Startup Studio

Course Description

Have a business idea or a passion you want to turn into a product or service? Startup Studio is a 12-week online course where high school students bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life through hands-on, project-based learning. From brainstorming bold ideas to pitching a business plan, students will explore every step of launching a real or simulated business venture.

Meeting twice a week, this course walks students through the entrepreneurial process with engaging, real-world projects that cover:

• Ideation & Innovation – Identifying problems, exploring passions, and generating business ideas
• Market Research – Understanding customer needs and analyzing competitors
• Branding & Marketing – Creating a business name, logo, and marketing strategy
• Finance Fundamentals – Learning basic budgeting, pricing, and startup costs
• Prototyping & Testing – Designing, creating, and improving a product or service
• Pitching & Presenting – Building and delivering a persuasive business pitch

Throughout the course, students will develop problem-solving skills, collaboration, and leadership while working on a personal or team-based business project. The experience culminates in a virtual pitch presentation to peers, educators, or community mentors—bringing entrepreneurial learning to life.

Whether students want to start a business, explore a side hustle, or just think more like an innovator, Startup Studio gives them the tools and confidence to take their ideas from vision to reality.

What You'll Learn

• Develop and refine business ideas through systematic ideation processes
• Conduct market research to validate business concepts
• Create compelling branding and marketing strategies
• Understand fundamental business finance and budgeting
• Build and test prototypes or service models
• Develop presentation and pitching skills
• Practice leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving
• Gain confidence in innovation and entrepreneurial thinking

Course Features

• Real-world entrepreneurship projects and simulations
• Individual and team-based business development
• Virtual pitch presentation to authentic audience
• Mentorship from business professionals and educators
• Hands-on prototyping and testing experiences
• Market research and competitive analysis projects
• Branding and digital marketing skill development
• Leadership and collaboration skill building

Materials Needed

• Digital access for online sessions and project development
• Basic prototyping materials (varies by project)
• Presentation software and digital design tools
• Notebook or digital tool for business planning
• Access to survey and research tools (provided)

Prerequisites

No specific business experience required. This course is designed for high school students (grades 9-12) with curiosity about entrepreneurship and innovation. Students should be comfortable with online collaboration tools and willing to engage in creative problem-solving and presentation activities. An entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to think outside the box are more important than prior business knowledge.