Bright Minds Business Leaders: 6-Week Online Summer Experience

Week 1: Design Thinking and Ideation
Kickstart your journey with Design Thinking—an innovative approach to problem-solving used by top businesses worldwide. Learn how to think creatively, identify challenges, and turn initial ideas into viable concepts, while honing collaboration and communication skills.

Week 2: Building Business Foundations
Dive into the fundamentals of business planning and management, including basic budgeting and target market research. This week also emphasizes essential financial literacy skills that every business leader needs to understand to build a strong foundation.

Week 3: Strategy and Market Research
Develop your project through focused market research and strategic planning, understanding your audience, competition, and the unique value your business idea offers. Strengthen analytical skills as you explore practical ways to make informed decisions.

Week 4: Business Proposals and Financial Planning
This week is all about numbers and impact. Create a realistic budget and financial plan, and learn the ins and outs of financial literacy for businesses. This foundation in financial planning will support your proposal while enhancing your problem-solving abilities.

Week 5: Pitch Preparation and Presentation Skills
Prepare for the big pitch! You’ll build public speaking, communication, and leadership skills through interactive sessions on effective presentations. Through feedback and practice, you’ll develop confidence and poise in presenting your business ideas.

Week 6: Final Pitch and Future Skills
Present your project in a Shark Tank-style pitch to our panel of business leaders and gain real-world feedback. We’ll wrap up with professional development sessions covering networking, resume building, and essential soft skills for long-term success in any career.

Throughout the program, students will also meet inspiring business leaders who share insights into entrepreneurship, finance, and the skills needed to excel in today’s evolving workplace.

Students will dive into a hands-on learning experience with practical business tools and activities designed to bring their ideas to life. From Shark Tank-style presentations to business proposal development and design thinking workshops, students will transform concepts into actionable plans. These interactive elements not only teach core business skills but also encourage creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. 

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to connect with mentors who are industry professionals, offering personalized guidance and insights into real-world business challenges. These mentors help students refine their projects, answer career-related questions, and provide valuable feedback. In addition, networking sessions allow students to build connections with leaders and peers, forming a network that extends beyond the program. 

The program emphasizes building a foundation of both hard and soft skills crucial for future success. Students will enhance their communication, financial literacy, and leadership skills, leaving with tools to navigate business and career opportunities confidently. From resume-building tips to insights on effective public speaking and team collaboration, these professional skills empower students to succeed in academic and professional settings. 

Upon completing the program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from The Institute for Financial Empowerment and Community Prosperity, recognizing their dedication to developing essential business and leadership skills. This certification, paired with hands-on experience in financial literacy, teamwork, and effective communication, provides students with practical skills that enhance their college and job applications. Graduates will leave future-ready, equipped with a strong foundation to excel in both academic and professional paths.