ENCOURAGING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
By Stefanie Tedards
or young entrepreneurs, the path to becoming tomorrow’s business leaders, innovators, and trailblazers doesn’t have to wait until college. In fact, for many motivated students, the road to success begins much earlier . Teenage entrepreneurship fosters independence and confidence, setting young people up for success in all areas of life. Parents are key partners, providing the guidance and mentorship needed to keep their teens on the right track. Keep reading for ideas on how young entrepreneurs can explore, experiment, and thrive, and how parents can best support their teens’ interests and ambitions. BEST HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES FOR FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS In general, high school offers the first opportunity for students to choose classes and explore their interests beyond a set curriculum. Teens can branch out into advanced science, math, and language courses and take fun electives like art or choir. Young entrepreneurs could consider these high school courses: • Statistics: Teaches students how to collect, analyze, and interpret data. • Economics: Introduces students to markets and trends, supply and demand, and the factors that influence consumer spending. • English: Develops reading, writing, and communication skills, which are essential for pitching ideas, writing plans, and persuading others. • Foreign language: Covers the grammar and vocabulary of a second language and the culture of those who speak it. • Computer science: Focuses on problem-solving, coding, and logical thinking. • Psychology: Explores human behavior, motivation, and decision-making. • Business: Covers planning, management, and entrepreneurship basics. • Finance: Helps you learn the basics of budgeting, saving, and investing. • Accounting: Teaches how to track money, maintain records, and understand financial statements. • Marketing: Introduces strategies for promoting products and reaching customers. Of course, every school is different, and course options vary. If your school doesn’t offer any courses in business, consider taking an online business course . Ask your guidance counselor
if your school offers dual enrollment business courses through a local community college partnership.
AFTER-SCHOOL BUSINESS CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES Classes aside, young entrepreneurs must get involved and engage with business concepts hands-on. One option? Extracurricular clubs: • DECA: Provides opportunities for students to explore marketing, finance, hospitality, and business management through real-world projects and collaborative experiences. Members develop leadership and teamwork skills by putting business concepts into action. • Future Business Leaders of America: Focuses on building leadership skills and business knowledge. Students participate in school-based initiatives and workshops to develop a strong foundation in common business practices. • Business Professionals of America: Supports professional development through team projects and activities. Students gain experience in leadership, teamwork, and student-led service. • National Business Honor Society: Recognizes students’ academic achievements in business courses and provides young entrepreneurs with leadership opportunities and a connection to peers who share their passion. • Youth Entrepreneurship Association: Connects young entrepreneurs nationwide, offering mentorship, networking, and guidance on developing business ideas. Students can share their projects, learn from others, and participate in unique entrepreneurship development programs. If your local high school lacks these clubs, consider starting a chapter or your very own business or entrepreneurship club! You can also explore national programs and resources like the Nestlé Youth Entrepreneurship Platform , Beta Bowl , Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), and your local Boys and Girls Club . These types of clubs, networks, and organizations offer amazing benefits. They help young entrepreneurs discover their strengths and test out ideas in low-risk, supportive environments. A bonus of joining a business-focused extracurricular and building your business savvy? The opportunity to go head-to-head with youth entrepreneurs from around the world in student business competitions. ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITIONS AND CHALLENGES Competitions are an effective, hands-on way to promote teen entrepreneurship. They offer a chance to develop ideas, get
2026 TeenLife Guide to Business & Entrepreneurship » Get more info at teenlife.com/request-yfi-business 28
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