Education Archives

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

BizWorld Blog Cover for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025

education

What Is Global Entrepreneurship Week and Why Celebrating It in the Classroom Matters.

Have you ever asked yourself what happens when emerging ideas, actually get the spotlight they deserve? That’s exactly the mission of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) – a worldwide celebration of innovators, creators, and entrepreneurial spirit. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Network, GEW reaches over 200 countries and invites everyone, from budding students to seasoned founders, to explore what it means to dream, build, and be an entrepreneur. How did Global Entrepreneurship Week start? The movement began in 2008, when organizations around the world recognized that entrepreneurship does more than launch companies, it sparks creativity, opportunity, and economic growth. It also cultivates essential life skills like confidence, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership, qualities that empower individuals to thrive in any career or community they choose to build. “Investing in young people, supporting their ideas and growth, is what we believe will make the difference in the generations to come.” — Charlene Vaca, CEO of BizWorld.org Since it’s start in 2008, GEW has grown into an international collaboration involving universities, nonprofits, and corporations, hosting workshops, hackathons, and networking events throughout the week. Each year, this shared effort turns ideas into action, connecting dreamers with doers and helping people everywhere discover that entrepreneurship isn’t just for business owners, but for anyone ready to create positive change in their community. Schools such as the University of Kansas and Carnegie Mellon University now mark the week with student pitch competitions, panel discussions, and innovation challenges, each designed to inspire the next generation of change-makers. At BizWorld, Global Entrepreneurship Week is an extension of what we do every day. Throughout the week, we’re spotlighting young innovators from our programs, sharing classroom success stories, and encouraging educators to bring entrepreneurial thinking into their lessons. Whether it’s a 5th grader pitching their first startup idea in a BizWorld classroom or a YES! participant preparing for Demo Day, every moment reflects GEW’s spirit of turning ideas into action. Why celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week in the classroom matters Entrepreneurship begins long before the first business plan, it starts when students learn to think creatively, work as a team, and take ownership of their ideas. When educators bring entrepreneurial projects into their classrooms, they help students connect learning with real-world problem-solving and see themselves as capable innovators. From brainstorming sustainable products to pitching classroom business ideas, these experiences teach students the value of initiative, empathy, and perseverance. Even small lessons, like budgeting for a classroom company or identifying customer needs, build confidence and financial literacy that last a lifetime. That’s why BizWorld’s hands-on entrepreneurship programs align so naturally with GEW’s mission. Each activity transforms the classroom into a mini innovation lab, where students learn that their voices and ideas matter. So this Global Entrepreneurship Week, let’s celebrate where innovation truly begins, in the classroom, because when we teach kids to dream it, build it, and share it, we’re not just preparing future entrepreneurs, we’re empowering the next generation of change-makers. Why is Global Entrepreneurship Week important? Entrepreneurship is more than starting a business, it’s about cultivating resilience, creativity, and problem-solving. GEW highlights how daring to launch an idea can create real social and economic impact. It’s also a reminder that entrepreneurial skills, confidence, collaboration, innovative thinking, are life skills that empower people in any path they choose. One BizWorld YES! mentor put it beautifully: “Volunteering as a Mentor is more than guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs; it’s about growth, both for the mentees and for yourself.” This mindset echoes across the BizWorld community. Young Entrepreneur Success (YES!) student Sierra Mendoza shared, “Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be just a business. It could just be you trying to start something new, like you trying to be a leader. And I think that BizWorld’s program stresses that, and I think it’s very important, especially for our generation, to be leaders and just take action.” GEW and BizWorld share the very same purpose: to help people see possibilities where others see limitations. That’s why Global Entrepreneurship Week feels like home to us at BizWorld. From sparking creativity in classrooms to guiding young founders through their first business idea, BizWorld carries the same global spirit of empowerment that GEW celebrates. Both remind us that entrepreneurship is not just a skill, it’s a mindset for life. How does BizWorld fit into Global Entrepreneurship Week? At BizWorld, our mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills that unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. Across classrooms worldwide, educators use our hands-on programs to help students experience what it means to think like entrepreneurs. Through team-based projects, design thinking, and financial literacy lessons, students learn to collaborate, lead, and innovate long before they enter the workforce. Every pitch, prototype, and classroom company formed reflects the very values Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrates: confidence, creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Educators, mentors, and supporters all have a place in this movement, whether it’s bringing BizWorld’s curriculum to your school, volunteering as a mentor, or championing the next generation of change-makers. Join the movement. Spark curiosity. Help the world see what young entrepreneurs can do! So, if you’re wondering how to truly celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, here’s a thought: Why not take a step toward your own entrepreneurial dream? You can start by applying to the BizWorld YES! Program, our 12-week business accelerator for young entrepreneurs (ages 16-22) who are ready to turn their ideas into impact. The program offers business coaching, mentoring, and a vibrant community of peers and professionals who believe in one simple truth: the innovative genius lives inside us all. Or are you no longer a young entrepreneur in the making, and now realize it’s time to give back to the younger generation? Learn about bringing BizWorld’s entrepreneurship curriculums into the schools in your local area, or volunteer to be a mentor to one of the amazing young entrepreneurs in our YES! program. Join the movement. Together, we’re igniting a world that dares to dream BIG.

November 10, 2025 No Comments

Students participating in BizWorld’s entrepreneurship and STEAM program, showcasing projects that inspire creativity, teamwork, and innovation for National Entrepreneurs Day.

education

From STEAM Projects to Startups: How Entrepreneurship Education Creates Young Innovators

National Entrepreneurs Day: Celebrating Curiosity and Creativity Every great entrepreneur starts with a question – a single “What if?” “What if I could solve this problem?” “What if my idea actually worked?” “What if I could make a difference?” That same curiosity lives in today’s classrooms. On National Entrepreneurs Day, November 18th, 2025, we celebrate not only the dreamers and innovators who are building businesses, but also the educators who light that spark of creativity in the next generation. At BizWorld, we believe entrepreneurship doesn’t begin in a boardroom. It begins in a STEAM-powered classroom where students explore, experiment, and discover how their ideas can shape the world. What Does Entrepreneurship Have to Do with STEAM? STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math – teaches students how to think critically, collaborate, and create. But more than that, it teaches them how to turn ideas into impact. When a student codes a prototype, designs a product, or tests a hypothesis, they’re doing what every entrepreneur does: identifying problems, building solutions, and learning from failure. This way of thinking lies at the heart of both the entrepreneurial mindset and the STEAM approach; it’s what defines entrepreneurs, and it’s what STEAM education seeks to develop. In this way, STEAM and entrepreneurship education share the same DNA. Both encourage curiosity, creativity, and courage; the durable life skills every student needs to thrive in the future of work. Why STEAM + Entrepreneurship Is the Perfect Combination Educators know that real learning happens when students can connect lessons to life. That’s why entrepreneurship education is one of the most effective forms of STEAM learning; it’s project-based, student-led, and rooted in real-world problem solving. Through entrepreneurship: This isn’t about teaching business for business’s sake. It’s about helping students gain life skills of confidence, empathy, and persistence, the durable skills that stay with them forever. How BizWorld Brings STEAM to Life in Classrooms Across the globe, educators use BizWorld programs to make STEAM and entrepreneurship come alive for their students. Each program in our 4 stage trajectory of learning builds essential skills in creativity, leadership, and problem-solving, all while making learning fun and engaging. BizWorld+ BizWorld+ transforms the classroom into a real-world startup simulation, giving elementary and middle school students the opportunity to experience what it takes to launch and run a business. Working collaboratively, they form companies, take on leadership roles, and guide their teams through the process of designing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling a product. Along the way, they learn to budget, design, and pitch their ideas, integrating STEAM concepts through collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. ID8 ID8 is a STEAM-focused program that brings technology and innovation to life through a challenge-based simulation. Students work in teams to develop app-based solutions to real-world problems, creating wireframes and mock-ups that showcase their ideas. As they explore user experience, coding concepts, and design thinking, they connect creativity with technology—just like real startup teams do. Impact Challenge Impact Challenge empowers students to become social entrepreneurs, creating real businesses that make a difference. Working in teams, they design and produce products, sell them for a profit, and donate their earnings to a charitable cause of their choice. Along the way, students develop creative ideas for products and solutions while applying financial literacy, ethics, and empathy, integrating STEAM concepts as they discover how entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change. Each BizWorld program is created to be easy for teachers to implement, flexible for different grade levels, and built to support STEAM standards and social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes. From the Classroom to the Real World: The YES! Accelerator – The Final Stage in the BizWorld Trajectory For students ready to take their ideas beyond the classroom, BizWorld’s YES! (Young Entrepreneur Success) Business Accelerator Program is the final step. This 12-week online accelerator for youth ages 16–22 connects aspiring founders with experienced mentors and business professionals. Young entrepreneurs learn how to refine their business models, develop marketing strategies, and pitch to real investors, all free of charge to them. The results speak for themselves: What’s the thread between these success stories and the many others that have come from the YES! Program? Each success story began with curiosity, and grew through the mentorship and mindset BizWorld provides. Educators: The True Investors in Innovation Behind every confident young entrepreneur is an educator who made space for curiosity. When teachers introduce entrepreneurship through programs like BizWorld+, id8, and Impact Challenge, they’re not just teaching business, they’re guiding students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and solve problems creatively. “This is what school should be like all the time!” — Meg Anderson, 4th Grade Teacher “Students who were shy came out of their shells and discovered their strengths.” — Brian Rinderknecht, 5th Grade Teacher“The transformation of students in the BizWorld Program is real. Even quiet students found their voices through the BizWorld programs.” — Carolyn Tatem, Elementary School Teacher BizWorld’s trajectory of programs gives educators the tools to turn creativity into confidence, helping students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world challenges and lifelong success and access to pursue their dreams. Most importantly, they showcase how building an entrepreneurial mindset equips students with skills that will carry them into successful futures, regardless of the careers they ultimately pursue. What Does Celebrating National Entrepreneurs Day Really Mean? It’s about celebrating the partnership between educators, mentors, and young innovators who turn imagination into impact. When STEAM and entrepreneurship meet, students don’t just learn skills – they discover possibility. And thanks to the YES! program, they have the mentorship and resources to bring those possibilities to life. This National Entrepreneurs Day, let’s continue building classrooms where creativity feels possible, innovation feels accessible, and every “what if?” finds its “how.” For Educators It’s up to you to empower your students to think boldly, act creatively, and collaborate fearlessly. Bring entrepreneurship education to life with BizWorld’s classroom programs. 👉 Explore the BizWorld Programs For Young Innovators Do you have an idea that won’t leave your mind? The Young Entrepreneur

November 10, 2025 No Comments

2025 RiskMaster Luncheon _ Website Blog Covers - BizWorld

education

Celebrate Innovation at the 21st Annual RiskMaster Luncheon

📅 December 10, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM📍 Computer History Museum, 1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043 Get your tickets to the 2025 BizWorld RiskMaster Luncheon here. The countdown is on for one of BizWorld’s most anticipated events of the year, the 21st Annual RiskMaster Luncheon. On December 10, 2025 business leaders, educators, and young entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley and across the US will come together at the Computer History Museum for an inspiring afternoon of recognition, community, and impact. This year, we are honored to present our RiskMaster award to Sal Khan, Founder & CEO of Khan Academy and author of Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing). Sal’s groundbreaking work in transforming global education through technology makes him a leader who perfectly embodies what it means to be a RiskMaster: innovative, courageous, and committed to making a difference. What to Expect at the Luncheon 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: Registration & Reception 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Luncheon & Program What is the BizWorld RiskMaster Luncheon? The RiskMaster Luncheon is BizWorld’s flagship annual celebration and fundraising event honoring innovation, leadership, and education. As BizWorld’s exclusive annual fundraiser, it offers supporters a unique opportunity to witness the direct impact of their generosity while being inspired to get involved even more. Each year, we present the RiskMaster Award to a visionary leader who has taken bold risks to drive positive change in the world. The event also recognizes educators with the Educator of the Year Award and showcases inspiring student success stories from the BizWorld+ Junior Entrepreneurs, and our Young Entrepreneur Success YES! Program Beyond awards, the luncheon is a space for connection, where business leaders, educators, donors, and students come together to celebrate impact and invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs. Since its inception, BizWorld has reached more than 900,000 youth worldwide, and the RiskMaster Luncheon plays a vital role in fueling that mission. Why This Event Matters The RiskMaster Luncheon isn’t just a celebration, it’s a chance for entrepreneurship advocates like you to see your impact come to life. Every ticket purchased, table sponsored, or donation made fuels the economy through BizWorld’s mission to provide entrepreneurial education to young people across the globe. Your support empowers students to: When you attend, you don’t just hear about the future of entrepreneurship, you meet it face-to-face in the form of innovative, hungry, young entrepreneurs eager to share their ideas.The Luncheon is also a rare chance to connect with fellow champions of innovation, leaders, educators, and supporters who share a belief in the power of entrepreneurship to change lives. It’s an afternoon of ideas and inspiration that reminds us what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. How to Get Involved Here are three simple ways you can make a difference through the Luncheon: Why Supporters Are at the Heart of the Event At its core, the RiskMaster Luncheon is about celebrating the supporters who make everything possible. Without you, BizWorld’s programs would not reach the thousands of students they do each year. This event is a reminder that every gift, every moment of mentorship, and every show of support adds up to lasting change in young lives. Thank you for supporting BizWorld. We can’t do this without you. Save the Date ✨ 21st Annual Riskmaster Luncheon 📅 Wednesday, December 10, 2025 🕚 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM 📍 Computer History Museum, 1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA Book your ticket now and don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event honoring Sal Khan and celebrating the power of entrepreneurship education. Together, we’re building brighter futures—one student, one classroom, and one community at a time.

October 2, 2025 No Comments

Case Studies

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

September 22, 2025 No Comments

BizWorld Jamaica pilot students presenting business ideas during entrepreneurship education workshop

Case Studies

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]

September 9, 2025 No Comments

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

Educational Blog

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.

August 11, 2025 No Comments

education

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 →

August 8, 2025 No Comments

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 →

July 20, 2025 No Comments

Blog Cover Image - What Do Kids Really Need to Succeed Why Life Skills Matter More Than Ever

Educational Blog

What Do Students Really Need to Succeed? Why Life Skills Matter More Than Ever on World Youth Skills Day

Every year on July 15, the world celebrates World Youth Skills Day—a global initiative that shines a spotlight on a simple but urgent truth: Young people need more than academic knowledge. They need real-world skills to thrive in life and work. But today, far too many students are graduating without the tools they need to succeed in college, careers, or their communities. At BizWorld, we’re changing that. We equip students to not only thrive in future jobs, but to create them. By equipping students to build entrepreneurial mindsets and practical skills early in their lives, we’re helping them to become changemakers who drive economic impact in their communities. From Skills Training to Ownership Thinking Across the U.S., more schools are embracing Career Technical Education (CTE)—hands-on learning that prepares students for real careers. Whether it’s culinary arts, cosmetology, coding, or business management, students in CTE programs are gaining the technical skills to succeed in a range of industries. But often, the focus stops at employment. BizWorld fills the next gap: we help students connect their technical skills to entrepreneurship, showing them how to lead, innovate, and eventually own the businesses they’re training to work in. “Instead of just becoming a cosmetologist, BizWorld students learn how to open their own salon.Instead of just training to be a chef, they learn how to run the restaurant.” – Melissa Doppler, BizWorld Development & Community Director Why the CTE Career Clusters Framework Still Matters The National Career Clusters® Framework organizes nearly all career fields into 14 major pathways—like Finance, Marketing, Digital Technology, Health Sciences, and Hospitality. These clusters are the backbone of most CTE programs. And BizWorld fits perfectly within this structure. We teach core Career-Ready Practices like: But we supercharge those with entrepreneurial application—letting students practice real roles like CEO, CFO, and VP of Marketing. What We Hear from Educators in the Field At the Educating for Careers Conference in Sacramento earlier this year, our Development & Community Director Melissa Doppler spoke with dozens of CTE teachers from across the country. What did she hear? Many of them are already trying to build their own entrepreneurship curriculum—because they know it’s what their students need. One culinary teacher shared that while her students were learning how to cook and serve food, they weren’t learning how to open and operate a food business. She told Melissa, “This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I teach them how to cook—but they want to know how to turn it into something of their own.” That’s what BizWorld delivers. Why It All Ties Back to World Youth Skills Day World Youth Skills Day is about preparing young people to succeed in a rapidly changing world. That means: At BizWorld, we’re proud to be part of that solution. And we’re just getting started. “This program is student-centered… There are no right or wrong answers. There are no failures, but they can self-assess and learn from each other.” — Sabrina Lou, 4th Grade Teacher, Brookline, MA Ready to Help Students Take Control of Their Future? This fall, bring career-ready and ownership-ready programming to your classroom or after-school program: 👉 Explore our programs →

July 7, 2025 No Comments

Tag: Education

Reflecting on 2025 at BizWorld, and Dreaming Forward

What Is Global Entrepreneurship Week and Why Celebrating It in the Classroom Matters.

From STEAM Projects to Startups: How Entrepreneurship Education Creates Young Innovators

Celebrate Innovation at the 21st Annual RiskMaster Luncheon

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

Entrepreneurship Education in Action: How BizWorld’s International Pilot Turned Students into Entrepreneurs

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

Educators, Kickstart Your Student’s Year with 50% off BizWorld’s Entrepreneurship & STEAM Programs.

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

What Do Students Really Need to Succeed? Why Life Skills Matter More Than Ever on World Youth Skills Day

Company

Programs

Help Center

Join Our Newsletter

Be the first to know about our latest updates, exclusive offers, and more.

Terms & Conditions ~ Privacy Policy

Copyright @2025 The BizWorld Foundation, Inc.

Tag: Education

Cryptocurrency

Stock Transfer

Donor Advised Fund

ACH or Wire

Mail Check