The Power of Entrepreneurship Why Teaching Business to Kids Matters and How Greenup Students Are Leading the Way

The Power of Entrepreneurship

Why Teaching Business to Kids Matters

and How Greenup Students Are Leading the Way

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

Teaching kids about business from an early age can have a profound and lasting impact on their development. By fostering business thinking in children aged 6–12, we equip them with essential life skills that support their growth into capable and confident individuals. This approach goes beyond preparing kids for future careers—it helps them build a strong foundation for critical thinking, decision-making, and creative problem-solving.

As parents and educators, we have a unique opportunity to introduce entrepreneurial concepts in fun and engaging ways. Whether through interactive games, simple projects, or everyday activities, there are countless ways to make learning about business both enjoyable and educational. Encouraging kids to think like entrepreneurs not only helps them understand the value of money but also teaches them to be resourceful and resilient.

Moreover, empowering children with entrepreneurial skills can boost their self-esteem and confidence. When kids successfully manage small projects or come up with creative solutions to problems, they gain a sense of accomplishment and independence. These experiences contribute significantly to their overall development, helping them become well-rounded and innovative thinkers. When we teach entrepreneurship early, we’re not just helping children dream—we’re teaching them how to turn those dreams into reality.

Entrepreneurship helps children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by presenting them with real-world challenges that require thoughtful solutions. When kids start thinking like entrepreneurs, they learn to analyze situations, consider different perspectives, and make informed decisions. This process teaches them to approach problems systematically rather than impulsively.

Take the simple example of a lemonade stand. A child running one must think critically about pricing, location, and customer attraction strategies. They might face challenges such as running out of supplies or dealing with sudden weather changes—real-world problems that require quick thinking and adaptability. Through these scenarios, children learn to weigh pros and cons, test different ideas, and persevere through setbacks. These lessons go far beyond business; they’re the foundation of lifelong problem-solving.

Managing small projects through entrepreneurship can significantly boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem. When kids take charge of a project and see it through to completion, they gain a sense of achievement. This feeling of accomplishment helps them build self-confidence and reinforces their belief in their own capabilities.

Entrepreneurship teaches responsibility, patience, and perseverance. Kids learn that effort leads to results—and that mistakes aren’t failures but opportunities to improve. Whether it’s selling crafts, baking, or organizing a fundraiser, these experiences give children a tangible sense of pride in what they can achieve. They start to think, I can do this. That mindset can change everything.

Running a business also enhances children’s communication and social skills. Entrepreneurship often requires kids to interact with customers, negotiate with suppliers, and collaborate with others. These experiences help them develop strong verbal and non-verbal communication abilities—skills that are vital for success in any field.

For example, when kids sell cookies or handmade crafts, they need to greet customers, describe their products, and handle money transactions. These interactions build social confidence and teach kids the value of teamwork and cooperation. Working with siblings or friends on a shared business project helps them delegate tasks and work toward common goals. Beyond that, entrepreneurship is an incredible outlet for creativity. By brainstorming new ideas, testing products, and finding innovative solutions, children learn to think outside the box and embrace their imagination.

One of the best examples of young entrepreneurship in action comes from Greenup County, where three middle school students—Kenzi, Makayla, and Lola—turned a simple idea into something extraordinary. All three are passionate members of the McKell Middle School band, and one day, they decided to bring a little more personality to their band uniforms.

“When thinking about the black T-shirts we wore as band uniforms, we thought, ‘Why not add some flair and make it our own?’” the students shared. With that spark of inspiration, their entrepreneurial journey began.

Supported by Principal Ward and their band director, Ms. Collins, the trio got to work using the resources available to them. With help from their Digital Creations class, they used cutting-edge technology—AI design tools and Cricut machines—to design and produce custom band T-shirts. But it wasn’t just digital magic; they put in plenty of hands-on effort too, “weeding” vinyl prints and pressing shirts by hand.

With more than 70 band members, this was no small project—it was a mission to bring their band together with a sense of pride and unity. “We wanted something that shows people where we’re from,” one of the girls explained. “When we are at concerts and stuff... we wanted something that shows people where we’re from.”

Their creative designs were an instant hit. Ms. Collins proudly wore her shirt during the community’s Old Fashioned Days celebration, and soon, the entire band was sporting their new look. What started as a simple idea had become a powerful expression of teamwork, creativity, and pride.

But beyond the shirts, something even more meaningful happened. The students discovered how fulfilling it is to bring an idea to life. “It’s made me even more excited about school,” one of them shared. “We get to be involved... work together... and make stuff we love. It’s just really fun.”

Stories like this one from Greenup show that entrepreneurship isn’t just about business—it’s about empowerment. By giving kids the tools, space, and encouragement to create, we help them discover what they’re capable of. They learn to take initiative, think critically, and embrace challenges with confidence.

Teaching entrepreneurship to kids aged six to 12 nurtures essential life skills like problem-solving, financial literacy, communication, and creativity. It lays a strong foundation for future success and helps children grow into self-assured, innovative individuals ready to make their mark on the world.

The story of Kenzi, Makayla, and Lola is proof that when we encourage kids to think like entrepreneurs, they don’t just learn about business—they learn about themselves. Thanks to their creativity, teamwork, and determination, the McKell Middle School band is now not only playing in harmony but also wearing their pride and passion on their sleeves.