Written by: Rachel Haddad, Facilitator at Kent Innovation High

Entrepreneurship is the process of designing, launching, and implementing a business. The individuals who run these businesses are called entrepreneurs. According to LendEdu (2018), “Popular industries for startups in 2018 included healthcare, e-commerce, technology…and maintenance”.

Often, the motivation to open a business is rooted in an individual’s desire to be their own boss. Our young people should be poised to enter an economy ripe with opportunity. Critical thinking and innovation will be central to their next steps. It is up to today’s educators and the business community to help equip tomorrow’s professionals with the tools, insights, and capabilities for success.

“Business, industry, and higher education have given clear feedback that student career and college readiness is essential to their success after high school. The skills in entrepreneurship help students develop a skill set to become career and college ready. We are excited to partner with the Chamber of Commerce and Start Garden to help students in their career and college readiness.” says Jeff Bush, Principal of Kent Innovation High (KIH).

In collaboration with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Start Garden, Kent Innovation High is excited to announce Student Startup Day, an entrepreneurship opportunity for West Michigan students in grades 9-12. On March 10th, students will come together at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce to form teams, ideate, prototype a business concept, and present concepts to West Michigan leaders and entrepreneurs.

Student Startup Day seeks to expose students to authentic business and entrepreneurship initiatives. Students will engage with Grand Rapids business leaders through multiple stations (i.e. marketing and customers, problem = opportunity, building a solution, revenue and costs, and elevator pitch). A networking lunch will partner students with current business leaders for a meaningful Q&A session. At the end of the day, awards will be given to student’s business ideas.

Students can expect a high-energy day filled with creativity and conversation. It’s also an opportunity to connect with students from other schools around the state. KIH envisions critical and creative thinking, communication, and hands-on learning experiences to support an authentic experience regarding how to build a business.

We invite teams from West Michigan high schools (led by 1-2 teachers) to click here and sign up today! Seats are limited and will fill quickly.