BizKids From Idea to Pitch: Teaching Kids How to Think, Build and Present Like Entrepreneurs

By Cathy Nedd | Creator, The BizKid Project

When most people think of summer camp, they imagine campfires, crafts, and outdoor games. But at The BizKid Project, summer camp looks a little different. It’s a place where kids transform into young entrepreneurs—dreaming up business ideas, building their brands, designing websites, and pitching their companies in front of a live audience. In just one week, youth ages 8–16 go on a journey that mirrors what real entrepreneurs do—and walk away with confidence, clarity, and skills they’ll use for life.

Youth at Franklin Wright Settlement's Youthville facility design logos and marketing materials during a BizKid camp experience.

"We designed the BizKid experience to take kids through the full lifecycle of launching a business—from idea to pitch," says Cathy Nedd, creator of The BizKid Project and CEO of Cathy Nedd Public Relations. "We want to give young people the tools to think creatively, solve problems, and communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence. Those are skills that will benefit them no matter what path they choose."

The process begins with brainstorming and discovery. Students learn the difference between a product and a service, and then work individually or in teams to select a business idea that aligns with their interests. From there, they dive into the basics of branding—naming their business, writing a short description, and creating a brand identity using digital tools like Canva.

Next comes the digital build-out. Students learn to design a simple, one-page website using Wix, develop promotional materials, and even write marketing content using artificial intelligence tools—with guidance on how to inject their own creativity and voice into the final product.

But the real magic happens at the end of the week. That’s when students take the stage at the BizKid Showcase to present their business ideas to a live audience of parents, siblings, camp counselors, and peers. It's more than a presentation—it's a celebration of their hard work, ideas, and personal growth.

Through this process, students sharpen essential skills like:

• Public speaking

• Team collaboration

• Creative problem-solving

• Time management

• Digital and visual communication

For many kids, this is the first time they’ve had the chance to present in front of a group—and it often becomes one of their proudest moments. The experience builds confidence under pressure and shows them that their voice—and their ideas—have value.

“Some of our students come in shy or unsure of themselves,” Nedd says. “By the end of the week, they’re standing tall, speaking clearly, and owning the stage. It’s powerful to witness, and it’s exactly why we do what we do.”

Whether your child is already dreaming of owning a business or just needs the chance to discover what’s possible, The BizKid Project provides a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment to explore entrepreneurship and develop life-long skills.

Ready to turn your child’s big ideas into bold presentations?Registration is now open! Use promo code SAVE50 for the early bird registration rate.Join the waitlist or register now for the 2025 BizKid Camp at www.bizkidcamp.org.Spots are limited—and this is a summer experience you don’t want them to miss!