Building Ideas

BUILDing Ideas

BUILD’s 4-year program is the largest youth business incubator in the nation. Students come to us with inventive ideas for businesses. We nurture and shape those ideas, transforming a young person’s lifelong dream into an everyday reality.

The Program

Building a Path Toward Success

How do you provide underserved young people with the resources they need to succeed? At BUILD, we do it by helping our students to start their own small businesses. As they reap the rewards – from keeping the profits to gaining self-confidence – they know there is a connection between hard work and creating a stronger community. They are excited to go to college.

The BUILD Program is not vocational education. Rather, it’s an in-school elective in 9th through 12th grade, taught by BUILD mentors and on-site teachers at partner public high schools. The program works like this:

  • Students learn the basics of entrepreneurship while improving academic skills
  • Students develop a business plan
  • Students secure seed capital through a pitch to a Venture Capitalist
  • Students run their own businesses
  • Students concentrate on going to college

High Expectations Equal Exceptional Results

Our students must meet extremely high expectations for behavior, and must maintain a minimum GPA each year. They follow a strict set of rules, and are held accountable for their participation. But since they’re aware of the rewards, they more than rise to meet those expectations. 

A High Touch Approach

We spend a significant amount of time with each student via a “high touch” approach. It’s a supporting, encouraging and loving environment, one where we hold a deep respect for students’ cultural mores and individuality.

Students aren’t just taught about business – they learn the difference between being an entrepreneur and being an employee; between chatting with friends and presenting to business people.

The Short and Long Term Benefits

BUILD provides benefits that last a lifetime. From a tangible standpoint, students get to keep the profits from their businesses. They graduate high school, receive scholarships and go to college.

They also get tools that are valuable at any stage of life. Critical thinking, leadership, and financial management skills. The ability to clarify and articulate their thoughts. The willingness to address uncomfortable issues.

Simply put, they learn how to succeed