Why Teaching Entrepreneurship in High School Matters (And How to Make It Actually Engaging)
“I wish someone had taught me this in school.”
That’s something I’ve heard more than once when it comes to life skills like budgeting, starting a business, or understanding how advertising influences our choices. And honestly? I’ve said it myself.
That’s why I’m so passionate about giving students the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship in high school—because these lessons aren’t just about business. They’re about life.
Why Teach Entrepreneurship?
Teaching students how to think like entrepreneurs doesn’t mean every student will go on to start a business. What it does mean is they’ll learn how to think critically, problem-solve, manage money, and take initiative—skills that support independence and resilience no matter what career path they follow.
Entrepreneurial thinking empowers students to:
- Be resourceful and creative, seeing opportunities instead of roadblocks
- Understand risk and reward, and how to make informed decisions
- Work with a budget, manage expenses, and understand basic financial literacy
- Communicate effectively, especially when pitching an idea or persuading an audience
- Reflect on failure, revise plans, and try again
These are exactly the kinds of life skills we want young people to carry into adulthood, and entrepreneurship is one of the most practical and engaging ways to build them.
But How Do You Teach It Without Losing Them?
Let’s be honest—some students tune out the moment they hear “business plan.” And that’s fair! If it’s all theory and no action, it is boring.
That’s why the key is giving students something they can create. Something real. Something that feels like it actually matters.
In my 5-Week Economics & Entrepreneurship Unit, students don’t just learn about entrepreneurs—they become them.
Here’s how I keep them engaged:
- ✅ Hands-on lessons with real-world examples
- ✅ Fun activities like designing persuasive ads or building a brand identity
- ✅ Practical skills like tracking expenses and calculating profit
- ✅ Group work that encourages discussion, teamwork, and confidence
- ✅ A major project that ends with a “pitch” to a panel of investors (aka classmates!)
What Teachers Love About This Unit
This resource was designed with both students and teachers in mind. Every lesson comes with a PowerPoint, a detailed plan (including learning intent and success criteria), and a student workbook full of engaging tasks.
There’s even an editable exam and assignment that you can tailor to your students’ needs—plus rubrics and checklists to make marking easier.
It’s a complete unit that:
- Covers entrepreneurship, advertising, budgeting, and business planning
- Guides students step-by-step from concept to pitch
- Builds confidence, creativity, and communication skills
- And yes—makes teaching it feel doable (even if you’re not a business expert!)
Ready to Inspire Future Innovators?
Whether your students are natural entrepreneurs or just curious about how the business world works, this unit gives them the tools to explore ideas, solve real problems, and develop their own independent thinking.
It’s a confidence boost. A creativity spark. And honestly—it’s just really fun to teach.
📌 If you’re ready to dive in, take a peek at the Entrepreneurship Unit Bundle here. It’s everything you need to bring business to life in your classroom.
