Data: Empowering Young Minds through Entrepreneurship Education

Yes Please!

When kids get early exposure to entrepreneurship—especially social and sustainable entrepreneurship—it doesn’t just spark their creativity. It builds confidence, clarifies their values, and boosts their future aspirations.

A well-designed 2021 program in Amsterdam surveyed about 450 primary school students (ages 9–12) on what they learned about launching a business—that means exploring ideas, handling money, and even taking on sustainability-focused ventures. 

By the end of the program student knowledge about how to start a business saw a significant increase. (Cohen’s d = 0.83; see graph)

Girls and boys closed the gap in self-confidence around entrepreneurial skills and intentions—an outcome not often seen in general entrepreneurship programs.

After the program, 73% of students agreed that companies can help solve big world problems, up from 59% at the start.

The impact? Kids aren’t just learning to think about money—they’re thinking about profit, people, and the planet.

Want to chat about how to bring this into classrooms? Let’s connect. 

Source: Hogenstijn, M., & Cuypers, C. (2023). The effects of an education program on social and sustainable entrepreneurship for primary school children. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 5, 100266. https://lnkd.in/dYvNTnQF

About the Author

Suzanne Appel didn’t plan to build a company for kid entrepreneurs—until her own children inspired her.

After 25 years leading digital marketing for major brands, Suzanne found new purpose watching her kids turn ideas into mini businesses. Lemonade stands became trading and selling collectibles, and she realized something powerful: if we want kids ready for the future, we need to start teaching them how to create it.

In 2019, she launched Young CEO Squad, a hands-on entrepreneurship program for kids ages 7–12. Through business-in-a-box kits and school partnerships, Suzanne makes entrepreneurship fun, accessible, and real—giving kids the tools and confidence to launch their own ventures.

More than a product, it’s a mission: to reach ambitious kids in all communities, especially those with limited resources. Each kit sold helps fund workshops and, soon, scholarships for young entrepreneurs.

Suzanne lives in Southern California with her husband, two kids, and two scrappy dogs. Her goal? To raise a generation of confident, creative problem-solvers—one kid business at a time.

Support kid entrepreneurship education with a follow, like or comment! 

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/youngceosquad/   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoungCEOSquad

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/YoungCEOSquad

Website: http://www.youngceosquad.com