When people think of entrepreneurs, they usually imagine adults pitching to investors. At KFW, the picture looks different: children sketching product ideas, discussing pricing, and explaining who their “customers” are. That’s the heart of the KFW Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.
This pillar rests on two powerful directions:
- Business by kids – children as creators of real projects and micro-businesses.
- Business for kids – adults building better products and services for children, with children’s needs at the center.
Business by Kids: Real Projects, Real Learning
The “business by kids” direction focuses on enabling children and youth to design, test, and launch real projects and micro-businesses. It includes:
- Books such as Business by Kids: A Practical Guide for Children and Parents on Launching Kids’ Businesses and Taking Part in Kids’ Business Fairs
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FC41H3JH - Online courses on idea generation, basic business models, customer understanding, and pitching
- Kids Business Fairs where children present products and services to real audiences
- A Kids Business Accelerator, which guides participants through:
- Problem discovery and ideation
- Simple business planning
- Prototyping and testing
- Presentation and mini-pitching
The goal is to develop leadership, responsibility, collaboration, initiative, and creative problem-solving from an early age.
Business for Kids: Responsible Innovation for the Next Generation
The “business for kids” direction targets adults who create products, services, and solutions for children. A specialized startup accelerator supports:
- Ideation and concept refinement
- Business plan development and validation
- Educational modules on child-centered design, ethics, and safety
- Prototyping, testing, and research with children and families
- Marketing and communication strategies focused on kid-friendly value
This accelerator helps align commercial goals with developmental and social value for children, promoting responsible and sustainable innovation.
On the Road: Bringing Entrepreneurship to Communities
An Entrepreneurial Roadshow brings both “business by kids” and “business for kids” activities to different states within the United States. The roadshow includes:
- Workshops and seminars in schools, libraries, and community spaces
- Mini hackathons and idea labs for kids and families
- Local pitch events and showcases for kids’ and adults’ projects
- Networking opportunities with local partners, sponsors, and mentors
The roadshow supports geographic expansion, local adaptation, and community-based impact.
Tools That Make Entrepreneurship Accessible
To make entrepreneurship more accessible, the project develops:
- A business plan design map – a visual and kid-friendly framework that guides users from idea to a simple business model
- AI agents – interactive assistants that help children and adults:
- Brainstorm and refine ideas
- Structure business plans
- Clarify value propositions and audiences
- Prepare basic pitches and presentations
The KFW Entrepreneurial Ecosystem helps children see themselves as problem-solvers and creators—and helps adults build more thoughtful, responsible, and kid-centered innovations.
