Entrepreneurship Program & Lab
To help develop the skills and resilience our Upper School students will need to meet the challenges of today’s fast-paced world, our brand new Entrepreneurship Program & Lab will allow students to:
- Identify a business or service need in the market and/or world.
- Build a product or create a service to satisfy that need that is uniquely their own.
- Develop a business plan to bring it to life.
This is a three or four-year program, depending on which grade students start the program in. The first cohort of students entering the program will be taught by Head of School Bill Kuhn, who holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Columbia Business School. The program will also be advised by three experienced entrepreneurs.
2024–2025 Program Advisors
Maggie Sprenger
NYU Stern Adjunct Professor and Partner at Audere Capital LLC
Brian Lancaster
Columbia Business School Professor of Finance and Economics, Founder and President of The Minot Group LLC
Jayesh Punater
Founder and CEO of Nucleus DNA, Founder and CEO of Gravitas
Program Structure
Years One–Two
In the first two years of the program, students will:
-
Learn core business disciplines, including:
- Finance and accounting
- Sales and marketing
- Business Management
- Business Operations
- Economics
- Develop an awareness of what to expect as burgeoning entrepreneurs, including challenges they will face and opportunities for collaboration.
Program Structure
Years Three–Four
In the second two years of the program, students will:
- Learn advanced business skills, such as:
- Writing business plans
- Product development
- Fundraising
- Work in teams in a business “incubator” as BWL provides a full-scale range of services and training to make each idea a reality.
- Present their business to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs (serving as their final project).
“I understand the general concepts of the field of business. I also know the math that goes behind the scenes and that there is a lot to being an entrepreneur. What we learned this year is critical information that will be very helpful in our future careers, even if not directly. I'm looking forward to next year's class!”
“I really enjoyed being able to collaborate with my peers for the final project and creating a business plan!”
“The speakers were excellent and the project was fun.”
“One thing I most enjoyed about this year was learning about the stock market. I gained a thorough understanding of how the stock market works and why it was created… I also really enjoyed developing the business plan and giving the presentation. I learned real-world skills and got great feedback that I can implement in the future.”
“I am very thankful to be able to have this opportunity to take this class this year. It has been a great course with lots to learn. I enjoyed watching the stock market and the stock we purchased. By far, working on this presentation has been my favorite! I found it very valuable especially in the long run if I want to become a business owner. I look forward to next year!”
2023–2024 Survey Results and Feedback
Entrepreneurship students completed a survey upon completion of the course. We are proud to share these survey results and feedback from the 2023–2024 cohort of Entrepreneurship students.
95% will continue the Entrepreneurship Program next year
68% experienced increased interest in Entrepreneurship
55% more likely to consider starting their own business
Questions About the Program
What are the eligibility requirements?
All rising 9th grade students are eligible to participate in the Fall of 2024. Students must have achieved at least a B average across all of their classes from last year. Only 9th grade students are eligible.
When will it begin?
Students who apply and are accepted will begin their coursework in 9th grade in the Fall of 2024.
Where does the Program take place?
The Program is housed in our new Entrepreneurship Lab located on the 9th floor. An initial Phase 1 of the Lab build-out was completed in September 2023. A more in-depth Phase 2 was completed in summer 2024.
What is the time commitment?
The Entrepreneurship Program meets in school for two class periods per week.
Is there an additional cost?
There is no additional cost to participate in the Entrepreneurship Program.
Who do we contact with questions?
Please reach out to Mr. Kuhn (bill.kuhn@gbwl.org) with any questions.
How do students apply?
9th grade students interested in participating in the Entrepreneurship Program should apply by completing this form or by clicking the button below.
*For the 2024-2025 school year