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Additional Details
Grant funds will also provide embroidered Business Academy polo shirts that promote team spirit, school pride, and a professional image. The polos will help students present themselves confidently during competitions, business presentations, and community events while fostering unity and professionalism within the Business Academy.
The goal of the Business Innovation Lab is to provide students in Principles of Entrepreneurship and the Immokalee High School Business Academy with hands-on learning experiences that develop entrepreneurial thinking, financial literacy, business communication, marketing, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Through authentic business projects, students will create, market, and present business ideas while using professional-quality technology and instructional materials that prepare them for college, careers, and industry certifications.
Students will participate in project-based learning experiences that simulate the process of starting and operating a business. Throughout the school year, students will:
- Research business opportunities in Southwest Florida.
- Develop business plans using industry-standard templates.
- Design logos, branding, and marketing campaigns.
- Create financial projections and operating budgets.
- Build digital presentations and marketing materials.
- Collaborate in teams to solve real-world business problems.
- Present their businesses in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition to community members and business professionals.
- Develop employability skills including leadership, communication, professionalism, and collaboration.
Grant-funded materials will be used throughout the year for classroom instruction, collaborative projects, presentations, simulations, and student business competitions.
This project will increase student engagement by providing authentic, hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world careers.
Students will:
- Develop entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills.
- Improve critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Strengthen communication and presentation skills.
- Increase confidence through collaborative projects.
- Gain experience using professional business software and technology.
- Prepare for postsecondary education, business careers, and industry certifications.
- Build career-ready skills identified by local employers.
The project also supports Florida's Career and Technical Education initiatives by integrating business, technology, leadership, and workforce readiness into daily instruction.
These materials will be used by multiple classes over several years, ensuring a lasting impact on students while providing engaging, career-focused learning experiences.
