Start-Up Academy is a multi-part program that teaches children in grades 3–5 and teens in grades 6–8 about financial responsibility and independence as they prepare to sell their homemade products to the public. We are excited to partner again with Bolingbrook Bank and Trust to encourage young entrepreneurs in our community to spread their business wings!
Kids Start-Up Academy
Calling all kids in grades 3–5 with a homemade product to sell! This five-part series will help prepare you to be the savviest business kid on the block. Complete the first three sessions to participate in our Start-Up Market! Session four, “Get Ready for Business,” is optional. Presented in partnership with Bolingbrook Bank & Trust.
Register for Kids Start-Up Academy
Registration opens on Thursday, March 14.
Plan for Success
Thursday, April 4, 4:30 p.m.
Join us for an explanation of the Start-Up Academy program before we learn about saving, investing and the importance of having a business plan!
Money Smarts
Thursday, April 11, 4:30 p.m.
Money doesn’t grow on trees? Learn real facts about this important part of our economy, and practice handling money in preparation for earning your own!
Marketing Matters
Saturday, April 13, 1 p.m.
Marketing helps tell customers what you are selling and why they should buy it! Learn about color theory and brand while designing signs for the Start-Up Market!
Get Ready for Business!
Thursday, April 18, 4–7 p.m. (Optional)
Enjoy this drop-in workshop where you can print promotional items, ask for advice or drop off items in preparation for the Start-Up Market!
Recommended Reads: Start-Up Smarts
Teen Start-Up Academy
Calling all middle schoolers with a homemade product or service to sell! This three-part series will help prepare you to be the savviest business teen on the block. Complete the first two sessions to participate in our Start-Up Market! Presented in partnership with Bolingbrook Bank & Trust.
Register for Teen Start-Up Academy
Registration opens on Saturday, March 16.
Financial Literacy Day
Saturday, April 6, 2 p.m.
Join us for an explanation of the Start-Up Academy. Learn about saving and budgeting, money handling, credit vs. debit and more. Participate in a mock business where you’ll purchase supplies, create a product and sell to investors.
Marketing Matters
Tuesday, April 16, 6 p.m.
Learn how to market your products using Canva and Studio 300 resources. We’ll show you how to make a social media ad and a short commercial advertisement. Bring an example of your finished product and a short script for your commercial.
Time to Shine!
Start-Up Market
Saturday, April 20, 1–2:30 p.m. (Drop in)
Support our local young entrepreneurs by purchasing their handmade goods! The tweens and teens who have completed our Start-Up Academy will have a variety of products available for purchase. Stop by to show your support!