Bringing Entrepreneurship to School

Business as Learning

Entrepreneurship fits naturally into school life. When kids start businesses at school, they apply math, writing, creativity, and teamwork to real-world challenges. Business becomes more than a lesson—it becomes an experience.

Teachers can use entrepreneurship in many subjects:

• In math, kids calculate budgets and profits
• In writing, they create flyers or thank-you letters
• In art, they design logos and product displays
• In social studies, they explore how businesses meet community needs

These projects help students practice real skills like problem-solving and communication in fun and meaningful ways.

Class Markets and Events

Class markets are one of the most popular school activities. Each student or team sets up a booth to sell something they made or designed. Schools can use pretend money for practice or real money with permission.

To organize a market day:

• Set a date and invite other classes or families
• Let students test ideas and create products
• Make posters or displays
• Practice explaining and selling
• Reflect on what worked and what could improve

Kids learn not just how to make a sale, but how to listen, adapt, and grow. Teachers can celebrate creativity, teamwork, and kindness—not just sales numbers.

Clubs and Competitions

Entrepreneurship clubs offer students a chance to go further. Clubs meet after school or during special periods and often include:

• Business idea challenges
• Lessons on money, marketing, or pitching
• Guest speakers and mentors
• Practice for events like pitch contests

Competitions can be simple or formal. Kids present their ideas, answer questions, and get feedback. These events build confidence and communication skills, whether the setting is a hallway or an auditorium.

Real-Life Examples

Across the country, schools are bringing business learning to life:

• Students in Texas ran a market to raise money for charity
• A Florida middle school created a “Kid CEO Club” with tech and art businesses
• In California, entrepreneurship became part of the STEAM program
• In Oregon, kids designed eco-friendly products for a Green Business Fair

These projects show that student ideas can grow into real businesses and strong community connections.

How Teachers and Schools Can Help

Schools don’t need big budgets to support entrepreneurship. Teachers can align projects with learning goals, invite guest mentors, and use free planning tools. Parents and local business owners can support with donations, judging events, or simply showing up as customers.

The Business by Kids appendix includes worksheets and tools to help educators plan and organize entrepreneurship activities easily.

Summary Points

• Business fits into any school subject and supports real-life learning.
• Market days and pitch events give kids hands-on experience and confidence.
• Clubs and competitions help kids grow ideas over time and connect with others.
• Schools across the U.S. are using business to teach problem-solving and creativity.
• Teachers can use Business by Kids tools to plan lessons and events.
• Kids can use the map to explore school-based opportunities.
• School projects often inspire real-world businesses and lifelong confidence.