Business

Business is the process of turning ideas into goods or services for not only the business but for society and the people as well. Running a business is difficult work, especially for those who are just starting out. As such, there are many programs that help young entrepreneurs develop their skills and provide opportunities for them to grow their businesses.

Programs 

1. Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)- This program offers a 7-month program that teaches business skills and helps you launch a real business. The program offers mentorships, guest speakers, business planning and investor panels.

   • Application deadline: Early September  

   • Tuition is about $995

   • Need and merit based scholarships and fee waivers

   • https://www.sichamber.com/yea 

     
     

2. Junior Achievement (JA) Company Program- Allows students to form a company, develop a product, and manage its operations. The program has a focus developing your teamwork, leadership, business, and personal finance skills. It is typically run through high schools or after school programs.

   • Application deadline: Varies by school or district, contact JA for current deadlines for your region

   • Tuition is free

   • https://newyork.ja.org 

     
     

3. Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)- Offers business focused courses and competitions with mentorships, pitch events and challenges. This program also has a strong presence in NYC public and charter schools.

   • Application deadline: Varies by school or program

   • Tuition is free if entered via school or nonprofit partner

   • Program may offer incentives

   • https://www.nfte.com 

     
     

4. LaunchX- Originally a highschool entrepreneurial program started at MIT, this program helps students build real startups in teams with mentorship.

   • Application deadline: Final deadline is mid august

   • The tuition varies by program with online bootcamp being $1995, online innovation program being $4995, online entrepreneurship program being $6995, and the summer residential program being a similar cost but varies by campus

   • Financial aid is available but must apply for it by aug 6

   • There is housing for the summer residential programs

   • https://www.launchx.com 

     
     

5. Seeds of Fortune Start-up Accelerator(for girls only)- A year long program for young women to develop start-up ideas, pitch to investors, and earn funding for their start-up. The program includes a 3-day pitch event in Miami, mentorship, and access to up to $6000 in business funding. Eligible for female high school juniors who are interested in entrepreneurship with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and low household income.

   • Application deadline: Early may 

   • Tuition is free and may receive money from program to fund your business

   • Housing is covered for finalists attending pitch event in miami

   • https://www.seedsoffortune.org/girlsstartup 

     
     

6. Spark Teen Accelerator- Select teenage funded ventures are chosen for a 4-month program which includes mentorship, business perks, and access to thousands in funding.

   • Application deadline: Dates may vary by cohort

   • Tuition is free

   • Housing depends on event locations

   • https://www.sparkteen.org 

     
     

7. Young Founders Lab- Virtual startup bootcamp started by Harvard students aimed to help teens create revenue-generating ventures with mentorship.

   • Application deadline: Dates may vary by cohort

   • Tuition is around $2900

   • Virtual bootcamp so no need for housing

   • Need-based financial aid offered

   • https://www.youngfounderslab.org/

     
     

8. Diamond Challenge(University of Delaware)- A team competition for teens (ages 14-18) that focuses on business or social innovation pitches. The winners will earn prize money and access to accelerators.

   • Application deadline: Early spring (march to april)

   • Tuition is free

   • Housing is not included

   • https://diamondchallenge.org 

     
     

9. Leangap- Intensive program where teens launch real businesses with 1-on-1 mentorship and real revenue generation. 

   • Application deadline: No specific deadline but 2026 summer applications are currently open as of summer 2025

   • Tuition for the virtual program is $6450 USD and for in person is $9950 USD, there is a nonrefundable $700 deposit included in prices

   • Need based financial aid is available but does not grant full scholarships 

   • https://www.leangap.org 

     
     

10. Girls With Impact - An online cohort program for those who identify as female and are ages 14-24. The program helps its students develop an entrepreneurial mindset, create a business plan or nonprofit model, build leadership, problem-solving, and pitch skills.

    • Application deadline: Varies by cohort 

    • Tuition is $600-$2000 depending on program length and scholarship status

    • Scholarships available based on merit or need

    • No housing as it is a fully online program

    • https://www.girlswithimpact.org