Youth Entrepreneurship Archives

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

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

Case Studies

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

October 2, 2025 No Comments

National Make a Difference Day Blog Cover at BizWorld.org

Educational Blog

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.

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

YES! Mentor David Fingerote on the Power of Purposeful Mentorship blog cover

Educational Blog

Why Feedback, Failure, and Follow-Through Build Real Leaders | BizWorld Mentor, David Fingerote

“These young entrepreneurs are doing real things. They’re fast, focused, and fearless. And that kind of energy—it’s contagious.” – David Fingerote, YES! Mentor, Educator, Coach A Mentor With a Global Mindset When David Fingerote began teaching overseas nearly two decades ago, he didn’t imagine he’d one day be mentoring teen entrepreneurs from across the globe. A lifelong educator with roots in Southern California, David has built his career working with learners of all ages—from university students in Tokyo to startup founders in the edtech space. But when he joined BizWorld’s YES! Program, something clicked. “I had been consulting with education tech companies, but many of them were tech-heavy and education-light,” David explains. “BizWorld stood out immediately—it was focused on real learning, not just flashy tools.” What started as curiosity turned into commitment. Now a mentor to multiple YES! cohorts—including Japan-based teams—David brings a unique blend of perspective, patience, and purpose to every student he meets. Why Mentorship Matters For David, mentorship isn’t about giving instructions—it’s about offering insight. “You’re not there to tell them what to do,” he says. “You’re there to reflect, to provide perspective, and to help them process the decisions they’re already making.” That philosophy has made him a favorite among YES! entrepreneurs. One student—already running a successful clothing brand—emailed David months after their last session, sharing how meaningful their time together had been. Inspired by the message, David later looped that same student into a future cohort to provide marketing advice to another participant. “That was a full-circle moment. It reminded me just how deep the ripple effect of this program can go.” A Lesson From the Court (and the Classroom) David is also a certified tennis coach and ski instructor—and he sees clear parallels between athletics and entrepreneurship. “Both require communication, confidence, and the ability to take imperfect action,” he says. “You can’t build the perfect product in your head. You have to test, fail, adjust. That’s where the learning happens.” It’s this mindset—of learning through doing—that makes BizWorld so effective. And for mentors like David, it’s just as much a growth opportunity for them as it is for the youth. “You’ll develop skills you didn’t expect. You’ll listen to yourself offering advice and realize it applies to your own life too. That reflection—it’s powerful.” Why This Work Deserves Support When asked what he’d say to a potential donor, David doesn’t hesitate: “I’ve lived and taught in places where the idea of youth entrepreneurship is nonexistent. In those places, kids are trained only to work for someone else. Programs like YES! are necessary—not just to empower students, but to build a better future for all of us.” He adds: “If young people aren’t given the space to create new ideas, then only old, worn-out ones keep circulating. And that’s a dangerous place for society to be.” The Final Word: Just Show Up At the end of the day, what matters most to David is simple. “They show up. The YES! program young entrepreneurs wake up early or stay up late just to meet with me across time zones. They work hard. They follow through. Their commitment alone makes my involvement worth every minute.” Whether it’s mentoring through a pitch deck, troubleshooting a business model, or just listening—David is there. And thanks to mentors like him, the next generation of entrepreneurs isn’t just dreaming. They’re doing. Want to Support the Next Generation of Leaders? While mentors like David generously volunteer their time, your support powers everything else—from curriculum and coordination to tech platforms and global access. Help us continue to provide these life-changing opportunities for youth around the world. 🔗 Learn how you can get involved or give at https://bizworld.org/supporter/

June 9, 2025 No Comments

YES to $500K _ The Story of BizWorld YES alumni StudyStash

Case Studies

A Week in the Life of a YES! Founder: How Jonathan Graham and StudyStash Are Bridging the Learning Gap

When most college students are prepping for exams or squeezing in a part-time job, Jonathan Graham is launching a business that’s already changing the way universities help students succeed. As a recent Demo Day funded company in BizWorld’s YES! Program, StudyStash (and it’s founders Jonathan Graham and Ben Ward) are proof of what’s possible when young innovators have access to the right support, mentorship, and a community that believes in their big ideas. Meet StudyStash: Turning Neuroscience Into Real Student Success “It was our own experience—being completely overwhelmed by hundreds of pages of slides and readings—that made us realize: something has to change,” Jonathan shares. StudyStash was born out of the frustration that so many university students feel: too much information, too little guidance. With a product that uses neuroscience to help students learn faster and more confidently, StudyStash bridges the gap between teaching and learning—empowering students, professors, and entire institutions. And it’s working. StudyStash’s platform helps students zero in on their most challenging concepts, gives professors actionable insights, and helps universities save millions by reducing dropout rates. Behind the Scenes: A Week in the Life of a YES! Participant Being a young founder isn’t all pitch decks and high-fives—it’s late nights, endless to-do lists, and juggling an academic life most adults would find exhausting. Here’s what a typical week looked like for Jonathan during the YES! cohort: What Makes YES! Different: Community, Mentorship, Real Results Jonathan is quick to credit the YES! Program for helping him and his co-founder transform a promising product into a scalable business. “Every week, BizWorld brought in people from industry who were the real deal—founders, investors, people scaling companies to hundreds of millions. The advice was actionable. Our mentor Yasmina, who had been at Alphabet, gave us feedback that directly shaped our investment pitch and business plan.” The impact isn’t just felt in advice. YES! alumni outcomes speak volumes: This is the power of community: “Founding a startup can be lonely, but in YES! we found other young entrepreneurs facing the same challenges. We learned as much from our peers as we did from the mentors.” From YES! to a Half-Million Dollar Investment StudyStash’s leap from a promising student startup to a globally ambitious, venture-backed company was no accident. “The YES! program didn’t just teach us business basics—it pushed us to think globally and equipped us with the tools, skills and networking opportunities to impress investors,” Jonathan explains. With the polish and confidence developed during YES!, StudyStash was able to raise $500,000 in their first investment round—a milestone Jonathan directly attributes to the experience and network built through the program. Why YES! Matters—For Today’s Students and Tomorrow’s Innovators In Jonathan’s words, “There’s just not enough encouragement for entrepreneurship in the school system—at least in Europe. YES! made us think bigger. We moved beyond just the UK and now have pilots in Texas, Amsterdam, and across the UK. Our $5,000 YES! funding is helping us set up a US base, cover legal and visa costs, and keep growing.” But the benefits go deeper than business growth: A Message to Future YES! Founders If you’re a young entrepreneur—or you know one—Jonathan’s advice is simple: “Just go ahead and apply for YES!. There’s no wrong stage to be at. Whether you just have an idea, or you’re already raising funding, YES! will help you get to the next level. And the network, especially in Silicon Valley, is something you just can’t find anywhere else.” Why We Need Supporters and Mentors—Now More Than Ever Jonathan’s story wouldn’t be possible without people who give their time, expertise, or financial support. “Programs like YES! are what make entrepreneurship possible for young people. Sometimes all it takes is 20 minutes with a mentor to unlock a breakthrough.” Here’s how you can help: What’s Next? As the new YES! Summer Cohort launches on June 19th—with applications closed and participants being selected—now is the perfect time to step up as a mentor or donor. Your support doesn’t just fund a business; it builds a legacy of innovation, confidence, and positive change. When you say “YES!” to supporting young entrepreneurs, you’re unleashing potential that will ripple out for years to come. Thank you for being part of the BizWorld community. Interested in bringing StudyStash to your university? Visit studystash.com.

June 9, 2025 No Comments

Not All Heroes Wear Capes—Some Carry Lesson Plans _ a tribute to our educators _ teacher appreciation week blog post cover photo

Educational Blog

When the Classroom Becomes a Company: The Unexpected Magic of Teaching BizWorld

Ask any great teacher, and they’ll tell you: the best moments in education are rarely about the tests or textbooks. They’re the moments when students surprise you—when a quiet child finds their voice, when a group of kids suddenly starts acting like a team, or when a lesson turns into something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. That’s what happens when the classroom becomes a company.That’s the unexpected magic of teaching BizWorld. It Starts With a Bracelet. It Becomes a Breakthrough. Across the country, teachers are using BizWorld to bring entrepreneurship to life; this Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 we’re so excited to feature a few of our change making educators! However, would you believe that they’re not just teaching but what they’re really doing is unlocking something much deeper: confidence, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Whether it’s a group of fourth graders pitching a new product in Alabama, middle schoolers in Virginia learning how to write resumes and manage a business, or students in California turning string into snowballs and leadership into legacy—BizWorld doesn’t just check the boxes of business education. It changes how students see themselves. As Wendy Tibbs put it: “The kid who couldn’t make a bracelet to save his life? He made the funniest commercial in class. Everyone cracked up. That was his moment to shine.” The Students Take the Lead. The Teachers See the Magic. Teachers using BizWorld consistently say the same thing: they expected to teach business.They didn’t expect their students to become businesspeople. They watch students organize teams, create job roles, run interviews, make decisions, navigate disagreements, and manage money—often for the first time in their lives. They see natural leaders rise, quiet creatives take initiative, and hesitant learners gain confidence. “At first, I thought it looked like a lot of work,” said Carolyn Tatem. “But once I saw how quickly the students took ownership, I just got out of the way.” Wendy Tibbs describes it as “executive functioning in disguise”—a way for students to learn how to plan, adapt, communicate, and take responsibility for outcomes. These aren’t just business skills. They’re life skills. And when students discover them early, everything changes. A Student’s Success Is a Teacher’s Legacy Many BizWorld teachers stay in touch with their students for years. They’ve watched young learners become confident high schoolers, return as mentors, and even launch real businesses—some inspired directly by their class projects. One standout moment came from Sherri Wright, whose students created a business called String Things that won a BizWorld demo competition and used the prize to launch an after-school Biz Club. “It was all their idea,” Sherri shared. “I was just the supporter and advocate. They wanted to teach it. They loved it so much, they wanted to pass it on.” Another long-time student of Wendy’s started in her fourth-grade BizWorld class and now owns her own salon. “It all started with that first simulation,” Wendy said. “She’s running a real business now.” That’s the power of a teacher: planting seeds in a child’s mind that grow into something far beyond the classroom. During Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re reminded that some lessons don’t end when the bell rings—and some legacies begin with a lesson plan. A Curriculum That’s Built to Support Teachers—Not Add to Their Plate BizWorld wasn’t created to be “one more thing” on a teacher’s to-do list. It was built to align with state standards, encourage cross-curricular learning, and adapt to students of all backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles. Carolyn Tatem, who teaches in a multilingual, international school, praised the flexibility of the program and how well it integrates with Virginia’s 22 Workplace Readiness Skills. “This isn’t just entrepreneurship—it’s everything from teamwork to banking vocabulary to interview prep,” she explained. “They’re learning skills they’ll use no matter what path they take.” And with BizWorld Plus launching soon, educators like Wendy are shaping the next chapter—combining years of teacher insights into a flexible, modern version of the program that grows with every classroom. Because when we listen to teachers, we make education better for everyone. To the Teachers Who Make the Magic Happen: Thank You This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re not just celebrating educators—we’re celebrating the moments they make possible. The unexpected breakthroughs. The new beliefs students form about themselves. The ideas that spark confidence and curiosity. To every teacher who’s ever handed a student a BizWorld workbook—or stood back while a kid stepped into the CEO role for the first time—we see you.You are leaders. Mentors. Legacy builders. Not all heroes wear capes.Some carry lesson plans.And some hand a kid a bracelet kit… and watch a business (and a student) come to life.

May 12, 2025 No Comments

Tag: Youth Entrepreneurship

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A Week in the Life of a YES! Founder: How Jonathan Graham and StudyStash Are Bridging the Learning Gap

When the Classroom Becomes a Company: The Unexpected Magic of Teaching BizWorld

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