Mapping Entrepreneurship to State Learning Standards

When we talk to teachers about bringing entrepreneurship into elementary classrooms, one thing comes up again and again:

"This sounds amazing—but how does it fit with what I have to teach?"

Totally fair. Because while teaching kids to think creatively, solve problems, and build confidence through real-world entrepreneurship sounds like a dream—it can feel like just one more thing added to an already packed plate.

Let’s be real: teachers are overwhelmed. The standards are non-negotiable. Test prep looms large. And explaining to your administration how a lesson on starting a mini business helps students meet core academic standards? That’s not always easy.

At Young CEO Squad, we believe entrepreneurship isn't a nice-to-have—it’s essential. But we also know that it has to work inside the system, not outside it.

So we got to work.

Our team created a clear, teacher-friendly chart that maps entrepreneurship concepts directly to common state standards in Math and English Language Arts (ELA). This isn’t theory—it’s practical, plug-in-now guidance. We included real classroom examples of how student tasks in our program align with grade-level learning goals. It’s not just what entrepreneurship teaches—it’s how it reinforces what you already have to teach.

👉 Download the Alignment Chart Here

This chart is just the beginning—it’s a starting point to help teachers advocate for innovation while meeting the demands of their curriculum. Not every standard is included, but we’ve packed it with examples that show how entrepreneurship can boost the very competencies schools care about most.

Because when students are engaged, hands-on, and solving real problems—they’re learning more than business. They’re practicing math fluency, persuasive writing, critical thinking, and collaboration. They’re becoming world-ready.

We’re passionate about helping kids start businesses. But even more, we’re here to help teachers bring those opportunities into the classroom—with confidence, clarity, and standards in hand.

Ready to show how entrepreneurship fits your curriculum?

Download the chart and share it with your team.

Let’s stop asking if entrepreneurship fits.

Let’s start showing how perfectly it does.

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About the Author

Suzanne Appel is the founder of Young CEO Squad, a hands-on entrepreneurship program for 8–12-year-olds that’s been used in schools across the U.S. With over 25 years in digital marketing and a passion for empowering future leaders, Suzanne helps educators bring real-world business skills into the classroom—no business background required. She believes every kid can start a business, and every teacher can help them do it.