For the past eight weeks, I had the privilege of spending an hour a week working with some of the most imaginative, resourceful, and enthusiastic young minds in Toronto. The Parent Council at Summit Heights Public School (part of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB)), invited me to lead an Entrepreneurship program for students in Grades 4-6. What unfolded during this time was an inspiring experience, where I saw the results of a supportive school environment and students' creativity combined to produce truly extraordinary results.
The program’s goals closely align with Explorer Hop’s mission: to empower young people with the skills and confidence they need to become financially savvy and innovative problem solvers. This mission was brought to life at Summit Heights, where students were encouraged to take risks, think critically, and collaborate—showcasing exactly what it means to prepare young minds for success in an ever-changing world.
A Foundation for Innovation
The program began with a simple yet ambitious task: start a business from scratch with zero capital. For a group of 20 young entrepreneurs, this was a significant challenge, but their enthusiasm and willingness to take bold steps paved the way for success. Summit Heights PS proved to be the perfect environment for such an endeavor. The school’s culture encourages curiosity, teamwork, and experimentation—essential ingredients for entrepreneurial thinking.
The culmination of their efforts was a unique exposition we called “Companies of the Future.” What I witnessed wasn’t just a showcase of innovative ideas but a reflection of how the students’ creativity and determination were nurtured by the school’s vibrant atmosphere and Explorer Hop’s entrepreneurial framework.
Raising Money for a Cause
What made this experience even more special was the students’ decision to give back to their community. With the businesses they created, the students worked tirelessly to raise funds to protect animals in need. Collectively, they raised over $400 in less than 40 minutes of sales, which they will proudly donated to the Toronto Humane Society to provide shelter to animals - a cause they selected themselves. This demonstrated not only their entrepreneurial spirit but also their compassion and desire to make a positive impact on the world.
It was incredible to see the students’ commitment to their cause. They understood the importance of tying their efforts to a meaningful purpose, and their motivation to protect animals gave their businesses an even deeper significance. Through this experience, they learned that entrepreneurship isn’t just about making a profit—it’s about solving problems and creating opportunities to contribute to the greater good.
The Students' Journey
Each student group brought something unique to the table, with ideas that ranged from handcrafted decorative boxes and creative fidget toys to intricate origami art and innovative sticker designs. These weren’t just products; they were examples of critical thinking and problem-solving, two skills central to Explorer Hop’s philosophy.
For example, one group re-imagined the Tic Tac Toe game with multicultural Hanukkah and Christmas themes. This wasn’t just a clever product; it reflected their understanding of diversity and inclusion, key principles for modern businesses. Another team, “Bling Bling Accessories,” designed beautiful pom-poms and bracelets that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end retail store, showcasing their understanding of design, branding, and quality.
One particularly memorable realization was how the teams worked together. Squad Stickers, worked seamlessly as a team to create innovative sticker designs, while another pushed the boundaries of origami, elevating a traditional craft into a work of art, and our youngest group of entrepreneurs in Grade 4 showed organization and cooperative skills that were well beyond their years. These efforts embodied Explorer Hop’s focus on fostering creativity, teamwork, and resilience. And when you consider the quantity of effort put into creating the surprise WOW boxes that were filled with hand made activities, it really makes you realize that these students weren't just savvy they were also hard working.
Real-Life Lessons in Business
Each week, the students explored a different pillar of entrepreneurship, from financial planning to operations, marketing, and sales. They learned how to calculate costs, price their products, and think critically about profit margins. These young entrepreneurs grasped concepts that many adults find challenging, proving how capable and adaptable they are when given the right tools and encouragement.
By dividing tasks, organizing workflows, and working collaboratively, the students also demonstrated impressive operational skills. These lessons, which are fundamental to Explorer Hop’s mission, not only taught them how to run a business but also equipped them with lifelong skills in teamwork, time management, and adaptability.
Creativity Meets Marketing
Marketing was a particular highlight of the group. The students brainstormed logos, designed posters, and found creative ways to reach their target audience. Their joy when they learned how to create QR codes kept me smiling for weeks. They demonstrated a strong understanding of their peers’ interests—whether it was creating fidget toys that tapped into popular trends or multicultural games that appealed to diverse communities.
Their enthusiasm was infectious during the “Companies of the Future” exposition, where they confidently pitched their products to customers. They weren’t just selling products—they were telling stories, building connections, and learning the art of persuasion—one of the most valuable tools for any entrepreneur.
Aligning with a Bigger Mission
Watching these young entrepreneurs thrive was a clear validation of Explorer Hop’s belief in empowering students to understand not only the fundamentals of financial literacy and entrepreneurship but also how these skills can be applied to solve real-world problems. The program encouraged students to take ownership of their ideas, reflect on their goals, and navigate challenges with optimism.
This approach aligns perfectly with Explorer Hop’s vision of raising future global leaders who are confident, resourceful, and ready to make an impact. The students at Summit Heights embodied these values, proving that with the right guidance and a nurturing environment, even the youngest among us can achieve incredible things.
A Glimpse into the Future
Programs like this one at Summit Heights demonstrate the transformative power of hands-on learning. Under Principal Dimitra Tsolos, the school's collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, combined with Explorer Hop’s structured entrepreneurial framework, provided the perfect platform for these students to excel.
The “Companies of the Future” exposition is a testament to what happens when schools, parents, and programs like Explorer Hop come together to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders. These students proved that the future isn’t just bright—it’s compassionate, too.
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