Business Minded

Steward’s Entrepreneurship Studies program offers Upper Schoolers opportunities for hands-on learning and skill building, plus the possibility of earning a diploma that will prepare them for their college applications and future careers. The program illustrates Steward’s commitment to encouraging critical-thinking and collaboration skills through tailor-made experiential learning. 

The opt-in program, now in its eighth year, partners Steward faculty and students with successful local entrepreneurs. About 25 students regularly attend Entrepreneurship Program meetings on campus, and several seniors are on track to receive the endorsement on their diplomas. Bryan Innovation Lab Dean Brad Kovach serves as the program’s advisor. 

Second-year Entrepreneurship Studies students started off the school year by touring the Startup Virginia facility at Richmond’s 1717 Innovation Center. There, they met with 1717’s marketing and program manager and networked with the company’s founders.

A key part of the Entrepreneurship Studies program is a creative brief, a process in which students create an outline of a plan to address the challenges of a local business.

“We also introduce and practice key skills during our meetings,” said Mr. Kovach. “For example, public speaking, design thinking, customer discovery, and developing a pitch.” 

Mr. Kovach shared, “We also had 65 students sign up for access to the online certification program we offer through Startup Virginia, a business incubator and entrepreneurial hub where innovators can learn, collaborate, and grow,” he said. The course provides students with the information needed to build a business strategically. 

In January, students met with Christine Haines Greenberg, co-owner of Urban Set Bride, a woman-owned boutique bridal shop in Richmond that specializes in designer gowns. Ms. Haines Greenberg shared some of the challenges the business faces, including low social media activity. 

Students then conducted research, analyzing the social media content for Urban Set Bride and its competitors, comparing possible tech solutions (including AI tools), and exploring potential strategic partners. 

“As teenagers, my classmates and I knew that we could tackle this problem with a fresh set of ideas,” said Kaylyn Whiteside ’26, who collaborated with four teammates to come up with a plan of action. On February 28, our five young entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to the Urban Set Bride team.

“We examined Urban Set Bride’s social media and its competitors’ and came up with ideas that focused on generating compelling content,” said Kaylyn. For their final presentation, the students pitched the idea that Urban Set Bride could increase its social media presence by implementing brand ambassadors and collaborating with interns in VCU’s fashion program.

“What makes this [Entrepreneurship Studies] experience so fun is that every member of the program has the opportunity to highlight their interests within each project,” said Kaylyn, who is setting her sights on earning the program’s endorsement. “I have been interested in entrepreneurship ever since my experience in fourth grade with Mini-Economy Market Day! I am so glad that there are opportunities at Steward to help me continue this passion.”