Empowering the Next Generation Through Youth Entrepreneurship Education
Celebrate Youth Entrepreneurship Day on November 7 — and an invitation to young innovators (ages 5–24) to compete in the World Series of Innovation
The Transformational Power of Youth Entrepreneurship Education
Youth entrepreneurship education has the power to change the world. A bold statement—but one we truly believe in at the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
Our founder, Steve Mariotti, believed that every young person in the world should learn how to start a business. Over NFTE’s nearly 40-year history, we’ve seen time and time again the transformational power of that learning. It’s why we have built our own Entrepreneurship Education Coalition—an ecosystem of leading organizations (including Project Lead the Way, NAF, CAPS Network, and others) united by a shared vision: to make entrepreneurship education accessible to all young people, regardless of background or zip code.
Together, we are advancing policies that recognize entrepreneurship as an essential 21st-century skill set, sharing evidence on how it drives academic motivation and career readiness, and amplifying the collective impact of programs that cultivate innovation, agency, and opportunity.
It’s also why we tirelessly advocate for more equitable access to entrepreneurship education for all.
And it’s why we’re calling for a global celebration of the next generation of entrepreneurs on November 7, 2025: Youth Entrepreneurship Day!
Youth Entrepreneurship Day is not only a feel-good moment to celebrate, it’s an urgent call to action. As education systems evolve, job growth plateaus, and technology rapidly advances, the question becomes clear: How can young people from all walks of life be prepared for an uncertain future?
At NFTE, we believe entrepreneurship education is the answer.
Every Child Needs a Win
It starts with a spark. A moment that begins with a teacher, a volunteer, a mentor, or even a classmate telling a young person that their ideas and passions are valuable can make all the difference.
Another favorite Steve Mariotti quote of ours is that “every child needs a win.” That win can be the moment a young person realizes their own innate talent, creativity, and potential.
“The greatest gift of life that I was afforded is that I met mentors and role models through this great organization that literally changed the trajectory of my life and instilled within me a deep sense of belief that still burns strong within me to this day.” Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Rodney Walker, NFTE Class of 2008
Building Real-World Skills and the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Learning how to start a business goes far beyond entrepreneurship; it’s about learning life skills like budgeting, marketing, and problem-solving.
And these skills don’t stop at business ownership. NFTE research has found transformational benefits in developing what we call the entrepreneurial mindset. This is a set of characteristics, attitudes, and skills that help young people identify and seize opportunities, overcome setbacks, and thrive in any environment.
“One of the most important lessons I learned is that entrepreneurship is really about opportunity recognition, and I don’t think I would have achieved what I’ve achieved now and my future success without really internalizing that lesson.”
Cody Chang, NFTE Class of 2006
Confidence, Communication, and the Power of the Pitch
When a young person learns how to start a business, they also learn how to pitch that business.
NFTE alumni and educators tell us time and again how the process of pitching sparks rapid growth in communication skills, self-confidence, and presence. Young people feel more prepared for their future when they can confidently present their ideas, receive feedback, and advocate for both their business and themselves.
In fact, NFTE research shows a direct correlation between growth in the entrepreneurial mindset and the number of times a student pitches their business idea to an audience.
“NFTE has really helped me gain more confidence in my presentation skills and allowing me to be more comfortable when networking and forming connections with others.”
Sayana Scott, NFTE Class of 2024
See the Power of Youth Entrepreneurship Education Yourself
You don’t have to take our word for it. You can see the power of youth entrepreneurship education in action yourself. Do you know a young person with a big idea? Invite them to experience the transformational power of entrepreneurship education by joining NFTE’s free online World Series of Innovation, a global competition that challenges young people to develop bold solutions to the world’s most pressing issues, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Young people ages 5–24 can choose from several innovation challenges and submit their ideas by December 12 for a chance to win cash prizes.
Learn more and participate at innovation.nfte.com.
The Future Is Entrepreneurial
At NFTE, we’ve seen firsthand how entrepreneurship education unlocks confidence, creativity, and opportunity. It prepares young people to thrive—not just as business owners, but as innovators, leaders, and changemakers.
That’s why, this November 7, we’ll celebrate Youth Entrepreneurship Day and continue our mission to ensure that every young person, everywhere, has the chance to build their future through entrepreneurship.
Because when we invest in young people’s ideas, we invest in the future of our world.
About the Author
Alison Swenson is the Senior Manager of Donor & Executive Communications and Stephanie Alvarado is the Director of Global Programs at Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). NFTE is a global nonprofit that ignites the entrepreneurial mindset and builds startup skills in young people to ensure their success. Learn more at www.nfte.com.
About This Blog Series
This post is part of the ESHIP Alliance’s Voices from the Field series, featuring voices and perspectives from across the entrepreneurial ecosystem building field. We welcome contributions from practitioners, supporters, and advocates who want to share insights, experiences, and ideas that advance our work. If you’re interested in contributing a post or want to suggest a person to profile, please get in touch with us at hello@eship.org.
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This post is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 and may be shared or republished with attribution. Photos courtesy NFTE.
