated businesses can issue stock or attract investment more easily, giving them more ways to raise money for growth. 4. Ability to Raise Capital If a sole proprietor leaves or passes away, the business may end. But incorporated businesses can outlive their founders and be sold or transferred more easily. 5. Tax Advantages Incorporation requires defining how the business will be managed (e.g., who has decision-making authority), which helps prevent confusion and internal conflict. How This Applies in the Classroom When students incorporate their companies in BizWorld, they: This not only builds business acumen but also strengthens life skills like communication, critical thinking, and responsibility. Incorporation isn’t just a legal formality—it’s a learning opportunity. By teaching students about it early, we empower them to think like entrepreneurs and prepare them for the real world of business.  Learn more and get started with BizWorld+ today.

Read More »
Case Studies
Leane Pottas

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

Read More »
education
Leane Pottas

Inside YES! International: How Youth Founders Go Global in 12 Weeks

What if your startup idea could travel from a classroom in Europe to a pitch stage in Silicon Valley, California in just three months? That’s the opportunity given through YES!, BizWorld’s Young Entrepreneur Success program, and under the partnership between BizWorld US and Lorena Szerman of BizWorld UK, YES! is quickly becoming one of the most exciting youth accelerators in the world. “YES! takes young entrepreneurs further than they ever thought possible,” Lorena explains. “We’ve built a global platform where their ideas don’t just stay local, they travel, scale, and inspire.” Why We Took YES! Global YES! first hit the international stage in 2023 with a pilot program in the UK, Japan, UAE and China. The concept was simple but bold: to launch a youth-focused business accelerator program that not only teaches entrepreneurship, but actually launches businesses on a global scale. The results spoke for themselves. Ankhway, one of the participants in our pilot international cohort, became the first YES! company out of the UK to receive funding and gain global promotion. Momentum grew quickly. By 2024, the UK joined forces with Dubai and the wider Middle East, bringing together 11 young entrepreneurs in one powerful YES! cohort. By the end of the 12-week accelerator, two UK companies, StudyStash and National Neurodiversity Training (NNT), advanced to California for the YES! Global Demo Day, where they joined their peers from U.S. cohorts to compete on the international stage. There, NNT was the top funded company alongside calSTEM.org, both receiving $10,000 in seed funding. For Lorena, this confirmed the program’s purpose: “We’re not here to run a simulation. We’re here to give young founders the exact tools, network, and confidence to compete on a global scale.”  Through YES!, participants gain the knowledge, network, and access to capital they need to launch or scale their businesses into real-world ventures. What Exactly is the BizWorld YES! Program? At its core, YES! (the Young Entrepreneur Success Program) is a youth-focused, 12-week accelerator program designed to educate and scale the path of young entrepreneurs. The 12-week YES! Program consists of: As Lorena puts it: “The program spine is just 12 weeks, but the impact lasts years. Many of our founders go on to join other incubators or raise funding, but it’s YES! that gave them their first real lift.” The Impact of YES! International Presence YES! companies have already proven that success stories can begin in one country and expand globally: Alumni like NNT demonstrate the real transformation YES! provides: “Before YES!, we had just launched our first training engagements. During the programme, we validated our business model, digitized and scaled our training offering, and won the international Demo Day competition, receiving a $10,000 prize,” said Iveta Pudilova, CEO of NNT. “Since YES!, we’ve secured enterprise clients, delivering 5-figure deals, launched our online learning platform, and are now building an AI-powered assessment to scale internationally.” With YES! funding, NNT invested in the technical infrastructure to build its platform. Their mentor, Daryn, not only refined their commercial strategy but joined their advisory board, helping shape product-market fit and long-term scale. These aren’t case studies stuck in a slide deck; they are youth-led companies already generating over $2.5 million in combined annual revenue. Each win reinforces that YES! is more than an accelerator. It’s a launchpad where 42% of participants come from low-to-moderate income households and over 80% of participant businesses continue to scale after the first year. The Power of the YES! Ecosystem: Universities, Mentors, Scouts YES! is designed as an ecosystem, not a silo. Four primary groups power the flywheel: Together, these partnerships make YES! bigger than any single cohort. It becomes a movement, attracting resources, visibility, and opportunities. It builds on the foundation Lorena has already laid with BizWorld UK, impacting numurous young entrepreneurs so far, and causing BizWorld to be voted the best non-curriculum activity in UK private schools. What’s Next for YES! International? Canada + Beyond The momentum is growing! This fall, YES! is incubating its first Canada cohort, with between 5–20 startups expected to join. Like the UK model, the program will be backed by universities, mentors, and local community partners, all tied into the global network. The vision doesn’t stop there. With advisory boards now in place and growing interest across regions, YES! is always looking for its next chapters around the globe. “YES! is more than an accelerator,” Lorena reflects. “It’s a global bridge for youth founders. Wherever they start, we want them to feel they can go further.” Ready to Get Involved? YES! thrives on collaboration. Whether you’re an aspiring young founder, a mentor ready to share expertise, a university eager to cohost an educational workshop, or a sponsor who believes in the next generation, there’s a place for you. As one alumnus put it: “YES! gave us structured accountability, funding, and mentorship to think more strategically about scale, and gave us the confidence to take our business international.” – Iveta Pudilova, CEO of NNT

Read More »
BizWorld Jamaica pilot students presenting business ideas during entrepreneurship education workshop
Case Studies
Wayne Veldsman

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]

Read More »
Blog cover photo _ This Female Founder Story Will Change How You Think About Success | Olivia Batraski | BABCO
Educational Blog
Leane Pottas

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.

Read More »
education
Wayne Veldsman

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 →

Read More »

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

A 12-Week Journey of Growth, Grit, and Entrepreneurship When young people are given the right tools, mentorship, and support, something remarkable happens. They don’t just build businesses.They start to believe in themselves as leaders. That’s the heart of BizWorld’s YES! Program—and this summer’s cohort is already proving what’s possible when students are given the space to dream big and grow even bigger. “We have a really diverse and passionate group of entrepreneurs this summer including their ideas, companies, backgrounds, and perspectives,” says Ayesha Madni, BizWorld’s new Education Director. “I learn something new from them every week.” A Real Accelerator, Powered by Real People The YES! (Young Entrepreneur Success) Program is a 12-week entrepreneurial accelerator designed specifically for students ages 16 to 23 years old. Every week, students dive into: It all culminates in Demo Day, where students present their companies and compete for up to $30,000 in seed funding. “These students are going through an experience of tremendous growth,” Ayesha explains. “They’re gaining real skills, but also confidence and clarity. We’re watching them transform in real time.” From the Director’s Desk: Ayesha’s Reflections We asked Ayesha what makes this group so special, and what she’s seeing behind the scenes. On what stands out: “These aren’t just ideas. These are serious founders. We have businesses focused on sustainability, mental health, and even AI-powered healthcare. But what really stands out is their thoughtfulness and drive. They ask such intelligent questions. Their entrepreneurial spirit is real.” On what YES! teaches: “It’s not just about starting a business. It’s about persistence. Adaptability. Celebrating progress, not perfection. And learning how to care for yourself while chasing something meaningful.” On what makes the biggest impact for the young entrepreneurs: “Mentorship is powerful. Seeing the growth from week to week: motivation, communication, resilience, it’s mind-blowing. But equally important is the sense of community. When students feel believed in, they rise.” Not Just Learning Business—Becoming Entrepreneurs What makes YES! different isn’t just what students do. It’s who they become. They walk away with: “The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones with perfect plans,” Ayesha reminds them. “They’re the ones who keep going, keep learning, and take care of themselves along the way.” What’s Next? The YES! Summer 2025 cohort is just getting started, but the transformation is already visible. Over the next several weeks, they’ll continue refining their businesses and building toward Demo Day. Want to follow their journey or support what’s next? Donate to YES! and help us to continue developing young entrepreneurs and global innovation. Every donation, share, or word of encouragement helps these young entrepreneurs shine even brighter. 👉 Learn more about the YES! Program now →

Read More »

Cryptocurrency

We’re proud to accept donations of cryptocurrencies via our partnership with Every.org. You may please donate directly through our donation portal here.

Stock Transfer

For information about electronic transfers or to donate stock or appreciated securities please send us a message here now.

Donor Advised Fund

Making a donation through your Donor-Advised Fund is simple and impactful!

How to Give:

  1. Directly through DAF Direct: If your DAF sponsor is supported, use their portal to make your gift directly.
  2. Mail or Wire: Direct your DAF sponsor to send a check or wire funds to:
    BizWorld Foundation
    Tax ID: 94-3280297
    Address: 55 East 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA, 94401
    EIN # 94-3280297

Helpful Tips:

  • Use our tax ID (94-3280297) when searching for BizWorld Foundation in your DAF sponsor’s directory to ensure your donation is correctly processed.
  • If your DAF is with Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or BNY Mellon, you can use their portal for easy gifting.
  • You may designate your gift for a specific program or initiative in the “designation” field if your DAF sponsor allows.

Thank you for supporting BizWorld Foundation and helping us equip young entrepreneurs to unlock their potential!

ACH or Wire

Please  submit a contact form now  for information about electronic transfers or to donate stock or appreciated securities.

Mail Check

You can mail a check made payable to BizWorld.org to:

BizWorld.org

55 East 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA, 94401.