Entrepreneurship isn’t just for adults in business suits or recent college grads in the Silicon Valley. In fact, the entrepreneurial drive often starts much earlier, even in middle school. While some kids might be drawn to sports, music, or academics, others might display a unique knack for creativity, leadership, and a drive to turn ideas into action. Could your child be one of those natural-born entrepreneurs? Let’s explore the signs that your middle schooler might have an entrepreneurial spirit and how you, as a parent, can help nurture those skills.
Here are some examples of young entrepreneurs:
- At age 13, Hart Main came up with the idea of manly scented candles after teasing his sister about the girly scented ones she was selling for a school fundraiser. His sales now ales exceeding six figures annually.
- At age seven, Kamaria Warren and her mom went shopping for birthday invitations. When they found that no product represented African American kids, Brown Girls Stationery was born. On average, Warren now sells some 10,000 notebooks, 2,500 notepads, and 1,500 backpacks each year.
- Lily Born, at age eight, noticed that her grandfather, who had Parkinson's disease, was frequently spilling his drinks. Born invented a three-legged cup, known as the Kangaroo cup, that won't tip and started her company called Imagiroo. Today, Born has sold tens of thousands of Kangaroo cups worldwide and serves as an inspiration to children like her who don't see the problem, but the solution.
(Source: Investopedia)
6 Signs You Have A Middle School Entrepreneur On Your Hands
1. Creativity and Innovation
Does your child enjoy coming up with new ideas, inventing games, or finding unconventional ways to solve problems? Creativity is a cornerstone of entrepreneurship. Middle school entrepreneurs often think outside the box, coming up with innovative solutions to everyday challenges, whether it's designing a new board game, creating a unique art piece, or finding a new way to organize their room.
2. Leadership Qualities
Middle school entrepreneurs are often natural leaders, and this trait can shine early in life. If your child tends to take charge during group projects, has a clear vision for how things should be done, and enjoys motivating others to work together, they might have the makings of a leader. These qualities are essential for anyone looking to start a business or lead a team in the future.
3. Persistence and Resilience
Failure is a part of any entrepreneur’s journey, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is crucial. If your child shows determination when things don’t go their way—whether it’s retrying a failed science experiment, perfecting a tricky skill in sports, or revising a project until it’s just right—they are building resilience. This trait is invaluable for entrepreneurs, who often face challenges before finding success.
4. Curiosity and Willingness to Learn
Middle schoolers with an entrepreneurial spirit are usually curious about the world around them. They ask questions, seek out new experiences, and aren’t afraid to dive into learning something new, whether it's coding, cooking, or a foreign language. This willingness to learn and adapt is a telltale sign as your middle school entrepreneurs is driven to constantly stay ahead of the curve.
5. Problem-Solving Skills
Does your child love puzzles, riddles, or finding solutions to everyday problems? Entrepreneurs are often problem-solvers at heart, constantly looking for ways to make things better. This might manifest as a desire to fix broken toys, streamline chores, or invent new ways to accomplish tasks around the house.
6. Interest in Money-Making Opportunities
If your middle schooler has ever set up a lemonade stand, sold handmade crafts, or offered dog-walking services, they may already have a budding business mindset. This entrepreneurial interest in earning money shows they’re not just thinking creatively but also considering value and market demand—a core component of any business venture.
Why Middle School Is the Perfect Time to Encourage Entrepreneurial Spirit
Middle school is a time of rapid development, where kids are forming their identities and exploring new interests. Encouraging middle school entrepreneurs during this stage not only nurtures creativity but also equips kids with valuable life skills like critical thinking, communication, and financial literacy. Engaging in entrepreneurial activities allows middle schoolers to learn by doing, making this hands-on approach ideal for kids who thrive outside traditional classroom settings.
How Parents Can Support and Nurture Entrepreneurial Skills
1. Encourage Exploration
Support your middle school entrepreneur’s curiosity by encouraging them to explore their interests. This might involve joining school clubs, participating in community projects, or even starting their own small-scale business. The key is to provide a space where they can experiment and discover what excites them.
2. Teach Basic Business Skills
You don’t need to be a business expert to teach your child the basics. Simple lessons on budgeting, marketing, and planning can be introduced through fun activities like setting up a mock store at home or creating a budget for their allowance. The goal is to make these concepts accessible and engaging.
3. Provide Resources and Tools
There are countless resources designed specifically for young entrepreneurs, including books, podcasts, and games that teach business concepts in an age-appropriate way. Consider gifting your child a book about young business founders or introducing them to an educational app that simulates running a business.
4. Create a Safe Space for Failure
One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to create an environment where failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Encourage your child to view mistakes as part of the journey, helping them build the resilience they’ll need to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Programs and Opportunities for Middle School Entrepreneurs
There are various programs and camps specifically designed for young entrepreneurs. These opportunities allow middle schoolers to connect with like-minded peers, learn from successful business leaders, and gain hands-on experience. Look for local or online programs that focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy to help your child develop these skills in a structured yet fun environment.
If your middle schooler shows signs of being a natural-born entrepreneur, you have a wonderful opportunity to support and nurture their potential. By encouraging their creativity, teaching them basic business skills, and providing a safe space for exploration and failure, you can help your child develop the confidence and resilience needed to thrive as a future entrepreneur. So, why not start today? With your guidance, who knows what amazing ventures your young entrepreneur might embark on next?
Envision by WorldStrides is passionate about guiding students each step of the way as they rise to their highest potential through transformative experiences. Our programs offer hands-on experiences that allow high schoolers to test the waters of possible career tracks in: