business plan for high schoolers

160+ Business Ideas for High School Students

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High school students are often in search of opportunities to gain practical experience while learning crucial skills for their future careers. One of the best ways for young individuals to acquire these skills is through entrepreneurship.

By exploring various business ideas tailored to their interests and abilities, high school students can develop essential skills such as problem-solving, effective communication, and financial management.

There is no shortage of business ideas suitable for high school students. Some of these may even be initiated with low investment and from the comfort of their own homes.

With the right attitude and dedication, students can successfully balance their academic pursuits and their entrepreneurial journey, leading to long-term benefits like expanded networks and professional growth.

As contemporary technology continues to advance, high school students are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends, creating innovative solutions to everyday challenges.

Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset at a young age can prove to be invaluable, equipping students with the tools necessary for navigating the ever-changing professional landscape.

Business Ideas For High Schoolers

Here’s a list of business ideas for high school students. While all of these won’t be a perfect fit for everyone, hopefully some of them will serve as inspiration for your next idea!

Lawn Mowing Service
Babysitting
Dog Walking
Car Washing
Tutoring in a Subject They Excel In
Selling Handmade Jewelry
Social Media Management for Small Businesses
Video Editing Service
Web Design Service
Baking and Selling Cookies or Cupcakes
House Cleaning Service
Pet Sitting
Creating and Selling Artwork
Personal Shopping Service
Bicycle Repair Service
Personalized Greeting Card Creation
Creating and Selling Handmade Candles
Custom Smartphone Case Design
Freelance Writing for Blogs or Magazines
Creating YouTube Video Content
Selling Vintage Clothing Online
Mobile Phone Repair Service
Teaching Computer Skills
Organizing Community Events
Making and Selling Custom T-Shirts
Home Organizing Service
Running Errands for Elderly Neighbors
Makeup Artist for Events
Custom Illustration and Design Services
Handmade Soap and Bath Bomb Making
Game Development
Growing and Selling Organic Produce
Personal Fitness Training
Making and Selling Hair Accessories
Recycling Service
Snow Shoveling Service
Holiday Decoration Service
Academic Research Assistant
Custom Gift Basket Creation
Thrift Store Flipping
Tech Setup and Troubleshooting
Adventure Tour Guide in Local Area
Resume Writing Service
Home Theater Setup Service
Aquarium Cleaning Service
Local History Guide
College Application Consulting
Mobile DJ Service for Events
Drone Photography Service
Creating and Managing a School Newsletter
Henna Tattoo Artist
Mobile Gaming Party Host
Party Planning for Teens
Local Sports Coaching
Selling Handmade Paper Crafts
Online Language Tutoring
Yard Sale Organizer
School Supply Resale
Handmade Furniture Upcycling
Scrapbooking Service
Personalized Mug Printing
Providing Music Lessons
Creating and Selling Stickers
Board Game Rentals
Pool Cleaning Service
Teaching Dance Classes
Creating and Selling Handmade Pottery
Making and Selling Personalized Bookmarks
YouTube Tutorial Creator (e.g., Makeup, Gaming)
Event Photography
Making and Selling DIY Science Kits
Creating and Selling Study Guides
Plant Nursery Business
Tailoring and Alterations
Mobile Skateboard or Rollerblade Repair
Online Comics and Art
Aquarium Design and Maintenance
Custom Cake Decorating
Refurbishing Old Electronics
Knitting and Selling Scarves and Hats
Offering Calligraphy Services
Beach Cleanup Service
Mobile Bicycle Tune-Up Service

Social Media Influencer

Assisting in Local Organic Farms
College Scholarship Research Service
Adventure Travel Planning for Families
Homemade Jam and Jelly Making
Vintage Clothing Restoration
Custom Airbrushing Service
Assisting with Local Charity Events
Mobile Car Detailing
Organic Pet Treat Making
Nature Guiding and Education
Local Magazine Contributor
Teaching Origami or Craft Classes
Designing Custom Desktop Wallpapers
Smartphone Photography Classes
Hosting Local Trivia Nights
Creating and Selling Herbal Teas and Remedies
Personal Shopping for Seniors
Creating and Selling Mobile Phone Cases
High School Memory Books Creator
Seasonal Lawn Decoration Service
Building and Selling Birdhouses
Fitness Classes for Other Teens
Designing Custom School Spirit Wear
Indoor Plant Care and Consultation
Providing Tech Support for Seniors
Popcorn Making and Selling
Comic Book Flipping
Creating and Selling Greeting Cards
Collectible Toy Reselling
Hosting Video Game Tournaments
Personalized Jewelry Making
Offering Meditation and Yoga Classes
Developing Personalized Workout Plans
Selling Hand-Painted Sneakers
Providing Resume and Job Interview Coaching
Organizing Community Sporting Events
Teaching Painting or Drawing Classes
Custom Phone Ringtone Creation
Hosting Themed Movie Nights
Selling Handcrafted Candles
Producing and Selling Vegan Snacks
Making and Selling Natural Skincare Products
Organizing Local Cleanup Efforts
Hosting Cooking Classes for Kids
Building and Selling Terrariums
Writing and Selling E-Books (e.g., Fantasy, Adventure)
Organizing and Leading Hiking Trips
Creating Personalized Home Decor
Making and Selling Quilts or Blankets
Teaching Digital Art and Design
Building and Selling Miniature Models
Offering Sports Equipment Rentals
Designing and Printing Custom T-Shirts
Hosting DIY Craft Workshops
Building and Selling Custom Fish Tanks
Providing Language Translation Services
Conducting Local History Tours
Creating and Selling 3D Printed Items
Personalized Meal Planning and Prep
Teaching Basic Coding and Programming
Personal Stylist and Wardrobe Consulting
Developing and Selling Mobile Apps
Designing Custom Stationery
Providing Childproofing Services
Teaching Robotics Workshops
Hosting and Organizing Art Exhibits
Tailoring and Alteration Service
Creating and Selling Board Games
Writing and Illustrating Children’s Books
Teaching Dance or Music Lessons
Building Custom Gaming Computers
Designing and Making Prom Accessories
Creating Educational YouTube Videos
Making and Selling Garden Decorations
Hosting Virtual Reality Gaming Experiences
Offering Peer Academic Tutoring
Hosting Charity Fundraisers
Providing Makeup and Beauty Tutorials
Creating and Running Escape Room Experiences
Designing Custom Laptop Skins
Building and Selling Remote Control Vehicles
Offering Bicycle Maintenance and Repair
Providing College Application Assistance
Developing and Selling Educational Apps
Creating and Organizing Community Talent Shows

Essential Business Concepts

Starting a business as a high school student can be an exhilarating and educational experience. To succeed, young entrepreneurs should be well-versed in a few essential business concepts. These concepts cover the various stages of business development and management, ensuring smooth-sailing from the inception to scaling.

Before embarking on the entrepreneurial journey, it is crucial to develop a clear business plan . A solid plan outlines the product or service being offered, target market, growth strategy, and financial projections. This document will not only serve as a roadmap for the startup but also helps in soliciting investment and support from potential backers.

One key aspect of entrepreneurship is identifying the ideal business model . The model determines how a business will generate revenue, and it may evolve over time to adapt to market trends or customer preferences. For instance, popular models include the subscription approach, freemium offerings, and direct sales.

Product and service development is vital for any startup. Young entrepreneurs must focus on meeting customer needs by providing unique, value-added solutions. Conducting market research, studying competitors, and gathering customer feedback are essential steps in creating a compelling offering.

When starting a business, it’s essential to have a strong management structure in place. Efficient management involves organizing resources, delegating tasks, and overseeing operations to ensure the business runs smoothly. Strong leadership skills, communication, and a willingness to learn from mistakes are vital traits for a successful entrepreneur.

Finally, planning the launch of the startup business is a critical step. This includes finalizing the product or service, securing the necessary permits or licenses, creating a marketing strategy, and establishing operating processes. Proper planning and execution during the launch phase can help young entrepreneurs build a solid foundation and set their businesses on a path to success.

To sum up, mastering essential business concepts is vital for high school students looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. From crafting a business plan to developing a successful launch strategy, these concepts will guide young entrepreneurs in making informed decisions and turning their business ideas into thriving ventures.

Business Ideas For High School Students

Starting a business during high school can be an excellent way to learn valuable skills, develop a strong work ethic, and potentially earn some extra money. With minimal investment and flexible working hours, these business ideas for students and teens can become rewarding side hustles . Let’s explore some business ideas that are suitable for high school students.

Freelance writing and editing can be an ideal opportunity for students who are passionate about writing or have strong grammar skills. Students can offer their services for a fee, creating content or proofreading for clients like bloggers, businesses, and authors. Freelance writing platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr can be an excellent starting point.

Tutoring is another feasible option for high school students who excel in a particular subject or skill. Tutoring services can be offered to younger students, classmates, or adults looking to learn something new. Online platforms like Tutor.com or Wyzant can help connect tutors with potential clients. Alternatively, students can promote their services through local community centers, schools, and social media.

If a student possesses a talent for arts and crafts , they can turn their hobby into a small business venture. Handmade jewelry, clothing, paintings, stationery, or home décor items can be sold online through marketplaces like Etsy or at local craft fairs and community events.

Pet sitting and dog walking services can cater to busy pet owners who need assistance in taking care of their furry friends. This business idea requires little to no investment and provides the added benefit of getting regular exercise while walking pets. Promoting services via social media, local pet stores, or dog parks can help attract clients.

Lastly, high school students with an interest in technology and gadgets may consider starting a tech support and repair service . Offering assistance with software installation, troubleshooting, or even repairing smartphones and laptops can be a profitable business idea. To promote this service, students can pitch to their classmates, family friends, or community members looking for tech support.

These are just a handful of potential business ideas for students and teens looking to start their entrepreneurial journey. By investing time, effort, and dedication, high school students can successfully launch their businesses and gain valuable experience in the process.

Service-Based Business Ideas

Tutoring services.

Starting a tutoring business is a great opportunity for high-achieving high school students. By offering one-on-one or group sessions, you can help other students improve their academic performance.

Focus on subjects where you excel, such as math, science, or languages. To attract clients, create flyers, social media pages, or leverage your school’s bulletin board. As you gain experience and clients, consider expanding your services to online tutoring platforms.

Child Care Services

Offering child care services is a flexible way to earn money after school or over the weekend. Whether it’s babysitting, providing after-school care, or even organizing playdates, your services can be valuable to busy parents.

Make sure to obtain necessary certifications, such as child and infant CPR, and create a professional online presence to showcase your skills and experience.

Pet Care Services

If you love animals, starting a pet care business might be the perfect fit. Offer services like pet sitting, dog walking, or even grooming sessions.

To set yourself apart from competitors, consider obtaining certifications from organizations like Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. Advertise your services through local classifieds, social media, or word of mouth in your neighborhood.

Errand-Running Services

Helping others with their daily tasks can be a lucrative business idea for high school students. By offering errand-running services , you can assist busy parents or elderly neighbors with grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or dropping off packages.

Build your client base through personal connections, social media advertising, and local online community groups.

Outdoor Maintenance Services

Lawn care businesses are ideal for high school students who enjoy spending time outdoors. Services may include mowing lawns, raking leaves, trimming bushes, or even small landscaping projects.

Invest in good-quality equipment and learn proper techniques to ensure outstanding results. Create professional flyers or online ads to attract potential customers, and consider offering package deals for ongoing maintenance.

Car Washing Services

Offering car washing services can be a profitable business venture for enthusiastic high school students. Provide services like washing, waxing, or interior cleaning, and work on developing efficient techniques and using eco-friendly products. To build your client base, advertise through social media, local classifieds, or word of mouth, and consider offering discounts for referrals or repeat customers.

Online Business Opportunities

Blogging and content creation.

Developing a blog can be a great way for high school students to start their online business journey . A blog enables students to share their passions, interests, and knowledge with the world while generating income through advertising or affiliate marketing.

Content creation is not just limited to writing; multimedia, such as videos and podcasts, can also attract an audience. Combining various content formats with proper search engine optimization (SEO) allows young entrepreneurs to grow their online presence over time.

Freelance Writing and Design

High school students who have a knack for writing or designing can offer their services to clients through platforms like Upwork . Freelance writing covers a broad range of topics, from blog articles to technical documentation and teaching materials.

Similarly, design projects can include graphic design, logo creation, and website templates. These opportunities allow budding writers and designers to build their portfolio, gain experience, and earn money working around their school schedule.

Website Development and Design

Web development and design are in high demand, making them excellent online business options. Students who have skills in website development or web design can create and sell their services to clients.

Aspiring web developers can create custom websites for businesses and individuals or develop themes for popular platforms like WordPress. Meanwhile, web designers can focus on creating visually appealing and user-friendly designs for clients. Establishing a strong portfolio through multiple projects helps attract potential customers and showcase their expertise.

The rise of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube has given way to the social media influencer phenomenon. High school students who can build a following around their interests or talents can eventually monetize their content.

This can include sponsored posts, product endorsements, or creating and selling their merchandise. Developing a niche and unique content style is crucial for standing out in a competitive online space. By consistently posting high-quality content and engaging with their audience, high school influencers can potentially turn their passion into a profitable online business.

Creative Business Ideas

Photography business.

If you have a passion for photography and an eye for capturing stunning images, starting a photography business could be an excellent opportunity.

To begin, invest in quality camera equipment and learn essential photography techniques and editing software. Then, you can offer your services for events, portraits, or even as a freelance photographer for local publications. Don’t forget to create an online portfolio to showcase your work and attract clients.

Graphic Design Business

For students with exceptional design skills, a graphic design business could be an exciting venture. Develop your skills in programs like Adobe Creative Suite, and create a portfolio showcasing your artwork in various categories, such as logos, marketing materials, or web design.

Connect with local businesses, clubs, or nonprofit organizations in need of design services. Networking and word of mouth are essential for growing this business, so don’t hesitate to spread the word about your services.

Online Game and App Development

In the world of technology and entertainment, creating an app or online game might be the perfect business idea for tech-savvy students. You can develop games and apps for mobile devices or specific platforms, such as iOS or Android.

Learn programming languages such as C++ or Java, and familiarize yourself with development tools, like Unity or Unreal Engine. Begin by creating small games or apps to build your portfolio, then expand your project ideas and market your products on various online platforms.

Music Lesson Services

If you are a talented musician, offering music lessons can be a lucrative and rewarding business for high school students. First, determine the instruments or music styles you are proficient at and wish to teach.

Next, create lesson plans and teaching materials tailored to different skill levels and age groups. Advertise your services in local community centers, schools, or social media platforms, and be prepared to offer lessons either at your home, clients’ homes, or virtually. Don’t forget to be patient and flexible, as students learn at different paces and may require personalized attention.

Overall, by focusing on your strengths and interests, you can tap into exciting business opportunities, while gaining valuable experience, skills, and connections. Whether you choose to pursue photography, graphic design, game development, or music lessons, remember to remain dedicated, curious, and professional every step of the way.

Planning and Management

When considering business ideas for high school students, it’s essential to start with well-structured planning and management. Creating an account for your business is a key first step, as it helps to separate your personal finances from your business assets. This not only adds credibility to your venture but also makes it easier to track expenses and income.

Budgeting plays a crucial role in managing your high school business. It helps you identify and control expenses, ensuring that you don’t overspend on unnecessary items. Proper budgeting also ensures you have enough funds to cover unexpected expenses and expand the business.

As you develop your business idea, carefully consider your competition . Analyze the market, identify your competitors, and understand what sets your product or service apart from others.

Implementing strong time management skills will lead to the success of your venture as a high school student. Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and your business is challenging, but with proper planning and organization, you can prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively.

When it comes to business projects , selecting a project that aligns with your interests and passions is important. For example, you could start a food truck simulation project or offer an errand running service for people pressed for time. Experimenting with different ideas helps you gain experience in various fields and learn valuable skills along the way.

Finally, having a well-thought-out plan for your high school business ensures that goals are met and continuously assessed. Develop a clear action plan that outlines goals, strategies, and milestones, while also being prepared to adapt when faced with unexpected challenges.

Marketing and Promotion

When it comes to launching a business as a high school student, effective marketing and promotion play a crucial role in its success. Understanding various marketing strategies will help you create a strong brand, communicate effectively with your target audience, and build a loyal customer base.

To begin with, branding is key to differentiating your business from competitors and establishing an identity. An impactful logo, unique color scheme, and consistent messaging across all platforms solidify your brand presence, making it more recognizable and memorable.

Social media offers an accessible platform to promote your business. Utilizing popular apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook enables you to showcase products or services, interact with potential customers, and foster a sense of community. Engaging regularly and sharing user-generated content helps you to organically promote your brand.

Paid ads can supplement organic growth, as platforms like Google AdWords and Facebook Ads offer targeted advertising solutions. By investing in these services, you can reach an even wider audience, targeting specific age groups, interests, or location demographics.

Effective communication is essential in building trust and fostering relationships with your customers. Prompt and courteous responses to inquiries demonstrate professionalism and concern for their experience. Additionally, employing a clear and engaging tone helps in connecting with potential customers and retaining their interest.

Networking is another powerful tool for promoting your business, as it allows you to connect with other entrepreneurs and potential clients or collaborators. Participating in events, clubs, and professional networks can lead to new opportunities, valuable resources, and broader exposure for your brand.

Lastly, devising creative marketing strategies tailored specifically to your target audience will make a lasting impact. Contests, collaboration with influencers, or limited-time promotions attract attention, while optimizing SEO and investing in content marketing initiatives can increase website traffic and brand visibility.

Overall, a well-rounded approach to marketing and promotion—covering branding, social media, ads, communication, networking, and targeted marketing strategies—lays the foundation for success in your high school business ventures. Remember to adapt and refine your tactics as you grow and learn more about your audience’s preferences and habits.

Resources and Support

Starting a business as a high school student may seem challenging, but various resources and support networks can make it more manageable. One key resource for young entrepreneurs is the education system.

Many high schools today offer business education programs or courses focused on entrepreneurship, management, marketing, and finance. These courses can provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop their business ideas.

For those who wish to delve deeper into specific topics, such as technology or social media marketing, online platforms like Study.com offer courses in various business-related fields. Moreover, college and university summer programs can provide advanced students with the chance to learn from industry professionals and gain valuable experience before embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

High school libraries serve as important resources for students looking to start a business. Books, magazines, and online databases can offer essential insights into marketing trends, business management, and other relevant topics.

Additionally, libraries often host workshops and seminars that cover important aspects of business education and professional development. These events can also provide excellent networking opportunities for students.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in the success of young entrepreneurs. High school students can seek out business-savvy mentors from their local community, school alumni, or entrepreneurial organizations. These mentors can offer guidance and advice on navigating the business world and often share their valuable experiences.

When it’s time to launch a business, potential investors and funding sources may become an essential part of the process. High school students can explore options such as crowdfunding campaigns, local business competitions, and grants specifically designed for young entrepreneurs. These options can help students secure the necessary capital to grow their ideas into successful ventures.

Overall, various resources and support options can empower young entrepreneurs, providing them with the knowledge, guidance, and funding to turn their high school business ideas into reality. With determination and the right resources, there’s no limit to what high school students can achieve.

Challenges and Solutions

High school students often face various challenges when trying to start a business. One such problem is the lack of experience in dealing with real-life situations that involve time management, decision-making, and leadership, among other skills. However, by engaging in entrepreneurship activities, students can develop these essential life skills, laying a strong foundation for future success (Crimson Education) .

Financial constraints pose another challenge for young entrepreneurs. The availability of cash is critical for any startup, but students may find it difficult to secure the necessary funds. A possible solution to this issue is the students’ initiative in seeking support from family, friends, or even crowdfunding platforms. Additionally, participating in business competitions can give students the chance to win seed money and establish their startups.

The pandemic has also made it more difficult for high school students to pursue their business ideas. Traditional face-to-face interactions and activities have been limited, forcing young entrepreneurs to adapt and innovate.

Fortunately, the virtual world offers numerous opportunities for students to pivot and explore different business avenues. For example, promoting and selling products via social media or creating online services tailored to pandemic-induced needs.

Problem-solving is critical for any entrepreneur, and high school students need to understand how their ideas can address community needs and make an impact. Real-world projects are an excellent way for students to apply design programs and problem-solving skills towards addressing compelling issues (NGLC) .

In summary, high school students can overcome the challenges of starting a business by enhancing their skills through entrepreneurship experiences, securing financial support, and embracing the virtual world for problem-solving and innovation.

Stock Market Knowledge

For high school students interested in business ideas, gaining a solid understanding of the stock market can be invaluable. The stock market is a platform where investors buy and sell shares of public companies. It acts as a critical driver of economic growth and a reflection of the overall health of an economy.

To begin with, it’s essential for students to learn about the basic concepts of economics . They should familiarize themselves with supply and demand, the forces that determine the prices of goods and services in the market. Grasping essential economic indicators, such as inflation, GDP growth, and unemployment rates, can offer insights on how external factors affect the stock market.

Moreover, understanding inflation is also crucial because it influences the purchasing power of money and, in turn, affects investment decisions. When inflation is high, cash loses value, prompting investors to seek assets that can hold their value, such as stocks. However, if inflation spirals out of control, it can lead to economic instability and, consequently, impact the stock market negatively.

To gain hands-on experience, students can participate in stock market simulations or investment clubs in their schools. These activities allow them to practice buying and selling stocks with virtual money and enhance their understanding of market mechanics. They can also learn about various investment strategies, risk management, and portfolio diversification.

Additionally, students should follow financial news to keep up-to-date with market trends and company performances. By watching financial market indicators like the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and Dow Jones Industrial Average, they can observe how different factors affect stock prices.

Ultimately, stock market knowledge enables high school students to make informed investment decisions in the future. The skills they acquire can help them achieve financial success and contribute to economic growth on a broader scale.

Skills and Personal Development

Developing various skills and experiences throughout high school is essential for students exploring entrepreneurial opportunities. Gaining leadership experience aids in managing teams and projects effectively.

Students can participate in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, and volunteering, to develop leadership skills. Obtaining leadership roles also allows them to build a network with like-minded peers that may lead to future collaborations.

In terms of entrepreneurial experience , engaging in small business ventures such as selling used books or starting a car washing business is an excellent way for students to gain hands-on experience. These relatively low-risk ventures expose them to business management, financial planning, and risk assessment.

Developing flexibility and time management skills is another crucial aspect. Juggling academics, personal life, and business requires a student to have flexible hours and the ability to prioritize tasks. They must also learn to adapt to changing circumstances, such as market conditions or customer needs.

A solid foundation in research is integral to success in any business endeavor. Embarking on a research project related to the business idea allows students to gather information, analyze market trends, and identify potential competitors. By doing so, they develop problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and become more informed decision-makers.

Moreover, technical and practical skills specific to the chosen business field are necessary. For instance, starting a food truck business simulation project demands culinary abilities, marketing strategies, and financial planning.

In summary, high school students have plenty of opportunities to develop the skills and qualities needed to thrive in entrepreneurial ventures. A balance between leadership, entrepreneurial experience, flexibility, research proficiency, and technical abilities is essential. By focusing on personal development, students can pave the way toward success in their future business endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are low-cost business ventures high school students can pursue.

Low-cost business ventures suitable for high school students may include providing tutoring or coaching services, creating and selling handmade crafts, or setting up a car wash. These businesses often require minimal initial investment and can be tailored to a student’s skills, interests, and available resources. Moreover, they can be expanded by leveraging social media and word-of-mouth advertising.

How can students start an online business with no initial investment?

Starting an online business with no initial investment is achievable through various means. Students can create a blog, utilize affiliate marketing, or offer creative services like graphic design and content writing. These online businesses often rely on digital platforms that require little to no financial commitment, such as free blogging platforms and social media networks.

What are some creative business projects for young entrepreneurs?

Creative business projects for young entrepreneurs can include designing and selling custom clothing or merchandise, launching a subscription box service, developing mobile applications or software, conducting workshops, or curating themed events. These projects allow young entrepreneurs to express their creativity and passion while generating income.

What types of businesses can a teenager run from home?

Teenagers can run various types of businesses from home, such as social media management, freelance writing, photography or video editing services, pet sitting, or lawn care. These businesses offer flexibility with minimal overhead, allowing teenagers to balance their school work and entrepreneurial pursuits effectively.

Which business ideas are successful for teenage girls?

Business ideas successful for teenage girls can range from creating unique fashion or beauty products to organizing community events or workshops, offering tutoring, or starting a digital marketing agency. These ideas are not limited by gender and can be adapted to suit the interests and skills of any individual.

How can a high school student start a business with limited funds?

Starting a business with limited funds involves careful planning to determine low-cost opportunities and leveraging personal assets or skills. Students can tap into their existing network, conduct market research, and utilize free resources to avoid incurring unnecessary expenses. They may also consider partnering with other students or seeking mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs to help build a solid foundation for their business.

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15 Business Competitions for High School Students

What’s covered:, why should you enter an investing competition, how do business competitions affect my admissions chances.

Whether you dream of being a billionaire businessman like Mark Cuban, an investment icon like Warren Buffet, or a founder who’s focused on giving back like Hamdi Ulukaya, the creator and CEO of Chobani, entering a business competition for high schoolers is often a great first step toward a successful enterprise.

Business competitions are a great opportunity to show off your entrepreneurial spirit while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges of starting and running a business. Business competitions allow you to highlight in-demand skills like idea generation, creative thinking, leadership, and communication. They also give you a chance to learn about building a business and to test your ideas in a relatively risk-free environment—after all, there is no capital or investment to lose.

Many business competitions will also connect you with real-life professionals and college business school faculty. This creates both the chance for mentorship and the foundation of a business network that can serve you both inside and outside of the classroom—it can help with everything from gaining college admission to getting a business off the ground.

Business competitions for high schoolers also often provide winners with monetary awards or scholarships which are beneficial for keeping the cost of college down—something every aspiring business person can appreciate.

1. Conrad Challenge

Date(s): 2023 dates announced in August Type: Global

This business challenge tasks students between ages 13 and 18 to apply science and technology to solve global issues, create a pitch, and build a business plan. Participants work in teams of two to five students to compete in four traditional categories and one special category that changes annually. The four traditional categories are:

Aerospace and aviation
Cyber technology and security
Energy and environment
Health and Nutrition

The 2021/2022 special category was “re-purposed farmlands and alternative uses of tobacco (and its by-products)”.

2. Blue Ocean High School Entrepreneur Pitch Competition

Date(s): 2/18/22 Type: Global

The Blue Ocean High School Entrepreneur Pitch Competition is one of the world’s most prestigious business competitions for high school students. Participants can work alone or in teams of up to five to generate an innovative product or service that the world needs and pitch it in a maximum five-minute-long video.

3. Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition

Date(s): 4/1/22-9/15/22

Type: Global

Individuals between the ages of 13 and 29 are invited to participate in this business competition focused on using entrepreneurship to solve global issues. Participants are challenged to create or implement an idea, project, concept, solution, or initiative with a societal impact that addresses one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals .

4. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition

Dates: 9/22-4/23

The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is a highly regarded business competition for high schoolers and is open to students in grades nine through 12. Participants are required to examine a case study of a potential client and create a portfolio that meets their long-term goals using $100,000 in hypothetical funds. Unlike investment competitions that select winners based on the performance of their portfolio, Wharton Global High School Investment Competition winners are chosen based on the strength and articulation of their investment strategy.

5. Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (GYEC)

Date(s): 5/28/21

The GYEC is a 12-hour, online, worldwide business competition for high school students ages 14 through 19. Participants work in teams of up to eight students—each ideally possessing broad and complementary skill sets—to solve a significant global problem using an innovative and sustainable enterprise idea. Winning teams will receive a trophy along with an award certificate.

6. GENIUS Olympiad Business

Date(s): 4/18/22-6/18/22

Participants in the GENIUS Olympiad compete in numerous categories (including business) focused on environmental issues. Students can compete in one of two business tracks: entrepreneurship or social responsibility. Both tracks require the participant to deliver a presentation as if they were making a real pitch for funding—dressing in formal business attire and including an accompanying PowerPoint presentation.

7. Diamond Challenge

Date(s): 1/7/21-4/23/22

Type: National

This well-known high school business competition is an initiative of Horn Entrepreneurship

at the University of Delaware. The challenge features two tracks for participants to compete, business innovation and social innovation. Both tracks require participants to work in teams of two to four students, to submit a concept narrative, and provide a pitch deck. Diamond Challenge offers substantial awards to its winners—first place takes home $11,000, second place $7,500, and third place $3,750.

8. Pirates Pitch Competition for High School Students

Date(s): 9/22-11/22

This Pirates Pitch Competition for High School Students is provided by Seton Hall University and is aimed at teaching high schoolers the basics of entrepreneurship and idea generation. To enter the competition, participants must submit a business idea in 350 words or less. Finalists will need to pitch their idea to judges in a live virtual event. Competition winners receive both a cash prize and a generous scholarship to Seton Hall.

9. Yale DHSRI High School Investment Competition

Dates: 2/22-4/22

The Yale DHSRI High School Investment Competition is hosted by the Dwight Hall Socially Responsible Investment Fund at Yale University, the nation’s oldest undergraduate-run socially responsible investment fund. Competing in teams of two or four students, high schoolers (students in grades nine through 12 are eligible to participate) build a portfolio using $100,000 in virtual funds and ultimately submit a final investment report that outlines their strategy, learning process, and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) themes.

10. DECA Challenges

Dates: Varies

For three-quarters of a century, DECA has been helping to prepare future entrepreneurs and leaders in marketing, finance, and hospitality. DECA has more than 3,000 high school chapters and 175,000 members. Throughout the year, DECA issues many challenges to its members, many of which are business focused and require participants to demonstrate specific skills and knowledge.

11. tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition

Dates: 3/18/22-4/21/22

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)-based business is at the heart of the tecBridge High School Business Plan Competition. Participants are expected to create sustainable and scalable concepts, answer a series of questions, and deliver a ten-minute-long presentation. Students are also expected to demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, and top-notch presentation skills.

12. The Big Idea Competition

Date(s): 10/31/22-12/7/22

Young entrepreneurs are challenged to think of ways to make the world a better place to live by using business to implement change in this high school business competition. The competition is open to all high school students and requires them to submit a 1,075-word description of their business idea. Nearly $35,000 in prizes are awarded annually, including a $1,000 first prize.

13. High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge (HSUEC)

Date(s): 2/21/21-3/26/22

Type: State

Utah high school students ages 14 to 18 can show off their entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas in this business competition. Students are encouraged to form teams of up to five students to compete in the HSUEC and are required to submit a business proposal that details:

the opportunity or problem the business/product addresses
the solution or improvement the business/product provides
the market the business/product competes in, its target customer, and what sets it apart from the competition

Participants must also submit a prototype in any medium of what their idea, product, or service will look like.

14. West Virginia High School Business Plan Competition

Date(s): 11/12/22-4/6/22

The West Virginia High School Business Plan Competition is open to West Virginia students in grades nine through 12. The competition is aimed at helping high schoolers learn how to move a business idea from conception to action. Participants can compete either as an individual or in teams of up to four people. Submissions to the contest are in the form of a maximum 90-second YouTube video that addresses three key points:

the business product or service
the problem or opportunity and why is it a problem or opportunity
the customer and how the product/service solves their problem

15. Wisconsin High School Business Model Competition

Date(s): 4/20/22 – 5/21/22

This awesome business competition—open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors—is presented by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s Alta Resources Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Students can compete alone or in teams of up to three and are asked to present an idea or solution to a problem that could lead to a business. Finalists will need to deliver a four-minute-long pitch to a panel of judges. Prizes include cash awards as well as scholarships to UW Oshkosh.

Business competitions can have varying levels of influence on your odds of getting accepted into college. Everything from the prestige of the competition to where you are placed to the value a college places on extracurricular activities like business competitions can impact the weight they’re given by an admissions office.

The four tiers of extracurricular activities are useful for better understanding how colleges consider your activities outside of the classroom. Top-tier activities (those in tiers one and two) include participation in the most well-thought-of and distinguished competitions. Winning or placing highly in a top-tier competition can significantly improve your admissions odds. Less prominent and lesser-known competitions fall into tiers three and four. Lower-tiered activities don’t hold the same sway over admissions offices and have less effect on admissions chances.

Interested in learning how your participation in a business competition influences your odds of getting into your dream school? CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing calculator considers factors such as grades, test scores, and extracurriculars to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of colleges and universities while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.

The Ultimate Guide to Teen Entrepreneurship: 20 Small Business Ideas for High Schoolers Did you know that teenagers between 15 and 19 constitute up to 18% of all summertime hirings? While that may sound absolutely insane, there are even more youngsters who would...

By John Rampton • Jul 20, 2023

This story originally appeared on Due

Did you know that teenagers between 15 and 19 constitute up to 18% of all summertime hirings? While that may sound absolutely insane, there are even more youngsters who would instead like to kickstart their own business instead of working for someone else. As per a 2022 report by CNBC , more than 60% of US teens aged between 13 and 17 are more interested in entrepreneurship than a 9 to 5 job.

While social media influencers and celebrities inspire these teens to turn to entrepreneurship , many of them, in fact, pick part-time businesses along with their studies. Want to earn an extra $500 , here is a few places to get started.

In this article, we will discuss some top small business ideas that can help high schoolers earn substantial money.

Why start entrepreneurship so young?

Entrepreneurial skills are not something that an individual can learn overnight. It requires discipline, the right attitude, and perseverance above all. That's why, as of March 2021, only 80% of the startups could make it past the one-year mark. So, when someone starts entrepreneurship as early as during their teenage years, they could reap several benefits.

Nurturing creativity and innovative ideas.
Fostering a culture of thinking outside the box and developing unique solutions to everyday challenges
Teenage entrepreneurship offers invaluable hands-on learning experiences.
Take charge of their own ventures, make autonomous decisions, and face real-world challenges.
Teenage entrepreneurs learn the value of hard work, perseverance, and balancing their entrepreneurial pursuits with their academic responsibilities.
They better understand money management, financial planning, and the importance of saving and investing.
Entrepreneurship fosters a resilient mindset that allows them to overcome obstacles, adapt to change, and continuously strive for personal and professional development.

Top Business Ideas for high schoolers

Here are some ideas you can work with.

Babysitting for Neighbors or Relatives

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship doesn't always require elaborate setups. High schoolers can kick-start their business dreams by offering babysitting services to neighbors and relatives. Babysitting allows them to earn some extra cash and nurtures valuable skills like responsibility and time management. By offering trustworthy and reliable childcare, young entrepreneurs can build a solid reputation in their community while providing peace of mind to busy parents.

Offering Tuition to Younger Kids

High schoolers who excel in academics can leverage their knowledge and expertise by offering tuition to younger kids. Whether it's math, science, or language skills, quality tutoring is always demanded. By designing engaging lesson plans and delivering personalized guidance, these young tutors can help struggling students develop their leadership and communication skills, setting a solid foundation for their future endeavors.

Selling Print-on-Demand Merchandise

In the age of creativity and personalization, selling print-on-demand merchandise can be an exciting business venture for high schoolers. With platforms like Etsy or Redbubble, young entrepreneurs can design and sell custom-made t-shirts, phone cases, stickers, and more. By leveraging their artistic talents and embracing their unique style, they can attract customers who resonate with their creations while learning about marketing, customer service, and e-commerce.

Working with Small Neighborhood Gigs

High schoolers can tap into the local community's needs by offering their services for small neighborhood gigs. Whether pet sitting, lawn mowing, house cleaning, or running errands, there are many opportunities to provide assistance and earn money. By being reliable and responsible and delivering excellent service, these young entrepreneurs can establish strong connections within their community, gaining valuable experience in entrepreneurship and customer relations.

Creating Online Content

With the rise of digital platforms and social media, high schoolers can capitalize on their passion for creating online content . They can share their knowledge, skills, or experiences with a broader audience by posting Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or making Spotify podcasts. By consistently producing quality content and engaging with their followers, young content creators can grow their online presence, attract sponsorship opportunities, and even monetize their channels while honing their creativity and communication skills.

Make and sell handmade goods:

You can use your creativity and turn it into a profitable business by making and selling handmade goods. Whether it's unique jewelry, handcrafted candles, or personalized artwork, there is a market for one-of-a-kind creations. Use your artistic skills, create a brand, and showcase your products at local craft fairs or online platforms. With the right marketing strategy and a passion for crafting, you can transform your hobby into a thriving business while sharing your artistry with the world.

Run a pet care business

Starting a pet care business can also combine your love for animals and entrepreneurship. Offer services like dog walking, pet sitting, or grooming to busy pet owners in your community and build a reputation for reliability, care, and exceptional service. With dedication and genuine affection for animals, you can provide peace of mind to pet owners while earning an income doing something you genuinely enjoy.

Start a YouTube channel

As of May 2022, 96% of the Gen-Z population had a YouTube account , making it an excellent platform for generating revenues. So, if you are passionate about creating videos and connecting with people, starting a YouTube channel can be a rewarding business idea. Identify your niche, engage with your audience, collaborate with other YouTubers, and optimize your channel for growth. With dedication, unique content, and a captivating personality, you can build a loyal following and monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.

Learn and design websites

In today's digital age, web design skills are in high demand. You can also take advantage of this opportunity by learning web design and offering your services to businesses and individuals needing an online presence. You may need to learn coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and familiarize yourself with popular website builders and platforms . As businesses continue to go digital, your web design skills can open doors to a successful freelance career.

Sell used books

If you're a book lover with a talent for spotting hidden literary gems, consider starting a used book business. Collect secondhand books from thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces, and create an inventory of diverse titles and genres. You can set up an online store or sell at local book fairs to reach a wider audience. By curating a collection of pre-loved books, you can help readers discover new stories while turning your passion for literature into a profitable venture.

Resell Websites

Have you ever considered turning your tech-savvy skills into a profitable venture? Reselling websites can be a lucrative business idea for high schoolers. With a keen eye for design and a knack for marketing, you can acquire pre-built websites and sell them at a premium. With the growing demand for online presence, you can earn by helping businesses establish their digital footprint .

Resell Goods

Reselling goods is a great business idea that doesn't require extensive capital or inventory management. High schoolers can leverage online platforms to source trending products at wholesale prices and resell them at a markup. With trendy fashion accessories and unique gadgets, new ventures have endless possibilities. You can get creative and become a savvy entrepreneur in the world of e-commerce.

Content Writing Services

In 2022, 60 million people in the US were freelancing . So, if you have a way with words, you can use your talent to work as a freelance content writer. High schoolers can become part of the booming digital marketing industry by providing content writing services . You can help businesses enhance their online presence through engaging blog posts, website copy, and social media content.

Pool Cleaning Services

High schoolers residing in areas with a significant number of swimming pools can provide pool cleaning services. With a few essential tools and knowledge about pool maintenance, you can offer your services to homeowners and establishments. Ensure crystal-clear waters, proper chemical balance , and pristine pool areas to make a handsome earning in your spare time!

Transcription & Translation Services

You can also consider offering transcription and translation services. If you are proficient in multiple languages, you can cater to individuals and businesses in need of accurate transcriptions or translations. Whether converting audio recordings into written documents or bridging language gaps, your linguistic skills can open doors to various industries.

Blogging is an incredible business idea for high schoolers with a knack for writing and a passion for sharing their thoughts with the world. It provides a platform to express creativity, showcase expertise, and even earn extra income. By creating engaging content and attracting a loyal audience; young bloggers can monetize their blogs through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.

Baking Business

Starting a baking business can be a delicious opportunity for high schoolers having a passion for baking. The possibilities are endless, from mouth-watering cakes and pastries to delectable cookies and cupcakes. Budding young bakers can make good money by catering to events, selling their goodies at local markets, or taking custom orders.

Handmade Jewelry and Home Decoration Items

Crafty high schoolers with a flair for design can explore the world of handmade jewelry and home decoration items. With trendy bracelets and necklaces, beautiful wall hangings, or unique planters, the market for handmade crafts is thriving on platforms like Etsy. By utilizing various materials and techniques, young artisans can earn by creating one-of-a-kind pieces that appeal to a niche audience.

Social Media Marketing

According to a Forbes report , 4.9 people worldwide are on one or the other social media platform. High schoolers with a keen understanding of social media platforms can capitalize on this demand by offering social media marketing services. Young marketers can earn while learning digital marketing prospects by helping businesses build an online presence, curate engaging content, and reach their target audience.

House & Cleaning

High schoolers can also indulge in house cleaning services in their local communities. By offering reliable and thorough cleaning services, young entrepreneurs can assist busy homeowners in maintaining a tidy and organized living space. They can offer services like dusting, vacuuming, organizing, and decluttering to earn extra pocket money.

How can high school students balance their academics and small business?

High school students must strike a delicate balance between academics and their entrepreneurial goals. It involves effective time management , prioritizing tasks, and seeking support from teachers, parents, and mentors. By allocating dedicated time slots for their studies and business activities, students can enjoy an exciting entrepreneurship journey while maintaining academic excellence.

Are there any legal requirements or permits necessary for high school students to start a small business?

High school students venturing into small businesses need to familiarize themselves with the legal requirements and permits. Depending on the type of business, students may need to register their business name, obtain necessary licenses, and comply with local regulations. Conducting thorough research, seeking guidance from legal professionals, and consulting with relevant authorities can ensure a smooth and lawful start to their business.

What challenges may high school students face when starting a small business?

High school students who want to start a small business may encounter challenges along the way. These include limited resources, time constraints, competition, and balancing multiple responsibilities. However, by embracing resilience, creativity , and a growth mindset, students can transform these obstacles into valuable learning experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

What potential risks should high school students be aware of when starting a small business?

School students must be aware of the potential risks of starting a small business. Some top risks are financial losses, lack of experience, market volatility, and potential legal liabilities. But with careful planning and seeking mentorship, students can evade these risks and increase their chances of success while safeguarding their well-being.

Do high school students have to pay taxes for their earnings through a small business?

Students starting small businesses should also be aware of their tax obligations. Earnings from a small business are generally subject to taxation , and students may need to report their income and comply with local tax regulations. Seeking guidance from a qualified accountant or tax professional can help students understand their tax obligations.

Image Credit: Pexels

The post The Ultimate Guide to Teen Entrepreneurship: 20 Small Business Ideas for High Schoolers appeared first on Due .

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7 Business Plan Templates for Kids (Free Printables!)

By: Author Amanda L. Grossman

Posted on Last updated: January 5, 2023

Download one of these (mostly) free business plan templates for kids to help your child focus on a business idea.

What do super soakers, Apple computers, and Nike shoes all have in common?

They all started as a business plan.

A business plan template for kids is great for two reasons:

Your child can play around with it and get familiar with what's required (even if they never start the business)
It helps kids focus on just one business idea at time, and to see if they should move forward with it

No matter which category your own child falls into – just playing with business plans, or they have an actual business idea – I’ve got just the free business plan template for you.

Honestly? I wish my own parents would’ve given me one of these when, as a kid, my childhood friend and I had come up with our first kid business idea: selling bean bags. So, good on you for getting your kids involved with business plans so early in life!

Best Business Plan Templates for Kids

Use one of the business plan templates for kids below with one of these 16 kid business ideas .

OR, help them to use one of their original ideas sending sparks in their brain. You can use these 3 kid business plan examples for help with filling it out.

1. Solid Gold Biz Plan

I’ve been in business for 7 years and I’ve made about every mistake in the book.

Probably one of the biggest? Was that I didn't sit down to write a proper business plan (or, ANY business plan) until I was several years into blogging.

Because of this, I created a free business plan template for kids and teens (on Page 6 of this free printable), so that they practice how to do it right, from the beginning!

What makes my free Solid Gold Biz Plan different is that it starts your child thinking about the problem that they want to solve – because ultimately, that is the purpose of creating a product or a service. To solve a specific problem for people.

It then goes on to ask them simple questions that will focus them in on what it takes to plan out a business idea.

For example, I raise the question of how much it will cost to not only create the product/service, but to also deliver it and maintain it. These are sometimes costs forgotten costs when creating a business plan.

2. BizKids’ Guide to Writing a Business Plan

This free business plan guide for kids includes sections for your idea, your marketing (and what makes your product unique), your startup costs, and an area for pricing so that you can make sure you’ll make a profit.

screenshot of bizKids business plan for kids

At the end is a one-page summary where your child can write up their answers from the previous pages all in the same place. Great for tacking up on the wall!

3. Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox

Anthony ONeal partnered up with Dave Ramsey to create the Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox , a kid’s entrepreneur kit and small business guide for teens.

In other words, it’s so much more than just a business template for kids!

The entrepreneur kit includes the following:

Access to Free Entrepreneur Toolbox app
Teen Portfolio Book
DVD of Anthony’s Training Video
Parent’s Guide Book
Pack of Thank You Cards
Deck of Conversation Starter Cards about Starting a Business
Goal Tracker Poster

Here's my full review of the Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox .

4. Home Sweet Road’s My Business Plan

Check out this business plan for kids, which asks kids questions like what makes their idea unique, whether or not their idea is a product or service, and who their customers will be.

5. Proverbial Home Maker’s Family Business Plan Guide

This is such a fun guide that you can fill out with your child, teen, tween, or even the whole family. It includes family business ideas, a sales ledger, inventory worksheet, and much more.

screenshot of family business guide - free printable

Business Plan Examples

You may be wondering where you can find business plan examples to show your kids or teens.

For starters, you should look right at home. Are you a small business owner?

Then you’ll definitely want my free Take Your Child to Work Day printables – it’s got a section for you to fill in about your own business, which is a perfect business plan example to discuss with your child.

You can also find two business plan examples on the Small Business Administration’s site (scroll down until you see red buttons to Rebecca’s example business plan, and Andrew’s plan).

They’re not entirely kid-friendly, but can give lots of ideas for the kind of information and research to put into a business plan.

Business Plan Activity Worksheets

Check out these free PDF Shark Tank worksheets for students . Students or kids can work through coming up with their own business idea, create an advertisement for it, and a scoring card to judge the business ideas.

You’ll find a free 30-minute Small Business Administration course for young entrepreneurs meant for teens that you can use with your students (or have your child go through).

Hint: In Objective 3, it goes over how to create a business plan.

Are you an educator? Great – you can get free entrepreneur curriculum for Grades 1 – 12, with lots of worksheets, from the Venture Lab .

Further resources include:

Teen Business Video Lessons
EverFI’s Entrepreneurial Expedition
FEE’s Course on the Entrepreneur’s Role in Creating Value
Business Plan Note Taker (lots of great prompts to create a business plan with)

Grab 23 more entrepreneur lesson plans here.

I hope you've found some business template for kid resources that interest you? Below, you'll find other related kid entrepreneurship articles that will help your kids, teens, and students learn about the entrepreneur career path.

Related Kid Entrepreneurship Resources

27 Youth Entrepreneur Awards and Scholarships
5 Kid Entrepreneur Kits
14 Kid Entrepreneur Books
11 Best Business Simulation Games for Kids
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Empowering Teen Entrepreneurs: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlock your entrepreneurial potential with this comprehensive guide designed for teens looking to start a business in high school. Packed with valuable insights and actionable tips, this resource will empower young entrepreneurs to turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures while balancing academics and personal growth. Take the first step towards becoming a teen business owner and make a lasting impact on your future!

In a world where innovation and creativity are highly valued, high school students are increasingly discovering their potential as budding entrepreneurs. The desire to make a difference and transform ideas into successful ventures transcends age, making entrepreneurship an exciting and rewarding path for young minds. If you're a high school student with dreams of starting your own business, we'll delve into essential aspects of entrepreneurship, from idea generation to execution, while offering practical advice on balancing your academic and personal life. So, let's ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and embark on a journey that will shape your future and redefine what's possible for young business owners!

Benefits of Starting a Business in High School

- develop essential life skills.

Teen entrepreneurs learn to navigate real-world challenges, fostering essential life skills such as time management , problem-solving , communication , decision-making , leadership , financial literacy , adaptability , and resilience . By honing these abilities early on, young business owners lay a strong foundation for personal and professional success. Moreover, these skills contribute to their venture's growth and prove beneficial in various aspects of life, from academics and career opportunities to personal relationships and financial stability.

- Gain real-world experience

Gaining real-world experience is a significant benefit of starting a business in high school, as it allows young entrepreneurs to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations. This hands-on exposure complements classroom learning and offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of operating a business. Teen entrepreneurs learn firsthand about various aspects such as product development, marketing, customer relations, and financial management . These experiences foster a deeper understanding of business concepts and help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, real-world experience can enhance a student's college applications and future employment prospects, showcasing their ability to take initiative, adapt to different scenarios, and effectively manage responsibilities.

- Boost self-confidence

Boosting self-confidence is a notable benefit of starting a business in high school, as it empowers young entrepreneurs to believe in their capabilities and overcome challenges . Successfully managing a business at a young age demonstrates determination, resilience, and resourcefulness – qualities that contribute to increased self-esteem. As teen entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of running a venture, they develop a sense of accomplishment by achieving milestones and overcoming obstacles . This growth in confidence enables them to take calculated risks, make informed decisions, and tackle future challenges with greater assurance. Furthermore, enhanced self-confidence can positively impact a student's life, including academic performance, social interactions, and personal development.

- Expand network

Expanding one's network is a significant benefit of starting a business in high school, as it exposes young entrepreneurs to a diverse range of people, including fellow business owners, mentors, and industry professionals. These connections can offer invaluable insights, guidance, and resources that contribute to the growth and success of a teen's venture. Building a strong network early on can also open doors to future opportunities , collaborations , and partnerships , giving young entrepreneurs a competitive edge in their chosen fields.

- Enhance college applications

Enhancing college applications is a noteworthy benefit of starting a business in high school, as it demonstrates a student's initiative, leadership, and determination to admissions officers. Showcasing entrepreneurial experience on college applications can set candidates apart from their peers, highlighting their ability to think creatively, manage responsibilities , and persevere through challenges. Colleges often seek students with strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and the capacity to contribute positively to their campus community. A young entrepreneur's business experience showcases these qualities and indicates that they are likely to be proactive and engaged learners. Additionally, entrepreneurship may open up opportunities for scholarships or specialized programs aimed at fostering innovation and leadership .

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Business Ideas for High School Trailblazers

- tutoring service.

A tutoring service is an excellent business idea for high schoolers, as it capitalizes on their academic strengths and fosters a spirit of mentorship among peers. By offering subject-specific support, young entrepreneurs can help fellow students overcome challenges , improve their grades , and build confidence in their abilities . This venture not only allows high schoolers to earn money but also reinforces their own knowledge and expertise in their chosen subjects. Moreover, running a tutoring service cultivates essential skills such as communication, leadership, and patience, which are invaluable both in academics and future professional endeavors..

- Custom merchandise

Custom merchandise is an ideal business idea for high schoolers, as it allows them to tap into their creative talents while catering to their peers' unique needs and preferences. By designing and producing custom apparel and accessories for school clubs, sports teams , or special events, young entrepreneurs can create a niche market within their own community. This venture promotes collaboration, negotiation, and marketing skills, as students work closely with clients to bring their visions to life.

Additionally, custom merchandise businesses offer opportunities to learn about production processes , supply chain management , and e-commerce platforms . As a result, high school students can develop a well-rounded understanding of running a business while fostering school spirit and pride. Furthermore, a successful custom merchandise venture showcases a student's artistic abilities, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to supporting their fellow classmates, all of which are impressive qualities to present on college applications and future job pursuits .

- Event planning

Event planning is a fantastic business idea for high schoolers, as it allows them to hone their organizational , leadership , and communication skills while bringing memorable experiences to their school and community. By specializing in organizing events such as dances, fundraisers, or club functions, young entrepreneurs can demonstrate their ability to manage multiple tasks , coordinate with various stakeholders , and adapt to unforeseen challenges . This venture also allows high school students to showcase their creativity and resourcefulness by designing unique themes, decorations, and promotional materials. Furthermore, event planning fosters teamwork and collaboration, as students often need to work closely with other students, school staff, and vendors to ensure the success of each event.

- Social media consulting

Social media consulting is a brilliant business idea for high schoolers, as it capitalizes on their innate understanding of social media platforms and their ability to connect with their peers. Young entrepreneurs can transform their digital savviness into a marketable service by offering guidance on managing and optimizing social media accounts for clubs, local businesses, or individuals. This venture allows students to develop essential skills such as content creation , branding , analytics , and audience engagement , which are highly sought-after in today's digital landscape . As they assist clients in building their online presence and achieving their goals, these young consultants gain practical experience and demonstrate their ability to adapt and excel in a rapidly evolving field.

- Art and design

Art and design is a remarkable business idea for high schoolers, allowing them to channel their artistic talents into a profitable and fulfilling venture. By offering services like custom illustrations, graphic design, or logo creation, young entrepreneurs can cater to the diverse needs of their school community, local businesses, and beyond. This pursuit provides an avenue for students to express their creativity and helps them develop essential skills such as time management , project coordination , and client communication . As they build their portfolio and reputation, high schoolers can showcase their unique artistic abilities and commitment to professional growth, which are valuable assets for college applications and future employment opportunities. Moreover, engaging in art and design as a business venture encourages students to explore various mediums, styles, and techniques, enabling them to expand their skill set and adapt to the ever-evolving creative industry.

- Chartiable initiative

A charitable initiative is a commendable business idea for high schoolers, as it allows them to impact their community while developing essential life skills positively . By creating and managing a social enterprise that addresses local issues or supports specific causes, young entrepreneurs can demonstrate their empathy , leadership , and problem-solving abilities . As they work towards their philanthropic goals, high schoolers gain invaluable experience in project management, fundraising, marketing, and event organization. These skills, coupled with the altruistic nature of the initiative, are desirable to colleges and future employers , making a charitable enterprise a rewarding and purpose-driven business idea for ambitious high school students.

Tips for Launching a Successful High School Business

- identify your passion and skillset.

Identifying your passion and skillset is a crucial first step for high school students looking to start a business. By focusing on an area that genuinely interests you and aligns with your talents, you'll be more motivated and committed to making your venture a success. Passion drives innovation and creativity, while leveraging your skills ensures you can offer your target market a valuable product or service. To identify your passion and skillset, reflect on your hobbies , strengths , and the subjects that excite you the most. Consider combining these elements to create a unique and viable business idea. Remember, as a high school student, pursuing a venture that resonates with your interests and abilities will make the entrepreneurial journey more enjoyable and increase your chances of long-term success.

- Create a unique selling proposition

Creating a unique selling proposition (USP) is a crucial aspect of differentiating your business from competitors in the market. A USP is a specific feature , benefit , or quality that sets your product or service apart, making it more appealing to potential customers. To develop an effective USP, understand your target audience's needs and preferences, and analyze your competitors to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Then, list your strengths and select one or more key differentiators that truly set you apart.

- Network with local businesses and organizations

Networking with local businesses and organizations is an invaluable strategy for growing your business and increasing its visibility within the community. Networking allows you to learn from the experiences and insights of others, which can help you overcome challenges and make better-informed decisions. Participate in local business events, join relevant clubs or associations, and actively engage in conversations on social media platforms to foster strong relationships that can benefit your business in the long run.

- Offer exceptional customer service

Offering exceptional customer service is vital for building a loyal customer base and setting your business apart. Providing prompt, friendly, and personalized support demonstrates that you genuinely care about your customers' needs and satisfaction. This helps retain existing customers and encourages word-of-mouth referrals , which can lead to new business opportunities. To achieve exceptional customer service, always be accessible , responsive , and attentive to your customers' concerns or inquiries. Encourage feedback and reviews to gain insights into areas that may need improvement and address any issues or problems promptly and professionally. Remember, exceptional customer service can turn casual customers into loyal brand advocates, ultimately contributing to your business's long-term success .

- Seek mentorship

Seeking mentorship is a valuable strategy for young entrepreneurs looking to develop their skills, gain knowledge, and increase their chances of business success. A mentor is an experienced professional who can provide guidance, support, and advice based on their own experiences and expertise. By establishing a mentor-mentee relationship, you can gain invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities that come with running a business, as well as learn from the mistakes and successes of others. Mentors can also help you expand your professional network, connect you with potential partners or customers, and offer a sounding board for your ideas and plans. To find a suitable mentor, reach out to successful entrepreneurs within your industry, join entrepreneurship clubs or programs, or attend networking events. Remember to be open-minded, respectful, and eager to learn from your mentor's wisdom, as this relationship can significantly contribute to your personal and professional growth.

- Stay persistent and adaptable

Staying persistent and adaptable is essential for any entrepreneur, particularly when facing the inevitable challenges and uncertainties of starting and running a business. Balancing persistence and adaptability allows you to remain resilient and agile in a constantly changing business landscape, increasing your chances of long-term success. Embrace a growth mindset, be open to learning from failures, and stay flexible to navigate the entrepreneurial journey effectively.

Building A Successful Business in High School

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey as a high school student can be both challenging and rewarding. By seeking mentorship, offering exceptional customer service, staying persistent and adaptable, and leveraging available resources, young entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success in the business world. It is crucial to remember that balancing academic responsibilities with business pursuits requires effective time management and dedication. Navigating the world of entrepreneurship at a young age can provide invaluable life lessons, foster personal growth, and set the stage for future achievements. As more resources and support become available to high school entrepreneurs, the potential for innovation and success continues to grow, shaping the next generation of business leaders.

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Steps to Take When Starting a Business in High School

Starting a business in high school is an excellent way to jumpstart your future career. By following key steps in establishing a company, such as coming up with an idea, researching the market, creating a plan, and finding funding, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

Follow these steps to start a business in high school

If you are one of the teen entrepreneurs who flexed their business muscles before crossing the threshold into high school by selling homemade lemonade or mowing the neighbors’ lawns, you may be ready to start your own company.

Beyond being a unique extracurricular activity , p lanning a potential business as a high school student can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. Not only will you get to transform your vision into a reality, but you’ll also learn valuable skills that last you a lifetime.

Starting a profitable business can seem overwhelming, especially if you are building a business for the first time . But don’t worry! We’re here to help you unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and grow your successful business .

Develop a Business Idea

Starting a business is an exciting opportunity to turn your creative ideas into a reality. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about potential business ideas . To get started, focus on your passions and interests. What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing? What problems do you and your peers face daily?

Once you have an idea for a few types of businesses , research to see if there’s a market for it. Talk to potential customers and get their opinions. For example, if you want to start a vegan ice cream business, find out how many vegans are in your area and whether there is already a dessert shop in town with vegan goods.

Conduct Market Research

As a young entrepreneur, establishing a successful business means putting yourself in the shoes of future investors and clients. Research your target customer to determine if there is a demand for your business idea. Gather data and insights on the target market, including market size, customer demographics, and buying habits.

Analyze specific trends in your target market using social media platforms like TikTok or YouTube. These platforms offer ideas on how to improve your market reach and ideas for future products or services. This step helps you analyze your competition and identify opportunities and potential challenges.

Create a Business Plan

Part of your entrepreneurial journey is putting your vision to paper. A business plan is a written document outlining your business objectives, strategies, and financial projections. You will use your business plan as a GPS for your business to help you stay on track.

To create a business plan, define your unique value proposition and set clear, measurable goals. Your plan should include a marketing and sales strategy and a description of your products or services. Also, have a financial plan that offers a detailed budget and projections for revenue, expenses, and profits.

Secure Funding

Securing funding as a teen entrepreneur can be challenging, but you have a few options available. You can work a few side hustle jobs to save up your own money and invest it in a business or reach out to family and friends for support. Crowdfunding platforms can also be a great way to raise funds from a large number of people.

You can also apply for grants or small business loans from organizations that support young entrepreneurs. Securing funding requires a clear, well-structured business plan demonstrating the potential for success. You can benefit from a strong network of mentors and advisors to guide you through the funding process.

Get Started

Once you have a solid business plan and startup money, it’s time to build your business. This can include designing a website, creating marketing materials, and reaching out to potential customers.

If you need a team to make your vision a reality, start interviewing candidates who can work with you to build your business from the ground up. Look for people with the skills you need to succeed, such as reliability, good communication, and self-motivation.

Chase Your Entrepreneurial Dream and Make it Happen

Many entrepreneurs started their companies when they were still in high school, like Subway’s co-founder Fred DeLuca who was raising money for college. Besides earning money for your future, starting your own business venture demonstrates your leadership capabilities to admissions officers at colleges, giving you an edge over your competition.

If you have a skill, hobby, or idea for a business, pursue your dreams. Tallo’s resources can help you take control of your destiny.

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School Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

School Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their schools.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a school business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a school business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your school as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan

If you’re looking to start a school or grow your existing school, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your school to improve your chances of success. Your school business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Schools

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for schools are donations and gifts, tuition, personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for schools.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a school.

If you want to start a school or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your school business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of school you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a school that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of schools?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

Give a brief overview of the school industry.
Discuss the type of school you are operating.
Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of school you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of schools:

Private K-12 school : this type of school typically charges tuition, and may be affiliated with a religious organization, or specialize in a particular learning method.
Charter school: this type of school offers primary or secondary education for a tuition, and may receive some public funding, and/or donations. These schools require their students to take state-mandated exams.
Special subject school: this type of school specializes in teaching a specific subject, such as driving, first-aid, self-defense, fine arts, language, or general tutoring.
Preschool: this type of school typically serves children who are aged 3 and 4. These schools prepare young children to enter formal education, and are funded by some combination of tuition, donations, and government grants.

In addition to explaining the type of school you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

When and why did you start the business?
What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of students served, the number of students accepted into elite formal education institutions, etc.
Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the school industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the school industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your school business plan:

How big is the school industry (in dollars)?
Is the market declining or increasing?
Who are the key competitors in the market?
Who are the key suppliers in the market?
What trends are affecting the industry?
What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your school? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your school business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: families with elementary-aged children, families with high-school-aged children, families with preschool children.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of school you operate. Clearly, families with high schoolers would respond to different marketing promotions than families with preschoolers, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other schools.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes public schools, virtual schools, and families who do homeschooling. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

What types of students do they serve?
What type of school are they?
What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
What are they good at?
What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

Will you provide specialized instruction, either in subject or in method?
Will you offer courses or services that your competition doesn’t?
Will you provide better customer service?
Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a school business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of school that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide religious-focused K-8 education, college preparatory courses, or single-subject instruction like driving or fine arts?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the courses and/or extracurricular activities you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your school. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your school located in a growing neighborhood, in the city center, or will you operate purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your school marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
Reach out to websites
Distribute flyers
Engage in email marketing
Advertise on social media platforms
Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your school, including answering calls, planning and delivering instruction, applying for grants, fundraising, performing administrative tasks, overseeing instructors, handling discipline, scheduling and monitoring extracurricular activities, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to enroll your Xth student, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your school to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your school’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing schools. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in running a school or experience with public school administration or who has served on a public school board.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you enroll 100 or 1,000 students per semester, and/or offer extracurricular activities? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your school, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a school:

Cost of equipment and supplies
Payroll or salaries paid to staff
Business insurance
Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your school location lease or a list of elective courses or extracurricular activities you will offer.

Writing a business plan for your school is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the school industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful school.

School Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my school business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your school business plan.

How Do You Start a School?

Starting a school is easy with these 14 steps:

Choose the Name for Your School
Create Your School Business Plan
Choose the Legal Structure for Your School
Secure Startup Funding for Your School (If Needed)
Secure a Location for Your Business
Register Your School with the IRS
Open a Business Bank Account
Get a Business Credit Card
Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
Get Business Insurance for Your School
Buy or Lease the Right School Equipment
Develop Your School Business Marketing Materials
Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your School
Open for Business

Learn more about how to start your own school .

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your School business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success. Click here to learn about Growthink’s business plan writing services .

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 12 summer business programs for high school students.

Extracurriculars

Considering majoring in business once you start college? Having some relevant knowledge and skills before you even graduate high school is a great way to set yourself up for success, and one of the best ways to get hands-on experience is through an internship or summer course. However, summer business programs for high school students that are both high-quality and affordable can be hard to find. That's where we come in! We've compiled a list of the 12 best business opportunities for high schoolers, including free summer business programs for high school students, so that you can begin college with excellent experience.

How Can High School Students Learn About Business Careers?

If you're interested in a career in business, there are multiple ways you can get more knowledge and experience in the field before even graduating high school. Below are the three best ways high school students can get business experience.

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing is an experience where you spend a day or a few days observing a professional on the job. Job shadowing is popular with high school students because it introduces them to different careers and helps them decide which jobs would be the best fit for them. It can also be a great fallback option if you can't find an internship willing to take on a high schooler.

In general, job shadowing involves following one worker, often called a mentor, as they go about their work day. A job shadow mostly involves listening and observing, but they often give you the chance to perform some simple job duties. For a business-related job shadow, you might see projects they're working on and sit in on meetings.

Internships

Internships are the best way to get an idea of what working in a particular industry will be like. An internship is a short-term job that allows the worker, or intern, to gain introductory experience in a certain profession. As a business intern, you'll work under a program developer or similar person and gain hands-on and practical experience you can use for future business jobs.

However, it can be difficult to get one of these internships, especially if you're still in high school. This is particularly true for high schoolers interested in business internships because there are so many business majors and MBA students looking for the same thing, so competition is tough. However, we've listed several options for summer business internships for high school students in the next section.

12 Business Opportunities for High School Students

Below are 12 business programs for high schoolers, organized into two categories: free and fee-based. For each, we give info on location, length of time, and cost, as well as an overview of what you can expect from the experience and what skills you can get from it.

Free Summer Business Programs for High School Students

The University of Houston's EXPLORE Business Summer Institute

Houston, TX
Length: 5-7 days
Grades Eligible: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors

The Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston offers excellent free summer business programs for high school students. There are two programs: The EXPLORE Entrepreneurship Institute teaches participants how to start their own business and is taught by actual CEOs and business leaders. The Accounting Careers Awareness Program is specifically designed for students who want to pursue accounting careers and introduces basic accounting concepts as well as different job opportunities available in the accounting field.

Harvard Business School Summer Venture in Management

Cambridge, MA
Length: 1 week
Grades Eligible: Rising and recently graduated seniors

Harvard Business School offers a free summer business program for high school students specifically designed for students from a variety of underrepresented groups. The weeklong program is designed around the case method, which Harvard describes as " an interactive process in which students and faculty teach and learn from each other. HBS cases are first-hand accounts of actual management problems that stem from a variety of interdependent factors and span all aspects of business." Participants will perform analyses and recommend a course of action, similar to projects college students at Harvard Business School complete. A major bonus to the program is that all costs, including room and board, are covered, but be aware the program is quite competitive to get into.

Jimerson Birr Internship

Jacksonville, FL
Length: 4-6 weeks
Grades Eligible: All current high school students

Jimerson Birr is a Florida-based business law firm that offers internships for high school students in areas such as accounting, marketing, legal services, and information technology. Internships last 4-6 weeks and include "real, substantive work" in multiple areas of business administration. The firm emphasizes a positive work experience and is regularly included on lists of the best places to work in Florida.

Bank of America Student Leaders Internships

Location varies
Length: 8 weeks
Grades Eligible: Rising juniors and seniors

Each year, Bank of America sponsors 300 high school students in communities across the US to complete paid internships at local nonprofits. The internships are not all business-related, but you're able to list preferences, and BoA works to match you with an appropriate internship. In addition to the internship, participants will attend a national leadership summit in Washington DC where they'll meet other students and learn leadership skills.

Wharton Global Youth Program

Length: 2 weeks
Grades Eligible: All high school students

The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business is one of the top-ranked business programs in the world. And you can experience it as a high school student if you participate in their Global Youth Program. For two weeks, Monday through Friday, participants will log into the program and experience a mixture of lectures, small group discussions, group projects, and individual work. The project focuses on developing leadership, teamwork, and communication skills and culminates in a simulated trip to Saturn where groups must "navigate the obstacles of interstellar travel to achieve the goals of the mission."

Fee-Based High School Summer Business Programs

These seven summer business programs for high school students are all either from high-ranking business schools or well-reviewed organizations. It's quite common for colleges to offer summer business programs, so, if you're looking for an opportunity at a specific college, search for "summer high school programs" on the school website to see what options come up.

The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy

Ann Arbor, MI (currently virtual for 2022)
Grades Eligible: rising seniors
Cost: $2,950

The University of Michigan's Ross Business offers a two-week introductory program to the business world. Students divide their time between classes (taught by business faculty), group projects, field trips, and lectures by guest speakers. As part of a group, you'll work with a local company to design a project that solves a real-world problem they have, similar to projects college business students complete. The coursework is college-level in difficulty and is a good introduction to future business classes.

Boston College Business and Leadership Institute

Grades Eligible: rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Cost: $3,600 ($2,100 for commuters)

The BLI program at Boston College is a bit different from other summer business programs in that it focuses more on a broad overview of business and leadership rather than doing a deep dive into specific business topics. Participants will attend courses, conduct case study analyses, and hear from guest speakers. The program emphasizes collaboration, and students will work in small groups to create a group business plan and present their start-up concept.

UC Berkeley Haas High School Entrepreneurship Program

Berkeley, CA
Grades Eligible: All high school grades
Cost: $6,800 ($5,800 for California residents)

Berkeley Haas Business School offers a high school program that focuses on entrepreneurship while also teaching business fundamentals in subjects like finance, marketing, and accounting. The program combines classroom instruction, guest lectures, and group work, and students will work in small groups to design an in-depth business plan which they'll present to other participants at the end of the program. Participants will also meet with groups of UC Berkeley undergrads to learn more about the college experience and what it's like to be a business major.

LaunchX Summer Program

Virtual (for 2022, may be in-person in 2023)
Length: 5 weeks
Cost: $5,980

If you're a high school student who already has an idea for a startup and wants to see how it fares in the real world, LaunchX's summer program may interest you. What sets it apart from many other business programs for high school students is that you're not just developing a hypothetical business plan; you're actually launching a real startup. High school entrepreneurs work together in teams to develop and launch a startup with the help of mentors and instructors. In addition to launching the startup, students will attend classes and guest lectures.

USC's Exploring Entrepreneurship Program

Los Angeles, CA
Length: 4 weeks
Cost: $9,575 ($6,855 for commuters)

USC offers a summer program specifically for high school students interested in starting their own business. The program runs for four weeks and teaches participants business theory and what it takes to be an entrepreneur. In addition to classes, students will take field trips to local businesses around LA to learn from people who successfully started their own companies. Students in previous years have visited retailers, venture firms, food trucks, and manufacturing facilities. Students will also create a detailed plan for their own business idea. Additionally, students who complete the program will earn 3 USC college credits.

Indiana University's Business is Global Program

Virtual (2023 may be in-person in Bloomington, IN)
Cost: Not provided

If you're interested in both business and languages/international relations, check out the Kelley School of Business at IU's Business is Global Program. The courses in the program focus on both business and language skills, along with professional development and regional cultures. Students will be introduced to five less commonly-taught foreign languages (Akan, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, and Russian) that are "from dynamic economies around the world." Students will learn the cultures, communication styles, and business practices of these language regions and work on a business project with classmates, which they'll present at the end of the program.

Camp BizSmart

Santa Clara, CA
Length: 10 days
Grades Eligible: Ages 12-16
Cost: $2,175 (Housing, if needed, is an additional $1,800)

Camp BizSmart brings young entrepreneurs to Silicon Valley to learn the ins-and-outs of starting a business. Throughout the ten days, students will attend classes, work in teams, and listen to lectures from industry experts. In small groups, participants will work to solve an actual problem facing Silicon Valley startups. On the final day, they'll present their project at Microsoft HQ to a panel of venture capital and angel investors.

How to Impress Colleges With Your Business Internship

Once you've completed a business experience, how can you make sure it gives your college application the biggest boost possible? A high school business internship or summer program has the potential to look very impressive to colleges, so use the three tips below to make yours stand out.

#1: Explain Your Accomplishments

#2: link your portfolio.

Many times after you complete a business internship or course, you'll have created a few projects, either on your own or as part of a group. Set up a website (another great way to show off your skills!) and include links and/or images of your project, along with a description of your thought process and the work you did. Having an online portfolio so early in your career will put you ahead of the game, not only when you apply to colleges, but also when you apply to other business internships and jobs down the line. It gives reviewers concrete examples of your talents and expertise.

There's often a spot on college applications where you can include additional information you think might be useful. Link your portfolio here! Include a sentence or two explaining what it is, as well. Then college admissions teams will be free to review all your business work without you trying to figure out how to fit it into the application itself.

#3: Get a Letter of Recommendation

Having your internship supervisor or course instructor write a letter of recommendation explaining what your internship duties/coursework requirements were and what you accomplished is a great way for colleges to understand what you really accomplished. Some colleges require that letters of rec only come from people who taught you in high school, but others either don't have restrictions or allow an additional letter of rec from a non-high school teacher. If your teacher or supervisor is willing , having a letter of rec from them can really convince colleges that you had a meaningful experience and are seriously preparing yourself for a future career in business.

Summary: High School Summer Business Programs

If you've looked into top summer business programs for high school students, then you know it can be tough to get a meaningful experience that'll give you a strong foundation for gaining more business skills. However, the best business summer programs for high school students can be a great way to get real-world skills and knowledge as well as a great boost to college applications. When mentioning your business experience in your college applications, be sure to:

Clearly explain your accomplishments
Link to your portfolio
Get a letter of recommendation from your instructor/supervisor\

What's Next?

Wondering which colleges are good for business majors? Check out our list of the 11 best undergrad business schools in the US.

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5 Steps to Start a Business in High School

Last modified 2023-12-05
Published on 2021-02-15

We all remember the lemonade stand when we were young. It was one of the first times your hard work and effort was paid off by monetary value. After that time, you might feel more interested in starting a business in high school; however, you don’t exactly know where to start.

Keep reading, we have just the right article for you. Starting a business in high school is a perfect way to help you learn essential soft skills as an entrepreneur: time-management, task management, and leadership. Furthermore, starting a high school business can make you stand out in the college application process, particularly in the U.S., the hub of entrepreneurship.

This Guide may not guarantee success in the first business for high school students, but it will be a step-by-step guide for you to form a business idea and execute it.

Step 1: Find a problem worth solving and brainstorm solutions for your business in high school

Pursuing a young entrepreneur route, you will find that a problem is anywhere around you. From something as simple as when you operated a lemonade stand, you may realize that squeezing lemonade by hand is time-consuming. So, how about creating a lemonade squeezer?

Taking IKEA for example, the reason for IKEA’s success lies in their solution of a core problem for millennials and Gen Z: furnishing a new apartment in one day. According to Andreas von Criegern ,

This problem cannot be addressed just on a functional level (offering furniture). The solution needs additional components: having all necessary furniture for the different rooms in one place, ensuring immediate availability without waiting time, the option to take the furniture home and finally let customers build them up on their own.

To find a problem, consider brainstorming with your friends, family, or teachers. You can write down different problems on sticky notes and put them on a whiteboard. While figuring out the issues, list out possible solutions of how you can solve these problems. A solution at this stage doesn’t have to be a product or service. After the problem sticky notes, put other sticky notes for solutions.

After this, you will have a general idea of what types of business you want to pursue.

Step 2: Research current solutions out there and refine your solution

At this early stage, doing market research is crucial in refining your solution.

Secondary research data or background research helps you figure out the current products in the market that solve similar problems as well as the market size of the industry you’re going in. This kind of research can be found from online articles, commercial sources (Nielsen), industry organizations, professional and trade publications (Pew Research Center), or even government resources. Google will be your friend for this stage. Your school might also have subscriptions to some of the commercial sources and publications, ask your librarian!

Your background research should be separated into two categories: Brand Analysis and Competitive Analysis. Brand Analysis is where you define your category, your target market, and relevant trends to boost your brand when launching. To have a clear vision of the brand and who you should sell this product to, there are many aspects to consider. For example, imagine you’re selling a healthy food subscription service, your target audience should be:

Demographic profile : Female, age 18 – 24, single, dealing with issues of weight gain and self-confidence and self-awareness
Psychographics profile: concerned with health and appearance, wants a healthy lifestyle but doesn’t know where to start, tends to go on an unhealthy diet of long-fasting instead of adjusting food choices.

After that, competitive analysis is crucial in understanding your primary competitors . Perform research and create a snapshot of their brands, current business situation, and their communications plan on different social media/digital platforms. You can go to the competitors’ websites or read trade publications about their start-up story to find this information.

With the Brand Analysis and Competitive Analysis, it’s time to combine two into a comprehensive framework: SWOT Analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. SWOT Analysis considers your brand and your competitor, and it’s a great piece of information to remind you of internal aspects of your product and inform you about external aspects in the market.

Strengths: What do you do well? What unique resources can you draw on? What are your strengths?
Weaknesses: What could you improve on? Where do you have fewer resources than others?
Opportunities: What trends in technology, society can you take advantage of in the future?
Threats: What trends could be problematic for you in the future?

Phew, that’s a lot of reading and researching! If you feel discouraged during this stage, remember that having a strong foundation will help in the future, especially when you approach the marketing and execution stage.

After doing background research, consider interviewing some potential customers for your products. Interviews can be informal or formal depends on your preference, but most importantly, understand your customers’ preferences and pain points can help you narrow down and refine your product ideas.

Some questions to consider:

Would they be interested in your product?
What current products are they using to solve their problems?
What don’t they like about their current products?

After doing background research, consider interviewing some potential customers for your products. Interviews can be informal or formal depending on your preference, but most importantly, understanding your customers’ preferences and pain points can help you narrow down and refine your product ideas.

What don’t they like about their current products?

Step 3: Content is king

After the research stage, now is finally the fun part: crafting your brand’s story . You probably have seen this buzzword around: storytelling. Having a great story for your brand will make the audience separate you from other brands, develop empathy for you, and ultimately care about you.

Taking Aralia as an example , we are the online tutoring service that focuses on you, your improvement, and your success. Our mission is to provide a student-centered educational experience while matching the best education resources to each student. We seek to redefine online learning with a student-centered classroom, diverse course selections, and expert instruction.

Here’s a rundown of our brand story:

Status Quo: As educators in the industry for years, we discovered a gap between students’ in-class achievements and online learning. We want to narrow that gap.

Conflict: In a market where online courses are everywhere, and online tutoring platforms have an enormous advertising budget to compete against small companies, and classes with thousands of students, all of which we don’t have, why do we choose not to conform?

Resolution: Quality is the key. We’re a small but mighty online learning platform. We live out our mission statement: focus on you, your improvement, and your success. Our group class size is small, with only 3-7 students per class, our teachers go through multiple stages of interviews and are carefully vetted. By creating small classes and 1-on-1 tutoring, we can guarantee our students’ success and foster a robust mentor-mentee relationship between teachers and students. Other platforms don’t have that, and we do.

For a general idea of how to craft a brand story, HubSpot has a great article that talks in great detail about how to craft a compelling brand story, you can check out the HubSpot blog post .

Step 4: Inbound Marketing

After you have a compelling brand story, you are not ready to launch just yet. The next step is to have a strong inbound marketing plan for your product and service, in order to successfully promote your business. This can be as informal as:

Tell your classmates and your teachers about your product
Frequently post on social media to advertise your product
Using TikTok and Instagram Video to slowly build your brand personalities

Below are all traffic sources from Inbound Marketing (they’re all free!) that you can read for reference. You should use all the sources noted below, choose between 2-4 sources. Having a strong and consistent presence on chosen platforms will help you gain more customers than spread yourself too thin.

Step 5: Launch

If you read until now, congratulations, you’re finally a business owner! Here is where the most exciting results will happen, and all your brainstorming and researching efforts will pay off. The preparation stage can take anywhere from 1-3 months, but the Launch is where you take everything you’ve prepared into execution.

For the launching stage, crowdfunding is the best and fastest way to receive funding for your project . There are several crowdfunding websites you can use to introduce your product to the public:

GoFundMe
Kickstarter
Indiegogo

In choosing your crowdfunding website, consider how much do they charge per transaction. Some may require a minimum around to be raised, or else the contributors get their money back.

Besides crowdfunding, please make sure to have a consistent online presence through inbound marketing, and keep promoting your products to your friends, family, and relatives.

There’s a lot of uncertainty on the road ahead, but we believe that you’re off to create a successful business! Having a robust end-to-end business plan during high school is rare, and you’re already unique and special for starting a business in high school.

Whether your business will be a success or not, this is a great learning opportunity, and you can only go up from here! Crowdfunding your project may get you scholarships from elite colleges and universities, thanks to your initiative and entrepreneurial mindset.

If your business launch is successful, you will have to take care of the logistic part, such as financial planning, licenses, and permits, etc.

For students who prefer more guidance on the business plan and want to attend entrepreneurship competitions for additional mentorship and guidance , we have an article listing the top 7 most prestigious entrepreneurship competitions in America.

For students interested in signing up for Diamond Challenge, we have just the right business course for you! Aralia’s Business tutors are inspired teachers and professors who are committed to student success. They are recognized in their field or are currently teaching at top high schools and colleges/universities in the US. The registration deadline for the competition is January 9, 2023.

Diamond Challenge Business Competition 101 is a class that helps aspiring entrepreneurs will create, promote and market a company to win over the judges in the Diamond Challenge Business Competition. In this intensive format, students will experience an active learning course where they will conduct the business ideation process, create a business plan, conduct environmental research, establish organizational mission, vision, and value statements, create marketing and promotion strategies, write the business proposal and create a pitch-deck required by the Diamond Challenge Business Competition.

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How To Come Up With High School Business Ideas

This is the second post in my five part guide on how to start a business in high school. In it, we’ll go over the the types of startups, and how you can come up with great high school business ideas .

If you already have a few solid high school business ideas that you’re excited to work on, you can move onto the next article , otherwise, keep reading to figure out how to come up with one!

Startups that are well-suited to the high school environment:

Before we start, one thing to keep in mind is that some startups are better suited to high-school student’s skill set and resources.

Social Startups: If your startup is working to make the world a better place, such as feeding the underprivileged or dealing with climate change, you’re in a great spot. It often takes less technical skill, less money (you might be able to secure funding easier!), and is also a very respectable reason to launch a business.
Small Business Startups : For the sake of this guide, I am going to treating small businesses (such as a lawn care company, a dog walking service) as a “startup”. These businesses are a lot easier to get up and running since the main goal is to provide value to those around you and profit while doing so . You shouldn’t be looking to scale these startups to a large size, which means that they’re also a relatively low time-investment project.
Software-Based Startups : A software-based startup could mean anything from creating a simple app for your community, or creating a large scale software solution for companies. These are ideal because they often require little to no monetary investment and allow you and your team to work remotely .

Startups that are NOT well-suited to the high school environment:

Hardware-Based Startups : If your startup idea involves creating and selling a physical product, you’re in for a difficult time. My last startup was hardware-based and the effort that it takes to get licenses, patents, manufacturing, etc. will make the entire process of launching your first business harder than it needs to be. It’s definitely possible, and if you have a killer idea for a product then you should go ahead with it, however, be prepared to put in the extra elbow grease .
Finance-Based Startups : While I’m sure there are exceptions, trying to create an investing app or a payment system is very risky at such a young age. First, most people won’t trust someone so young and inexperienced with their money. However, even if you do manage to get clients and users, it’s your liability if anything happens to the platform or their funds. I’d save this one for once you have some experience under your belt.

Now that you know what kind of high school business ideas you should be brainstorming, you can start to list them down.

Three Ways To Come Up With Great High School Business Ideas:

Fix a problem that you’re facing : In my opinion, the best startups are those built to solve a problem the founder themselves are facing . For example, I created Student Upstart because I found a gap in the market when it comes to resources and a platform for high school entrepreneurs. If you ask yourself, “What are the biggest problems I’m facing right now and how could I come up with a solution?” you’re well on your way to having a great startup idea.
Fix a problem that those around you are facing : Look around your environment, what kind of things do you hear your friends and family complain about daily ? See if any of these problems have potential solutions that you could build a business around. Another upside to this method is that you already have your first round of clients !
Apply your skills to an entirely new field : As I mentioned in my previous article, high-schoolers tend to have a larger skillset than usual. This means that if you approach an existing business idea, intending to apply your unique skills in a way that hasn’t been done before, the new perspective might be enough to put you a notch above the rest!

Now that you have a few high school business ideas in hand, it’s time to get into the actual first step towards launching your startup: coming up with your business plan . Click here to dive in!

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High School Students Interested in Business: What You Need to Know

Padya Paramita

March 19, 2021

Business is the most common college major in the United States. Last year, “Business” was the #1 most popular major in America. 289,384 business degrees were awarded, almost double the next most popular major. Undergraduate business programs appeal to students of all genders, races, ethnicities, and nationalities. As a result, the competition is also tough. To help you figure out what you need to succeed over other high school students interested in business , I’ve included the list of top undergraduate business schools, extracurricular and leadership expectations, top business summer programs, and finally, how to gear your supplemental essay towards explaining your interest in the world of business.

Who Might Study Business?

When we think about high school students interested in business , we might refer to students eager about any of the following:

Marketing/Sales
Management/Leadership
Entrepreneurship
International Business
Supply Chain Management

Students may choose to attend specific undergraduate business colleges or pursue one of these majors at any other university.

School List

Top students should aim for the best undergraduate business schools . Many students prefer studying business in undergrad rather than waiting for an MBA or majoring in economics due to the real-world, hands-on experiences these programs provide. Business students are prepared to take on practical challenges from the very first year in programs like USC Marshall’s experiential learning, travel, and mentorship programs. Below is a list of US News’ Top 20 Undergraduate Business Programs across the United States, along with their locations.

You might notice that the rankings include schools you might not expect to see among top universities, such as Indiana University. Not only do almost all of Kelley’s students graduate in 4 years, but 93% of the class of 2018 reported that they were either employed or enrolled in graduate school within three months of graduation. If you are looking for strong business programs specifically, look past preconceived notions of top schools because programs like Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business are definitely ones to consider.

Remember, your school list should always be balanced with reach, fit, and safety schools. One good way you can choose is by narrowing down the focus of the sector of business you want to study, whether it is finance, sales & marketing, management and administration, or international business. All of the top schools are ranked highly for a reason. Apply to undergraduate business schools where you feel that your style of learning and specific interests can thrive.

Benefits of Undergraduate Business Schools After Graduation

Graduates from undergraduate business schools are also more likely to get employed quicker than graduates from different departments at the same university. For example 98% of UMich Ross BBA graduates receive job offers upon 3 months of graduation, which is significantly higher than those at the other University of Michigan schools.

Undergraduate business school graduates also generally earn higher salaries immediately after graduation. The average salary for Wharton graduates in 2017 was approximately $80,000 compared to an average early career salary of $72,000 by non-business school graduates. Tepper School graduates’ early salaries started at $82,216 , compared to Carnegie Mellon’s average starting salary of $75,500 . Over at NYU, Stern graduates’ earnings began at $ 78,300 while the graduates from the rest of the school made a starting salary of around $ 53,500 .

Why Is Business So Popular?

You might be curious as to why business has consistently been the most popular major since the 70s. In general, majoring in business opens up job prospects sooner. Graduates might be able to find consulting jobs as soon as they finish undergrad, and ass a result, there is higher earning potential straight out of college. Because business courses teach a wide range of skills, students have flexible career path options—business is a practical major that can be applied in any industry. Students might also apply for the practical experience in college as there are a growing number of hands-on opportunities in the classroom.

Potential Career Paths for High School Students Interested in Business

Students who have graduated with business majors have gone on to the following industries:

Management Consulting - Bain, McKinsey, BCG, etc
Finance - investment banking, private equity, venture capital, trading, etc.
Marketing/sales

You could also join the business side of an entertainment company or even a law firm. Really, you can do anything you’d like!

How to Succeed in High School

There are several qualities that admissions officers look for in applicants interested in business:

Academics: Quantitative and analytical aptitude
Clear and focused interest within business
Demonstrated excellence in business-related activities
Strong evidence of leadership
Effective communication skills — written and verbal

There are several ways you could show your potential to succeed as a business major.

You might bring a competitive SAT/ACT score, specifically, a competitive Math section score - (750+ for top schools). Students at schools like Wharton are also at the top of their high school class - usually the top 5-10%. You should take rigorous classes such as AP Calc BC or above and AP Micro/Macro a plus if offered. You should of course score well on your APs, particularly aiming for 5’s on Math-related APs should help you. Lastly if you have impressive academic honors such as National Honor Society, AP Scholar, etc. that is certainly a bonus.

Extracurriculars and Leadership

High school students interested in business should go beyond the classroom to showcase how they’re invested in the field. Undergraduate business schools are looking for applicants with mature, proven interests in business to fill their coveted spots. Take advantage of extracurricular opportunities to really stand out among your peers. Here are a few ways to do so:

Start Your Own Business: A significant amount of high school students interested in business have now started launching their own company, selling a product or a service which in turns boosts their college application. There are several steps involved in the process. These are:
Brainstorming your business
Market research
Setting a price
Executing your business
Publicizing your business
Gathering funds

If you’ve got the time and you’re truly passionate about introducing a new product or service in the market, this can be a great place to get started with gaining industry experience. You can find out more about each of the steps in our how to start a business in high school blog .

Start A Non-Profit: If starting your own business isn’t feasible right now, or you want your profile to reflect a more philanthropic side, why not start your own non-profit? The easiest place to start is by looking at your own community. What are some facilities that need developing in your neighborhood? Is there a technology that your school lacks? What is something you’ve always been passionate about but don’t have access to in your area? Ask yourself questions to narrow down your interests and solicit information from members in your community to find out what initiative you can start to stand out as a resourceful leader.
Enter Business or Entrepreneurial Competitions: If you know as early as sophomore or junior year that you want to study business for undergrad, consider business or entrepreneurship competitions, which let your creative and entrepreneurial side shine. Blue Ocean and the Diamond Challenge are two of the biggest competitions for high school students interested in business . If you’re interested in the environment as well as business, consider the GENIUS Olympiad, which might be a good fit.
Find a Job: Admissions officers at undergraduate business programs appreciate knowing you’re hardworking and responsible. An effective way to demonstrate that you would bring these traits to their school would be by seeking a job or internship at a firm — or even elsewhere. While working for a year or two under your belt isn’t required for college applications, undergraduate business school admissions officers appreciate candidates who have spent time gaining hands-on experience in the real world. You might also want to earn money while you’re at it. You can use websites such as Indeed and Simply Hired to take a look at positions especially delegated for high school students.

Summer Programs

Since top undergraduate business schools are highly selective, you need to figure out a unique route to stand out. One way to distinguish yourself from other high school students interested in business is to take advantage of business summer programs hosted by prestigious institutions. Some of the most competitive ones are:

Launch X: Launch X should be your go-to if you wish to make your own start-up. Launch X is a program that helps young entrepreneurs conceptualize and get their own startups in motion. If you’ve got an idea that you’d like to develop but don’t have the resources for executing, Launch X can guide you there. The program operates from MIT, Northwestern, and the University of Michigan. Launch X provides students with mentorship that encourages them to make a positive impact on the world, deal with challenges, as well as practice conflict-resolution and teamwork skills. In terms of admission, the committee looks for students who are ambitious and driven, excited to discover innovative opportunities, and ready to conduct market research.
Wharton Leadership in the Business World: If you’re a strong student interested in studying business, you probably have your eyes set on the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Here’s your chance to show further commitment not only to the field of business, but to Wharton itself, by participating in its summer program: the Wharton Leadership in the Business World . You’ll have the chance to engage in classroom discussions and learn from Wharton faculty. Often at university-organized summer programs, actual professors don’t teach the courses. This is definitely a factor that distinguishes Wharton over the others because while still in high school, you’ll receive a unique opportunity to attend lectures by people who could end up as your future professors! You’ll also have the chance to network with executives as well as hone your leadership skills through team-based projects. Leadership in the Business World also helps you work on collaboration skills with your peers, and organizes cultural and social activities each weekend so you can get to know them outside the classroom.
NYU Summer at Stern: Summer at Stern is among the more course-heavy programs. This NYU experience helps you build a core understanding of business concepts. Stern’s world-renowned faculty supports rising high school juniors and seniors in navigating key concepts of business that cover accounting, finance, economics, marketing, and psychology. Students enrolled in Summer at Stern are required to take two Stern Courses:“Business and Investments” and “Behavioral Economics and the Science of Decision Making.” These courses introduce you to key business concepts at a college level. Attending Summer at Stern can also help give you a feel of what college would be like as a business student with exposure to the global business hub that is New York City.
Berkeley Business Academy for Youth: The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth , also known as B-BAY, is a college prep program for aspiring entrepreneurs hosted by UC Berkeley’s Haas School. You’ll have the chance to connect with Haas professors and guest speakers, and attend talks on leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, game theory, and more. B-BAY also allows students to conduct their own independent research, team up with peers to create a comprehensive business plan, and at the end of the program, present their efforts. Alongside attending business-related sessions, you’ll also have the chance to talk to admissions advisors from Haas and UC Berkeley Undergraduate Admissions. They lead an interactive session for B-BAY students to help them better understand the domestic and international college admissions process and how to apply to the UCs. You’ll also have an opportunity to get a head start on how to approach and answer the UC personal insight questions , so if Haas is on your list, definitely consider B-BAY.

Supplemental Essays

High school students interested in business will likely apply to multiple schools. For each school you apply to, make sure that your supplemental essays are as specific as possible to each program. Thoroughly research what makes each school unique — whether it is the sunny Los Angeles setting of Marshall or the chance to work with a particular professor at Wharton. It can be tempting to want to take a lazier route and make one or two tweaks to each essay before sending to different schools. Do not fall for this. Each of these schools have distinguishing features. Let’s take a look at a couple of business-specific prompts.

Georgetown University

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

The McDonough School wants to know how you hope to benefit from a business degree from Georgetown specifically. They want to know what you want from a business degree at this stage — how will you take advantage of Georgetown’s hands-on opportunities? What impact have you made on your community and what are you bringing to the classroom? How will you add to the diversity of your cohort?

The word limit allows you to go into details about discovering your love for not just business, but your specific interest in the discipline. Whether it’s marketing or accounting, ask yourself questions to start brainstorming exactly what motivates you. Was there one instance that catalyzed your passion and goals? How have you explored the subject of your interest since then? How has your curiosity about the topic grown? The majority of your essay should be dedicated to tying your interest in with what McDonough has to offer. Note which professor you can’t wait to learn from or a class that stands out to you on your way to becoming a future entrepreneur.

Babson College

Your moment has arrived. Share with us the moments or experiences that have led you to apply to Babson College.

You can respond to this prompt with a 500-word-essay or a one-minute video. The admissions office states that there is no preference for either format, so you can really play to your strengths here. If you are a filmmaker or a strong public speaker, you can choose the video route. If you prefer to reflect on your background and interests through writing, you may choose the essay.

Whichever you choose, make sure your supplement brings out the leader in you. Since Babson is business-specific, the admissions officers are asking you what appeals to you about Babson, not only as a business school, but in the unique opportunities it offers. You have to be as detailed as possible in talking about what led you to the decision to apply to Babson. You could talk about the first time you heard about a specific course, or how your campus visit affected your decision. Whatever the answer, make sure your individuality shines through in your application so that admissions officers can understand just how suited you would be for their institution.

High school students interested in business should work hard to convey that they have got what it takes to succeed in the field long-term. As a result, it’s best to prepare starting as early as you can. Think about your specific interests in business and go all out. Start your own company, apply to summer programs, help out your community. Your profile will be automatically if you are genuinely passionate and put yourself out there. You’ve got this!

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Business Lessons For High School Students

Owning your own business is part of the American Dream. You might be wondering how a person could start their own company. What steps should be taken? How much money do you need to have saved up prior to starting a business? As a high school student, this possibility might seem more like an impossibility. In order to start the process of running your own operation, the first thing to do is throw all doubt out the window. The next step is obtaining a great education!

High schools all over the United States have classes dedicated to teaching business, marketing, and economics. These classes cover all of the basics needed to start you on your path to success. When taking such classes, a variety of topics will be covered. For instance, economics are a large part of learning about business. In an economics course, you learn more about the various markets in the world, supply and demand, and how the markets fluctuate. You will also need to take some financing courses. These will cover the money basics and how it is important to save money, invest money, and even how to spend money (wisely, of course). Other important business classes include accounting, human resources, operations management, and information and technology management.

If you are truly interested in the world of business, you might consider taking courses over the summer months, just to keep your mind fresh and full of the most up-to-date information. As an exercise, you might even consider creating your own business plan. How do you do this? It is simple, really. Start with an idea that you think could be profitable. The next step in creating your very own company plan is to write a mission statement. This should contain the purpose of your company as well as a brief overview of how or why your company will be successful. To run a proper business, there should be an unmet need in the market that your company will fulfill.

Next comes the steps you will take to fulfill that need. In your plan, be sure to include everything you will need to meet the need of the market. This can include (but is not limited to) employees, machinery, investors, marketing, advertising, and office or warehouse space. Another important component of a business plan is a description of what your product or service actually does. Be sure to mention the feasibility of your company's product or service in this portion of the plan, also referred to as the business model. Also mention why someone would pay for what you are offering.

There are a few more steps to creating your plan. It is important to conduct an analysis of the current market. Take a look at other products that could be your competition. Look at what making your product or offering your services will actually cost you. Do not forget start-up costs! Before you turn a profit, you will need to spend some money. This may require you to ask of others in the form of investors. They are a great way for startups to get money to get your plan off the ground. Other aspects you might consider including in this portion are your sale projections and your qualifications for owning, running, and selling whatever it is that you are going to be doing.

Finally, here's the fun part: Once you have covered the previously mentioned topics, you get to be a little creative. Consider how you will market your product. What will your ads look like? What will your advertisements say? In what other ways will you promote your product? How will you educate people about your product or service? These are all great considerations for the marketing portion of your plan.

That is how you create a very basic business plan. Try doing so with your next great idea. It could just become a real company one day.

Find out more about business and economics lessons through the following resources:

Lesson Plans and Projects for Business Classes
Wharton High School Marketing and Entrepreneurship Course Lesson Plans
Business and Marketing Curriculum Resources
Financial Education Resources
Economics and Personal Finance Lessons for High School Students
Crucial Business Lessons You Learn in High School
Risk Management Lesson
Practice Money Skills (Grades 9-12)
Ted Talks: Economics
Personal Finance Project Resource Book (PDF)

By Marc J. Marin

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Master Your High School Business Curriculum: Keep Your Classes Relevant and Engaging

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August 28th, 2020 | 6 min. read

Brad Hummel

Coming from a family of educators, Brad knows both the joys and challenges of teaching well. Through his own teaching background, he’s experienced both firsthand. As a writer for iCEV, Brad’s goal is to help teachers empower their students by listening to educators’ concerns and creating content that answers their most pressing questions about career and technical education.

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High school business teachers often struggle to keep students interested in foundational business courses. Between planning, grading, and implementing your business education curriculum, it can be difficult to find and present materials that truly engage and excite your students.

Working with teachers across the country has given us considerable insight into the challenges teachers face with high school business curriculum. You need to find the right curriculum resources in order to keep your students focused and learning.

But how do you go about choosing the right high school business curriculum for your students?

In this article, we’ll talk about why it’s important to keep these students interested in your Introduction to Business classes . Then, you will learn some tips and tricks other teachers rely on to do just that!

Why High School Business Education Courses Matter

Before students can master business course exams or take AP courses in specific business subjects, they’ll need the important basics provided in your high school business lesson plans . This foundational content will carry students into future courses in this pathway.

Whether they’re going on to entrepreneurship, accounting , or another year-long business course, they’ll need the foundation you provide in the introductory course. This foundation can not only impact their future high school courses, but also the careers they pursue.

An introductory high school business course is where a real interest in business can spark and burn into a passion for a fulfilling career. Here, students will get a taste of all sorts of career options available in this pathway and hopefully determine their next steps.

Tip 1. Start with the National Business Education Association

Teachers have often shared with us that they don’t know where to start when putting high school business curriculum together.

As curriculum developers, we suggest getting familiar with state and national standards. Following the National Business Education Association (NBEA) standards should play a key role in your high school business curriculum. The NBEA develops nationwide standards for business teachers to make sure students across the country are prepared for the business world.

Here are some ways you can stay on track with NBEA standards in your own high school business lesson plans:

1. Get to Know the NBEA Standards

The NBEA maps out guidelines of what all business students should know by the time they’ve completed their courses. The guidelines focus on performance standards and expectations about achievements.

By following these standards, you can be sure your students will leave your classroom fully understanding the way a business works and are able to use business techniques and skills to help them shape their careers.

If you’re an NBEA member, you can check out the NBEA business education standards online . You’ll have to log in with your NBEA credentials to access the standards.

2. Align Your Lessons to the NBEA Standards

Once you have reviewed your state and national standards for business education, you can start putting your lessons together. Although, this can take much more time than you have to devote to lesson planning and curriculum mapping .

The easiest way to ensure your lessons meet the standards? Find a high school business curriculum or other business education resources that are based on the standards you need to cover. There are several options available, including Business&ITCenter21, Cengage SAM , and Pearson’s MyITLab.

Tip 2. Make Your High School Business Lesson Plans More Engaging

Engaged students learn more , but sometimes it can be challenging to grab the attention of high school students, especially in an introductory course. We know that adopting proven strategies like blended learning can go a long way toward engaging students.

Here are a few more specific tips and tricks to help make your high school business lesson plans interesting and engaging:

1. Keep It Relevant

At some point or another, every teacher must hear the universal student cry of “I’ll never use this in my real life!” But you can avoid a great deal of this response by making sure your high school business curriculum incorporates relevancy to your students.

Be sure to include scenarios that students have or will likely encounter. Relating your content to your students’ lives now or at least showing a clear future connection or need to your students is a huge victory in the fight to engage students.

2. Go Digital

Because your students are so in tune with technology, why not take your business education lesson plans there? Incorporate online tools , such as quizzes and video lessons to hold their attention longer in class. An interactive format helps your students make the most of the information in front of them, and it allows for more customization and flexibility on your end.

3. Incorporate Multimedia

A key aspect of blended learning involves presenting content in a variety of ways. Using resources that include multimedia supports that end by providing audio and visual aspects that help relay information in a clear way and keep students engaged. Use graphics and other types of media whenever possible. You can combine videos, charts, and audio to create a full multimedia experience. Or go for an online digital resource that does all of that for you.

4. Meet Diverse Student Needs

Because you have a diverse student body, a challenge can arise when students need to move at a different pace. Some students need to wait on their peers if they finish their projects ahead of time, and others can struggle to keep up.

Working online often promotes independent learning which helps keep students engaged by allowing each one to move through your high school business curriculum at their own paces.

With a digital curriculum, you don’t have to worry about the pace of teaching because the students can access it anytime, anywhere to make sure they are on track. When students complete the required work, they can immediately be directed to new activities, videos, and quizzes that will help reinforce the material they just learned.

5. Curate New Teaching Ideas

The Internet offers a wealth of information about improving and growing your own high school business curriculum .

Many websites can provide you with advice, examples, and helpful resources to make your lessons more engaging for your students.

Sites like Teachers Pay Teachers are also a great place to go for new ideas and lesson plans from other high school business teachers around the country.

If you are willing to try social media, Twitter could be another great resource. Many business teachers use Twitter for professional development. An easy way to start is by following the conversation around the #busedu hashtag!

Tip 3. Never Stop Improving Your High School Business Curriculum

One last tip for your high school business curriculum is to make a point to periodically review your content for ways that you can make it better.

Most subscription-based curriculum resources will do the bulk of that work for you by monitoring standards and other changes and then updating and releasing current content as needed.

The world of business changes so rapidly and you want to make sure that you are keeping pace. Keeping aware of changes to the business world and NBEA and state standards will help your courses continue to be relevant and engaging to students.

Ready to Teach Your Business Education Course?

Your students deserve a high school business curriculum that will help them build the foundational knowledge they need for future success. Using these tips and tricks will help you be more confident in your ability to engage and inspire your students.

But even the most prepared teachers still face some of the same challenges in the classroom every day.

To learn about five of the biggest challenges business educators face in the classroom, download your free guide . You’ll read about some of the most challenging obstacles teachers face in the classroom and how you can overcome them.

20 Business, Economics, and Finance Research and Passion Project Ideas for High School Students

By Jordan Ellington

Project Support Manager at Polygence

By Alex Armstrong

MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth

By Alex Yang

Graduate student at Southern Methodist University

16 minute read

Do you want to start or run your own business? Are you interested in the world of financial markets? Or maybe you’re interested in learning more about why the cost of eggs is so high right now? Either way, business and economics are some of the most popular majors in college, and to get a head start in learning about them is a great way to explore your interests and show colleges that you’re taking initiative.

Learn more about the fields of business, finance, and economics through a project of your own!

This list of 20 research and passion project ideas can provide inspiration to help you get started. These are mostly rough ideas and suggestions; you can shape your project in any way that you want and decide on the final deliverable.

If any of these topics pique your interest, or you have another idea you want to explore, sign up to get matched with a mentor and begin your Business, Economics or Finance project!

Get Matched with Leading Business Mentors

We feature mentors from all parts of the business world, including marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. Explore our Business mentors, their areas of focus, and potential project ideas!

Why Should You Consider Doing an Economics, Finance, or Business Passion Project?

Engaging in an economics, finance, or business project during your high school years offers numerous benefits and opportunities for personal and academic growth. Here are some compelling reasons to embark on such a project:

Explore Your Interests: Dive into the world of business and economics to discover your passion and interests in these fields.

Gain Insight: Understand complex economic issues, financial markets, and real-world business dynamics.

Boost College Prospects: Demonstrate initiative and dedication to colleges through your independent project.

In summary, doing an economics, finance, or business project provides you with a platform to explore your interests, develop critical skills, and make a meaningful contribution to your field of study. It's a valuable experience that can set you on a path to success in college and beyond.

11 Economics Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. analyze an economic issue of your choice.

Learn to think like an economist! First, you will choose a topic that interests you (e.g., inflation, gender, poverty, education, international trade, financial markets). You will then do some preliminary research into the basic principles behind the topic, like understanding why inflation happens and whether it’s good or bad. While doing your research on your topic(s) you will gain an understanding of the structure that economists follow to analyze your chosen phenomena. Then, as you gain a better understanding of your topic, you can start to dive into more cutting-edge research about the topic.

Idea by Economics research mentor Michael

2. Follow the economy

Gain a better understanding of our current economy! Even if you watch the news and keep a close eye on what’s happening in the world, it can be difficult to understand if you’re not familiar with economics. Certain things seem to be happening in the world of economics but what causes them and what effects do they have on our livelihood? Start this project by learning the basics of economics. Once you gain a better understanding, take a deeper dive into our economy today! Read some recent news articles (e.g., the Wall Street Journal) to learn more about the current state of the economy. Then, based on what you’ve learned from economics basics, what do you think the government should do about it?

Idea by Economics research mentor Taylor

3. Comparative tax policy

Conversations that revolve around taxes are never particularly fun! Especially if you’re filing them. But if you’ve ever wondered how tax policies affect businesses or why tax rates vary from state to state or country to country, it’s time to do your research! Learn more about how taxes create trade-offs in our economy and affect economic growth, and the various taxation strategies (e.g., flat rate vs. progressive). Then, write a policy memo on why the U.S. should or shouldn't follow other developed countries in adopting a value-added tax (VAT).

Idea by Economics research mentor Anthony

4. Gender economic inequality

Have you ever noticed that there are certain occupations where mainly women seem to be hired? Most of these positions fall within the realm of the service industry, including social work, healthcare, and hospitality, so because of this, women have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. If this is a topic that you’re passionate about, you might look into how the pandemic has impacted female employment. You can also look at other topics like how the gig economy has influenced women’s work opportunities. This Gender Inequality in the Workplace article is a good source of inspiration for other specific issues to dive into.

Idea by Economics research mentor Kristen

5. Apply a nudge!

Appearance is everything! In fact, you are likely to pick a specific food item off of a shelf or at the cafeteria because of how it’s positioned. This entire concept of positioning, designing, or phrasing something to make it more intriguing to customers is called a “nudge”. They appear everywhere in our daily lives (learn more about the concept of Nudge Theory ). But just how effective is nudging? Put this question to the test by applying a nudge experiment around your home, school, or neighborhood to see how this impacts others’ spending decisions. You can decide what kind of “nudge” you want to apply in your experiment, and be sure that you have both an experimental and a control group (i.e., people who do not receive the “nudge”).

Idea by Economics research mentor Mallika

Ready to understand the world of business or finance even better?

Register now to get paired with one of our expert business, finance, and economics mentors and start exploring your passion for business, economics, and finance today!

6. Soda Taxes: what works, and why?

In recent years, a number of cities, states, and countries have introduced taxes on soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages like sports drinks and energy drinks. These taxes are designed to reduce the consumption of sweetened beverages. This project would seek to review the existing literature on how these taxes have performed, including documenting where and when these taxes went into place; identifying the key parameters that go into the design of these taxes; synthesizing the results of how these taxes affect soda and sugar consumption; and making recommendations about whether the student's local community should introduce such a tax, and if so, how exactly it should do so.

Idea by Economics research mentor Paul

7. What makes a country rich?

You can probably name some rich countries and some poor countries, but what makes a rich country rich? Is it natural resources? Their system of government? Their "human capital" – education and civic spirit? Or is it just a random accident of history we have no control over? For countries that were once traditionally seen as less prosperous, how have they been able to become “richer” in past years? You could look at case studies, for example. What did China do under Deng Xiaoping or Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew? You could especially use statistics to test theories about what specifically causes economic growth and a country to become “richer”, and try to uncover some ideas for leaders and politicians who want to create prosperity for their nations.

Idea by Economics research mentor Jesse

8. Performance pay and teacher incentives

One of the central ideas of economics is that people respond to incentives. How does this principle apply to paying teachers? If you’re passionate about the education system this project idea could be interesting for you! In researching incentives for teachers, you can learn more about the value-added models of teacher pay and recent state policies that implement performance pay for teachers. Performance pay is exactly what it sounds like - your salary is based on your performance and contributions. You could also explore arguments for and against adding performance pay to teacher salaries and look into current data on the effects of performance teacher pay policies on student outcomes. What could make this project even more interesting is if you interviewed/surveyed teachers or school administrators at your high school to see what they think about performance pay.

Idea by Economics research mentor Merrill

9. Minimum Wage

The literature on minimum wages is one of the broadest in economics. The application of different techniques in the research has often led to very different results from paper to paper, and there is no consensus on the correct answers at this point. You can contribute to this literature by working on a project of your own. The project could be mostly model-based (economic theory) or it could be geared toward testing your hypothesis on the data (empirical economics). Think through what effects you expect, and what data you might want to collect to test your hypothesis. Specifically, you could explore how minimum wage has changed or fluctuated in your home state, and how that has impacted citizens’ well-being.

Idea by Economics research mentor Brian

10. Measuring income and access to a grocery store

Ever looked at a map of grocery stores near you and wondered why they seem to be more or less clustered together? Well, a simple hypothesis would be that the grocery stores are located where the population is clustered. However, a look at the distribution of grocery stores and population densities across cities in America may suggest otherwise. Therefore, you can hypothesize that the higher the average income in a given neighborhood, the easier it is for its residents to have a grocery store in that neighborhood. To explore this topic quantitatively, you can use data available online to find statistical correlations between the average income per household in a neighborhood and the number of grocery stores in the neighborhood. From the statistical analysis, you can draw upon economics concepts and theory to suggest policies that may help ensure grocery access to more people across the U.S., increasing the baseline standard of living. How can technological innovation also play a part in this? What about grocery delivery apps and companies?

Idea by Economics research mentor Sunny

11. Perfect Waves: how surf quality impacts residential property values

While surfing is possible wherever there are waves, the quality of surf spots is highly variable, with factors like bathymetry and exposure to swell and wind playing major roles. In this project, we examine the impact of desirable waves on the real estate markets in their neighboring communities. To do this, first understand the basic factors that impact the quality of surf spots. Then, analyze residential real estate transactions in select coastal communities and perform regression analysis to discern the impact of wave quality on price.

Idea by Economics research mentor Joseph

2 Finance Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. crypto case study: in-depth market research on crypto-currency businesses.

Cryptocurrency, or crypto for short, is a form of digital currency that uses cryptography for secure financial transactions and operates independently of a central bank or government. Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, are gaining popularity. With this project, you can gain a better understanding of finance-focused crypto businesses from all around the world. Do your research and handpick a few companies to deeply study. Where did they go wrong? When and why did they thrive? What is their value proposition for customers? With crypto currently not doing so well and being associated with scandal, there’s an opportunity for you to learn a lot throughout this process!

Idea by Finance research mentor Ben

2. The Stock Market and Quant Traders

How does the stock market work? When I buy a stock, who am I really buying it from and what am I buying? What is a stock exchange and how does it work? As it turns out, the answers to all three questions are not what you'd first expect! Explore these fundamentals about the stock market first before diving into the field of quantitative trading firms. These firms use algorithms and trained models to find underpriced stocks, allowing them to then sell at a higher price if the stock price goes up. How do these quantitative trading firms work?

Idea by Finance research mentor Richard

Complete a 6-week research project in Finance

Dive into highly concentrated content on a finance-related topic with the guidance of an expert mentor in investments and artificial intelligence, and build your own unique project in just 6 weeks!

5 Entrepreneurship and Venture Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. abcs of launching a venture: building a business plan.

Interested in starting your own business and think you have a great idea? Build your own business plan! If your dream is to someday start your own business, why not start mapping out a plan now? Outline what your product is going to be, why it will succeed in the market, and how you’re going to generate revenue. Be sure to analyze existing products that might be competitive with yours, and think about how your product or revenue generation model will be differentiated. Also, what is the market like for your product? Are there clear companies that dominate the space or are there many players? These are the questions you’ll have to ask yourself as you look to build your business plan.

Idea by Business research mentor Hannah

2. Analyze a company or compare two companies

Learn the ins and outs of how a company functions! Pick either one or two companies of your choice to deeply analyze/compare! Learn to read and analyze a business by looking at a company’s 10-K (a document that outlines everything about a business) and seeing how they generate revenue and what costs they have. You can find a company’s 10-K usually by just googling the company’s name followed by “10-K.” You can also look through articles, the company’s websites, or even interviews with the leaders of the company to learn more about their product and company culture. If you’re comparing two companies, try to see if you can hypothesize why one company might be bigger / more successful than the other!

Idea by Business research mentor Ali

3. Launch a social media brand

Help someone expand their business through social media! Find a small business that might not have a great social media presence, and would be open to your help and guidance! Think first about how you would pitch the value of social media to the small business. How would they benefit? How would it help them generate more revenue? Think about what social media platform you would use, and what kinds of content you would post. Tons of small businesses, particularly restaurants, are now making full use of social media to spread more awareness, and you can help a business do the exact same!

Idea by Business research mentor Ben

4. Business product analysis

In this project, you will conduct a comprehensive analysis of a chosen product from a company of your choosing. You can pick a product that you know particularly well and ideally one that you use yourself. What does the product do? How does it help customers? How does the product compare to the competition in terms of price, quality, and other factors? You can even think about how the product could be improved, based on your own experience or comparisons to competitor products. What do other customers think of the product, based on online reviews? The final outcome of the project can be written documentation that summarizes the chosen product and provides reflections on potential improvements.

Idea by Business research mentor Leo

5. Marketing to free agents in sports

Interested in the intersection of business and sports? This project might be exciting for you! When a player hits free agency in any sport, teams, and General Managers across the league throw money at the player in hopes that he or she will sign with their team. However, choosing a new team is a life-altering decision that involves more than just salary. The goal of this research would be to pretend that you’re involved with a major sports franchise of your choice and derive a sales and marketing strategy with which General Managers can approach free agents. By determining which factors (e.g., salary, city quality, cost of living, team quality) move the needle most for players, this strategy could effectively help the franchise market themselves to free agents and increase the likelihood of not only signing their desired players but potentially signing them for a discounted price.

Idea by Business research mentor Molly

2 Intersection of Tech and Business Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. the metaverse.

The metaverse is a hot topic in tech culture, but what exactly is it? The metaverse encompasses many different tech stacks from virtual reality, augmented reality, and web3/blockchain/NFT architecture. Big tech companies like Facebook have now made commitments to the metaverse. Explore what the metaverse actually is and why it’s a revolutionary idea, and break down how traditional businesses can expand their business to sell new types of products in the metaverse. The movie Ready Player One is also a great introduction to the metaverse and what it could actually look like, so definitely watch and analyze the movie as part of your research.

Idea by Business research mentor Brandon

2. Artificial Intelligence replacing knowledge workers

Are AI tools like chatGPT and DALL-E (text to image) poised to rapidly replace knowledge workers? Generative AI tools like chatGPT are capable of performing all sorts of tasks, from drafting sales copy to writing code, but is AI enough to replace knowledge workers? This is a hot topic that many people are weighing in on right now. There are certainly jobs that could and will be replaced by automation, but there could also be others where AI simply complements the work of a human. Explore how AI will or will not replace different workers. What industries or roles are most susceptible to being replaced by AI? What specific tools could they be replaced by? Come up with your opinion on this debate and if possible focus on a specific industry and how generative AI might impact it.

How To Determine Which Business, Finance, or Economics Project Idea Is Right For You

As we’ve shown, there are many different Economic, Finance, and Business project ideas for high school students to explore. Here’s how to help you decide which one you should start.

Reflect on Your Interests and Goals : Start by considering your personal interests within economics and business. Identify the areas that intrigue you the most and align with your academic and career goals.

Assess Your Knowledge and Resources : Evaluate your existing knowledge and skills in economics and business. Choose a project idea that allows you to build on your strengths and is feasible within your available resources.

Consult with Mentors and Advisors : Seek guidance from mentors , teachers, or advisors who specialize in economics, finance, or business. Discuss your interests and potential project ideas with them to gain valuable insights and suggestions.

Review Project Descriptions and Deliverables : Carefully read through project descriptions provided by mentors. Identify project ideas that resonate with your interests and align with the type of deliverable you'd like to create.

Consider Personal Connection and Impact : Reflect on the personal connection you have with the project idea. Choose projects that genuinely pique your curiosity and passion. Additionally, assess the potential impact of your research within the field.

By following these steps, you can confidently select a business, economics, or finance project idea that suits your interests, abilities, and aspirations.

Get Support Completing Your Business, Economics, or Finance Project

Once you’ve picked a project idea, check out some of our resources to help you progress with your project! Whether you’re stuck on how to cite sources , how to come up with a great thesis statement , or how to showcase your work once it’s finished , we can help you out.

Business, Economics, and Finance Projects Completed By Polygence Students

Exploring Causes, Effects, and Solutions to Financial Illiteracy and Exclusion among the Unbanked

How Did the Change in the Cost of Living in Silicon Valley, California in the Past Decade Affect the Economic Growth of the Area?

An Economic Approach to Solving Issues of Single Parenthood

Behavioral Economics Theories in the Colombian Navi Market | Polygence

How Switching to Sustainable Practices in Large Companies or Small Companies Can Positively Affect Their Business and Corporate Social Responsibility

Personal Finance Guide for Beginners

Do Your Own Research Through Polygence

Your passion can be your college admissions edge! Polygence provides high schoolers a personalized, flexible research experience proven to boost your admission odds. Get matched to a mentor now!"

7-Week SSP & 2-Week Pre-College Program are still accepting applications until April 10, or earlier if all course waitlists are full. 4-Week SSP Application is closed.

Celebrating 150 years of Harvard Summer School. Learn about our history.

How to Jump-start Your Business Career in High School

Get a head start on your journey by exploring summer business programs for high school students.

Valerie Kirk

While it’s always good to take some time to rest and recharge after the end of the busy school year, summer is full of opportunities to stay active and meet new people, learn new skills, and explore new subjects.

This is especially true for rising juniors and seniors who plan to attend college. For students who want to further their education over the summer, many colleges and universities — including highly selective schools — offer summer programs for high school students.

These programs can range from virtual classes with flexible schedules to full on-campus immersive experiences where high school students live in college dorm rooms, attend classes, and go on field trips.

Summer programs for high school students are offered on a wide range of subjects and disciplines — there is no shortage of options for high school students to find something that interests them.

Students can take a variety of classes to explore potential career paths, like those in business, while also learning more about college life. This experience can give high school students a head start on selecting a college or university and determining a major.

Benefits of Taking a Summer Business Program for High School Students

If you are a high school student thinking about pursuing a career in business, there are many summer programs that cover a variety of business topics such as economics, marketing, entrepreneurship, and management. There are also many benefits to starting your business career journey in high school by enrolling in a summer business program.

Earn college credit in high school

You could earn college credit by taking college-level business classes in high school over the summer. Depending on the institution, you may have to go through the college admissions process to take these courses or participate in a dual enrollment program with your high school and the college.

Earning college credit in high school could reduce the number of credits you will be required to take when you get to college, which can also help you earn your degree and start your career faster or open up room in your class schedule to do an internship.

Gain exposure to college-level academics

The jump from high school to college can be challenging. By enrolling in a summer college program while you are still in high school, you can experience the rigors of college academics before you start your first year, making the transition easier.

At Harvard Summer School, high school students may apply to the for-credit Secondary School Program or non-credit Pre-College Program and, if accepted, take college-level business topic courses over summer.

Select a field of study

There are many career opportunities in business. By enrolling in a college business summer program, you can explore different business roles to see what interests you, which can also help guide which major you declare when you get to college. When you officially start college, you will already know what classes to focus on.

Discovering what you want to study while in high school could also save you time and tuition expenses later in your education journey.

Improve your college application

Completing a college business program while in high school may elevate your college application and help you stand out to college admissions officers, especially if you are applying to a highly selective business program or school of business.

Build your network

High school students who attend college programs come from a wide range of backgrounds and geographic locations. By participating in a summer business program, you will meet people and make friends who will become part of your growing network, which could lead to future job opportunities, professional connections, and recommendations .

Our complete guide on college summer school Learn everything you need to know

Grow Your Business Soft Skills Over the Summer

According to the United States Department of Labor , today’s employers view soft skills as more important to work readiness than job-specific hard skills. A recent LinkedIn Global Talent Trends report noted that 89% of recruiters say when a hire doesn’t work out, it comes down to a lack of soft skills.

In addition to gaining valuable business knowledge, college summer programs can help you sharpen these critical soft skills. Students in business summer programs practice:

Communication skills

Today’s business world is complex, and business professionals must be able to navigate different situations with effective communication skills.

Summer business programs like the Harvard Summer School’s Pre-College Summer School Program for High School Students offer courses on improving public speaking and persuasion abilities . Other courses include projects where students develop communication skills while working in teams.

All programs offer multiple opportunities for students to practice different elements of communication to help you grow this critical skill.

Teamwork skills

High school students who attend summer business programs come from different cultures and backgrounds. Summer business programs often include team activities and the coursework may require you to work with a diverse range of students.

Time management skills

The work presented in summer programs is often condensed, which may require you to build more study time into your schedule. If you participate in an immersion program, it could be your first time away from home and on a college campus, so you’ll likely want to get out and explore your new environment.

To balance studying, socializing, and making the most of the summer college program experience, you will need to develop strong time management skills .

Leadership skills

Every field of business requires strong leadership skills. Whether you aim to become a CEO, a manager, or any other career in business, each role will involve motivation, critical thinking, problem solving, and more. Each of these skills contribute to effective leadership.

At a summer business program, you will learn how to hone your strengths in leadership and how to apply them.

Personal branding

One major component of business is branding, from marketing to social media. Developing your own personal branding in high school can give you a head start not only in practicing how to apply branding in professional environments, but also in sharing with the world what makes you unique.

Business Courses at Harvard Summer School

Harvard Summer School offers high school students two opportunities to explore subjects that interest them. Harvard Summer School’s Pre-College Program is a non-credit two-week residential program designed to give high school students a glimpse of college life on the Harvard campus.Harvard’s 4- and 7-Week Secondary School Program offers for-credit courses in a residential, online, or commuting format to fully immerse students in the college experience.

Students take college-level courses alongside peers from around the world taught by Harvard faculty and renowned visiting faculty.The majority of classes have less than 25 students.

Harvard Summer School offers courses in economics , digital media , management and leadership , and effective speech .

Each course involves case studies that address real-world problems or other materials to deepen your understanding of these key business topics.

Who Should Enroll in a Summer Business Program ?

Because college programs are often designed and taught by scholars, summer programs are best suited for highly motivated and mature students who excel academically.

Some courses offer college credit and others are non-credit classes, but they are still immersive. Students should want to study and engage with classmates and teachers throughout every course they choose to take over the summer.

Learn more about whether Harvard Summer School is right for you!

Enroll in Harvard Summer School’s Programs for High School Students

Applications open in December for Harvard Summer School’s Pre-College and Secondary School Programs. Both programs are open to rising juniors and seniors; graduating seniors may apply to the Secondary School Program.

Learn more about the business courses and all of the other subjects available during each session along with how to apply .

Explore summer programs for college students

About the Author

Valerie Kirk is a freelance writer and corporate storyteller specializing in customer and community outreach and topics and trends in education, technology, and healthcare. Based in Maryland near the Chesapeake Bay, she spends her free time exploring nature by bike, paddleboard, or on long hikes with her family.

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The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

16 Best Business Internships for High School Students

September 12, 2023

Want to experience the business world? There’s a wide variety of paths when it comes to business careers, whether you’d like to work at a tech firm, a nonprofit organization, or on the business side of healthcare. Perhaps you’re interested in finance roles, or maybe you’re more drawn to marketing and communications. Here are some excellent business internships for high school students. These high school internships range from on-site full-time jobs to flexible remote gigs. Either way, they can be great for gaining an understanding of the business field, boosting your resume, and in many cases, earning money.

Business Internships for High School Students

1) ladders for leaders.

Part of NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program, Ladders for Leaders places high school and college students in paid professional internships across New York City. Internships are available in a variety of industries to accommodate student interests.

Pay: Payment provided (at least $15/hour)
Location: New York, New York
Dates: 6 weeks (July-August)
Application Deadline: TBA (deadline was March 31 for 2023)
Eligibility: Applicants must be between 16 and 21 years old with a minimum GPA of 3.0. They must reside in NYC and have some prior work experience, paid or volunteer.

2) The Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI)

Founded in 2005, BALI was named after the New York Congresswoman Bella S. Abzug. BALI’s summer program aims to help underserved, underrepresented, and under-resourced communities, and particularly female-identifying and gender-expansive youth throughout NYC, develop skill sets to become effective leaders in political, corporate, and community life.

Pay: $500 stipend provided
Location: New York, New York (Hunter College Main Campus)
Dates: TBA (program includes three 11-day sessions in July and August)
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: The program is open to youth ages 13-21 in or from the NYC metropolitan area. There are no academic or skills criteria, though there is an interview process.

3) Meta Summer Academy

“Externs” at Meta Summer Academy have the opportunity to learn about day-to-day operations at Meta (formerly Facebook). For California students interested in a business career in the tech field, this could be a great place to start. Daily transportation is provided.

Pay: Stipend provided
Location: Menlo Park, California
Dates: 6 weeks (June-August)
Application Deadline: TBA (deadline was March 1 for 2023)
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school sophomores and full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required.

Business Internships for High School Students (Continued)

4) port of seattle high school internships.

Designed to provide high school students with skills necessary for success in corporate environments, this internship focuses on areas such as public speaking, project management, and networking. Interns can explore careers in the following Port of Seattle focus areas: Aviation Operations, Maritime Operations, Governance, Community Engagement, and Green Jobs. All internships are paid and based in real Port of Seattle projects.

Pay: Payment provided
Location: Seattle, Washington
Dates: TBA (8 weeks in either winter or summer)
Application Deadline: TBA (applications open in May for summer program, November for winter program)
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 and currently enrolled in high school (or recently graduated) or in a GED completion program.

5) Jimerson Berr High School Internship

Interested in the legal side of business? Jimerson Berr is a business and commercial litigation firm offering opportunities for students to work in a variety of departments, including accounting, communications/marketing, legal services, and information technology.

Pay: Unpaid
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Dates: 4-6 weeks (dates vary)
Eligibility: High school seniors may apply.

6) Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Student Leaders are assigned paid internships at local nonprofit organizations in a variety of locations. During one week of the internship, they also attend the Student Leaders Summit held in Washington D.C. to learn how government, business, and nonprofit sectors can work together to address community needs.

Location: Multiple locations (Student Leadership Summit held in Washington D.C.)
Dates: 8 weeks (June-July)
Eligibility: Current juniors and seniors in high school who live in one of the program locations and are legally authorized to work in the US can apply. Bank of American employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.

7) DOROT Summer Teen Internship Program

DOROT, a nonprofit that supports the elderly population, offers internships in New York City where high school students can learn about nonprofit management and conduct intergenerational activities with older adults. Interns can earn up to 112 community service hours.

Pay: Unpaid, though interns receive community service hours
Location: Manhattan, Long Island, or Brighton Beach, depending on the session
Dates: 4 weeks (dates depend on location and session)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors in NYC high schools are eligible to apply.

8) KPMG Future Leaders Program

KPMG aims to increase the number of women in business and STEM fields. In this program, 22 high school seniors are chosen to receive mentorship with a senior business leader, as well as career development opportunities. Recipients are awarded annual $10,000 college scholarships and continual mentorship through their college education. It is a highly competitive internship.

Pay: College scholarships awarded
Location: Varies
Dates: TBA (will be posted mid-fall)
Eligibility: Applicants must be female high school seniors planning to enroll in a 4-year undergraduate program for the following semester. They must also have a minimum GPA of 3.5, an interest in business or STEM, demonstrated financial need, and demonstrated academic excellence. Letters of recommendation must come from a nonprofit or community organization.

9) PNNL High School Business Intern

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory provides business internship opportunities during the academic year, in which students attend regular classes for half the day and then work up to 4-hours with a PNNL mentor. The program includes a range of educational and leadership development activities, and interns receive elective credits to apply toward graduation.

Pay: High school elective credits
Location: Richmond, Washington
Dates: Academic year (August-May)
Application Deadline: Applications open early February; deadline TBA
Eligibility: Local high school students may apply.

10) KP Launch

In this full-time and paid internship, students experience administrative and other supporting careers in healthcare environments. The program includes networking activities, individualized mentorship, and weekly workshops on professional development.

Pay: Hourly minimum wage (varies by location, between $15.50-$18 per hour)
Location: Northern California (varies by service location)
Dates: 7 weeks (June-August)
Application Deadline: TBA (usually late November or early December)
Eligibility: Eligible applicants will be 16-19 years old by June 1, 2024, and priority is given to junior and senior high school students. Applicants must have a permanent residence in the Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area.

11) Work! As Learning

This New Hampshire program connects high school students with local employers for paid internships. Students benefit from work experience in a number of business-related areas.

Pay: Varies
Location: New Hampshire (exact location varies by internship)
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: New Hampshire high school students can apply for this program.

12) Building-U High School Internship

Building-U is a nonprofit dedicated to helping high school students with postsecondary plans. The organization offers remote internship opportunities for high schoolers to help with the business and administrative sides of the organization. Internships can focus on business development, marketing, multimedia, blog-writing, and more.

Pay: Not listed
Location: Remote
Dates: Varies (Building-U offers 3-month summer internships and year-long programs)
Application Deadline: Rolling (apply as soon as possible!)
Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school.

13) Interns 4-Good

This organization connects high school students with nonprofit organizations and charities. All internships are virtual, and there are options to filter for flexible hours and particular skill sets.

Pay: Unpaid, but volunteer hours earned
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students can apply for these internships.

14) Department of Education Internship Opportunities

The Department of Education (ED) offers internships for high school students and recent graduates interested in education administration. Interns have opportunities to contribute to ED while gaining skills related to Human Resources Management, Education Policies, Grants Management, Communication, and a range of other areas.

Location: Washington D.C.
Dates: Internships available for fall, winter/spring, and summer (length varies)
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are at least 16 and attend an accredited high school or other institution. Recent high school graduates are ineligible unless they are able to provide proof of future enrollment in a university, college, or trade/vocational institution.

15) Forage Virtual Internships

Another virtual platform, Forage provides opportunities for “bite-sized” (5-6 hour) project-based internships with companies such as JP Morgan, Lululemon, Red Bull, and more. These job simulations build real-life skills and offer windows into various companies.

Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline: Flexible
Eligibility: Anyone can complete these job simulations.

16) SPARK Summer Internship Program (SIP)

SPARK provides internship opportunities for high school students in the greater Seattle area, connecting them with industry experts and mentors in business, engineering, and science. Business-related internships include Engineering Sales and Marketing, Competitive Analysis and Market Research, Social Media and Content Generation, and Travel Research and Marketing.

Pay: Some internships provide stipends
Dates: 8-10 weeks (June-August)
Application Deadline: March (exact date TBA)
Eligibility: High school students in the Seattle area who are eligible to work in the US may apply for this program.

Business Internships for High School Students – Final Thoughts

Whether remote or on-site, paid or volunteer-based, business internships can offer high school students real-world windows into a range of fields, from education, to tech, to banking, to healthcare. These internships can also be excellent resume-builders and strengthen college applications. For further research, check out these articles on Best Colleges for Business , Best Small Colleges for Business , and Feeders into MBA Programs .

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Sarah Mininsohn

With a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sarah is a writer, educator, and artist. She served as a graduate instructor at the University of Illinois, a tutor at St Peter’s School in Philadelphia, and an academic writing tutor and thesis mentor at Wesleyan’s Writing Workshop.

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How To Start Writing A Business Plan That Works

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For the entrepreneur, knowing how to start writing a business plan can be as exhilarating as it is overwhelming. The business plan is a foundational document and the blueprint of your business and is critical for securing funding, setting clear goals, and communicating your vision to the world.

Let’s explore the significance of a business plan, the essential elements it should include, and strategies to forge a plan that resonates with stakeholders and steers your business toward success.

Whether you are about to launch your first business or need to revitalize an existing business strategy, a business plan provides the foundation that supports your entrepreneurial journey.

Why a Business Plan Is Needed

A business plan is not solely for the benefit of a bank manager or an investor . The business plan is a document that helps bring clarity to your vision and can guide every decision and strategy within your company.

A well written business plan forces you to put your goals and ideas into concrete, manageable steps. It cuts through the noise, ensuring you stay focused on what truly matters for your business’s growth.

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For startups looking to secure that critical initial investment, a business plan is often the first point of reference for potential backers. It’s a chance to sell your vision, show your financial acumen, and demonstrate a roadmap to profit.

Identifying potential pitfalls early is a vital aspect of proactive business ownership. A good business plan helps you prepare for the unexpected and develop strategies to mitigate risk and safeguard the longevity of your business.

Setting clear, measurable goals in your business plan provides a framework for tracking your progress. This will give you the insight needed to pivot or double down on strategies as the market dictates.

Creating Your Story

Before you start drafting sections and compiling data, step back and consider the story of your business. Your plan should be like a good book, with a clear narrative arc that compels the reader from the first sentence to the last.

Any good story is rooted in an understanding of the world it inhabits. Your business's narrative begins with a comprehensive analysis of the industry in which you operate, as well as the consumers you aim to serve.

Think about how you define your unique selling proposition (USP) . What sets your business apart from competitors? All good stories have a unique twist, and your business plan should articulate what makes your venture different from, and better than, the competition.

Introduce your team into the story. Highlight their expertise, experience, and any relevant achievements that lend credibility to the business’s ability to execute on its vision.

Writing Your Business Plan Is Just the Beginning

A business plan can span from a quick roadmap sketched on the back of a napkin to a hefty document carefully crafted to align with industry standards. Regardless of size, it should contain certain fundamental elements .

The act of writing a business plan, while pivotal, is just the first step in an ongoing process of refinement and execution.

Here’s how to make sure your business plan is a living document:

1. Regular reviews and updates

Markets shift, consumer behavior changes, and your business will grow. Your plan must evolve with these factors, which makes regular reviews and updates a must-do.

2. Be realistic

It’s essential to be both ambitious and realistic in your plan. Don’t over-inflate projections or underestimate costs. An unrealistic plan is as unattractive to investors as a lack of vision and ambition.

3. Seek professional input

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Experienced business advisors, accountants, and mentors can provide invaluable feedback and spot issues you may have missed.

4. Start small

Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Write down your initial thoughts, outline your ideas, and refine them over time. Starting with a large plan can be intimidating but working on it gradually can be a more manageable and effective approach.

The bottom line is that writing a business plan can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and attention to detail, you can create a document that not only articulates your vision but actively works to make that vision a reality. It’s a living, breathing narrative that outlines your business’s course of action, and should be treated with care and enthusiasm.

Melissa Houston, CPA is the author of Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating a Profitable Business . She is the founder of She Means Profit, which is a podcast and blog . As a Finance Strategist for small business owners, Melissa helps successful business owners increase their profit margins so that they keep more money in their pocket and increase their net worth.

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.

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April 7, 2024 The Sunday Read: ‘What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living’
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The Sunday Read: ‘What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living’

Researchers are documenting a phenomenon that seems to help the dying, as well as those they leave behind..

By Phoebe Zerwick

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Produced by Jack D’Isidoro and Aaron Esposito

Narration produced by Anna Diamond and Emma Kehlbeck

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Engineered by Sophia Lanman and Sharon Kearney

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Chris Kerr was 12 when he first observed a deathbed vision. His memory of that summer in 1974 is blurred, but not the sense of mystery he felt at the bedside of his dying father. Throughout Kerr’s childhood in Toronto, his father, a surgeon, was too busy to spend much time with his son, except for an annual fishing trip they took, just the two of them, to the Canadian wilderness. Gaunt and weakened by cancer at 42, his father reached for the buttons on Kerr’s shirt, fiddled with them and said something about getting ready to catch the plane to their cabin in the woods. “I knew intuitively, I knew wherever he was, must be a good place because we were going fishing,” Kerr told me.

Kerr now calls what he witnessed an end-of-life vision. His father wasn’t delusional, he believes. His mind was taking him to a time and place where he and his son could be together, in the wilds of northern Canada.

Kerr followed his father into medicine, and in the last 10 years he has hired a permanent research team that expanded studies on deathbed visions to include interviews with patients receiving hospice care at home and with their families, deepening researchers’ understanding of the variety and profundity of these visions.

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Workers sue to overturn law that exempts Atlantic City casinos from indoor smoking ban

Wayne Parry

Associated Press

Atlantic City casino workers hold signs during a rally in Trenton N.J., Friday, April 5, 2024, after the United Auto Workers and casino workers filed a lawsuit challenging New Jersey's clean indoor air law that exempts casino workers from its protections. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)

TRENTON, N.J. – Frustrated at having unsuccessfully agitated for over three years to get lawmakers to ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos, workers on Friday tried a new tactic. They filed a lawsuit to try to overturn a law that leaves casino workers as the only ones not covered by the protections of a clean workplace air act.

The United Auto Workers, which represents workers at the Bally's, Caesars and Tropicana casinos, and a group of casino workers opposed to smoking in the gambling halls, filed a lawsuit in state Superior Court challenging New Jersey's indoor clean air law.

Teacher faces termination after calling in sick for 2 days to attend a concert in Nashville, district says

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio ( WXIX /Gray News) – A high school English teacher in Ohio is facing termination after she allegedly called out of work sick for two days to attend a concert in Nashville, Tennessee, district records show.

Eileen Washburn, an English teacher at Lakota West High School in the Lakota Local School District , is currently on unpaid leave as she faces potential termination.

Not only is Washburn a teacher, but she is also a member of the board of education at another nearby school district, Loveland City School District, according to its website .

Both districts are in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati.

At a board meeting this week for Lakota Local Schools, where Washburn teaches, board members voted to keep Washburn on unpaid leave until their next meeting, when they will vote on her termination.

Documents from the board meeting say that Washburn “falsified sick leave” on Feb. 8 and 9, and that Washburn told several colleagues that she was attending a concert in Nashville.

The school board said Washburn refused to answer questions regarding her whereabouts during that time and refused to discuss specifics on her alleged need for sick leave.

Interim Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli recommended that the board continue Washburn’s current suspension without pay and then vote to terminate her at their next meeting on April 22, unless “Washburn files a written demand for a hearing within the time required,” documents show.

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IMAGES

5 Small Business Ideas for High School Students
25+ School Business Plan Templates in DOC
Business Plan Template for High School Students
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25+ School Business Plan Templates in DOC
34+ SAMPLE School Business Plan in PDF

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Small business ideas for teenagers in 2023
Teen Entrepreneurship: Small Business Ideas to Kickstart Your Success in 2023
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How to Teach High School Entrepreneurs to Start a Business
2. Business Plan: Writing a business plan is a fantastic learning experience for high school entrepreneurs whether they intend on starting the business they have developed or not. Students build technical writing skills, analytical and critical thinking skills, organizational skills, and more.
160+ Business Ideas for High School Students
Low-cost business ventures suitable for high school students may include providing tutoring or coaching services, creating and selling handmade crafts, or setting up a car wash. These businesses often require minimal initial investment and can be tailored to a student's skills, interests, and available resources.
A Beginner's Guide to Starting Your Own Business In High School
After all, starting and running your own business is an impressive task. Many entrepreneurs don't start their businesses until their late 20s or after and have at least a bachelor's degree. That doesn't mean that only older, more experienced people can start a business though. Even high school students can come up with innovative ideas.
15 Business Competitions for High School Students
The competition is open to all high school students and requires them to submit a 1,075-word description of their business idea. Nearly $35,000 in prizes are awarded annually, including a $1,000 first prize. 13. High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge (HSUEC) Date (s): 2/21/21-3/26/22. Type: State.
Top Business Ideas for high schoolers
The Ultimate Guide to Teen Entrepreneurship: 20 Small Business Ideas for High Schoolers Did you know that teenagers between 15 and 19 constitute up to 18% of all summertime hirings? While that may ...
7 Business Plan Templates for Kids (Free Printables!)
Here's my full review of the Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox. 4. Home Sweet Road's My Business Plan. Check out this business plan for kids, which asks kids questions like what makes their idea unique, whether or not their idea is a product or service, and who their customers will be. 5.
Empowering Teen Entrepreneurs: A Comprehensive Guide
Benefits of Starting a Business in High School - Develop essential life skills. Teen entrepreneurs learn to navigate real-world challenges, fostering essential life skills such as time management, problem-solving, communication, decision-making, leadership, financial literacy, adaptability, and resilience.By honing these abilities early on, young business owners lay a strong foundation for ...
Top Business Competitions for High School Students
The Virtual Enterprises International Business Plan Competition invites high school students to simulate real-world entrepreneurship. Participants craft comprehensive business plans, incorporate financial projects, formulate marketing strategies, and create operational frameworks. During the competition, teams present their innovative business ...
Steps to Take When Starting a Business in High School
Starting a business in high school is an excellent way to jumpstart your future career. By following key steps in establishing a company, such as coming up with an idea, researching the market, creating a plan, and finding funding, you'll be setting yourself up for success. Follow these steps to start a business in high school
Business Ideas For High School Students
Starting a business in high school is not as complicated as it may sound. Business ideas for high school students are as plentiful as there are students in high school! The same focus that it takes to participate in a class project, or for playing your favorite video game, is all that you will need to come up with a solid business idea.
How to Start a Business in High School
Take a deep breath and sit down to draw out your ideas and goals carefully. No successful business was created in a day. To guide you through understanding how to start a business in high school, I've outlined important stages in brainstorming your idea, gathering funds, and taking the final steps to make sure that you can get your business ...
School Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]
Marketing Plan. Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P's: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a school business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following: Product: In the product section, you should reiterate the type of school that you documented in your company overview.
12 Summer Business Programs for High School Students
Length: 4 weeks. Grades Eligible: Rising juniors and seniors. Cost: $9,575 ($6,855 for commuters) USC offers a summer program specifically for high school students interested in starting their own business. The program runs for four weeks and teaches participants business theory and what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
5 Steps To Start A Business In High School
Step 1: Find a problem worth solving and brainstorm solutions for your business in high school. Pursuing a young entrepreneur route, you will find that a problem is anywhere around you. From something as simple as when you operated a lemonade stand, you may realize that squeezing lemonade by hand is time-consuming.
Business Project Ideas for High School
Business Project Ideas for High School. These business projects can help you provide opportunities for students to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. The projects include exploring different ...
How To Come Up With High School Business Ideas
Three Ways To Come Up With Great High School Business Ideas: Fix a problem that you're facing: In my opinion, the best startups are those built to solve a problem the founder themselves are facing. For example, I created Student Upstart because I found a gap in the market when it comes to resources and a platform for high school entrepreneurs.
8 Business Competitions for High Schoolers
8 Business Competitions for High Schoolers. Today's high school students are tomorrow's industry leaders. They're harnessing their creativity and critical thinking skills to develop novel business ideas and intricate business plans. These entrepreneurial endeavors aren't just classroom exercises; they're significant steps on the road ...
High School Students Interested in Business: What You Need to Know
How to Succeed in High School. There are several qualities that admissions officers look for in applicants interested in business: Academics: Quantitative and analytical aptitude. Clear and focused interest within business. Demonstrated excellence in business-related activities.
Business Lessons For High School Students
For instance, economics are a large part of learning about business. In an economics course, you learn more about the various markets in the world, supply and demand, and how the markets fluctuate. You will also need to take some financing courses. These will cover the money basics and how it is important to save money, invest money, and even ...
Master Your High School Business Curriculum: Keep Your Classes Relevant
Here are some ways you can stay on track with NBEA standards in your own high school business lesson plans: 1. Get to Know the NBEA Standards. The NBEA maps out guidelines of what all business students should know by the time they've completed their courses. The guidelines focus on performance standards and expectations about achievements.
Business, Economics & Finance Passion Project Ideas
20 Business, Economics, and Finance Research and Passion Project Ideas for High School Students. By Jordan Ellington. Project Support Manager at Polygence. By Alex Armstrong. MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. By Alex Yang. Graduate student at Southern Methodist University. Last updated Jan 26, 2024 Published Jan 27, 2023.
16 Business Programs for High School Students
MMBS is a program that combines mathematics and business for high school students, providing exposure to quantitative analysis and business concepts. 14. Duke University Fuqua School of Business: Duke Youth Programs - Global Entrepreneurship Program. Location: Durham, North Carolina.
How to Jump-start Your Business Career in High School
Harvard Summer School's Pre-College Program is a non-credit two-week residential program designed to give high school students a glimpse of college life on the Harvard campus.Harvard's 4- and 7-Week Secondary School Program offers for-credit courses in a residential, online, or commuting format to fully immerse students in the college ...
16 Best Business Internships for High School Students
12) Building-U High School Internship. Building-U is a nonprofit dedicated to helping high school students with postsecondary plans. The organization offers remote internship opportunities for high schoolers to help with the business and administrative sides of the organization.
How To Start Writing A Business Plan That Works
1. Regular reviews and updates. Markets shift, consumer behavior changes, and your business will grow. Your plan must evolve with these factors, which makes regular reviews and updates a must-do ...
The Sunday Read: 'What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living'
The Sunday Read: 'My Goldendoodle Spent a Week at Some Luxury Dog 'Hotels.' I Tagged Along.'
Workers sue to overturn law that exempts Atlantic City casinos from
Macomb County man tried to convince high school girl to get into car, cops say ... This lifetime 2TB cloud storage plan costs less than 15 months of Dropbox at $150 ... said Atlantic City's core ...
Teacher faces termination after calling in sick for 2 days to ...
A high school English teacher in Ohio is facing termination after she allegedly called out of work sick for two days to attend a concert in Nashville, Tennessee, district records show.