Finance, Business,
and Entrepreneurship

SmartLab’s career pathways offer students meaningful, hands-on opportunities to explore real-world connections.

The Finance, Business, and Entrepreneurship Industries are concerned with managing resources and making monetary decisions. These industries comprise institutions, businesses, and services that support money creation, distribution, and management.

Finance industry companies and others form the backbone of the global financial system, facilitating personal banking to international trade and investment.  Business finance involves planning, budgeting, raising capital, and managing cash flow, while entrepreneurial finance’s focus is acquiring capital and making financial decisions for a startup.

468DE892-C7A2-4759-89DC-E0EEB6AF79EC

Early exposure to the Finance, Business, and Entrepreneurship career pathway benefits students

Here are some key points to emphasize the importance of early exposure to FBE career pathway and how it can impact students:

Financial Literacy

Teaching children about finance and business fundamentals early helps them develop essential skills in budgeting, saving, and investing. Understanding money management lays the foundation for making informed financial decisions in the future. Research shows that financial education in childhood correlates with healthier financial habits in adulthood, leading to better credit scores and lower debt levels.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Introducing entrepreneurship fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Students learn to identify opportunities, develop ideas, and take calculated risks. This mindset can empower them to pursue their passions and innovate in any field. According to a report by the Kauffman Foundation, entrepreneurial education can significantly increase students’ self-efficacy and motivation, which are critical for success in any career.

Career Awareness
and Exploration

Early education in finance and business introduces students to various career options, from banking and financial analysis to marketing and entrepreneurship. This exposure can help students make informed choices about their education and career paths. A survey by Junior Achievement USA found that students who engage in financial literacy programs are more likely to consider careers in finance and entrepreneurship as viable options.

Collaboration and Communication Skills

Many finance and business activities involve teamwork, negotiation, and effective communication. By engaging in group projects, students learn how to work collaboratively, share ideas, and present their thoughts clearly—skills essential for any career. Group activities and projects mimic real-world business scenarios, helping students understand the importance of teamwork and diverse perspectives.

Adaptability to Economic Changes

In an ever-evolving global economy, teaching students about business concepts equips them to adapt to changes in the market, consumer preferences, and technology. Early education prepares them to navigate future economic uncertainties. Understanding market trends and economic principles can help students develop resilience and adaptability—qualities essential for success in any career.

Core Concepts
of Finance

Understanding income and expenses, how to manage money effectively, and the importance of saving. Introducing basic investment principles, including the concept of risk versus reward, and the importance of making informed decisions about money.

468DE892-C7A2-4759-89DC-E0EEB6AF79EC

Building future leaders with early pathways in Finance, Business, and Entrepreneurship

Introducing elementary students to industry pathways in finance, business, and entrepreneurship is crucial for their personal and professional development. Early exposure to these fields can foster critical life skills, inspire future careers, and equip students with the knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.

Hear from our happy clients.

Chad Burrows

Student engagement is at levels I have never seen in my 23 years of teaching. Students love the lab and are constantly asking if they can come down in their free time to continue working with Ukits, or Engino, etc. I’ve never been busier as a teacher, but also have never had more fun. It’s encouraged me to gladly take work home and get more proficient in areas such as coding and circuitry. I see myself as a lifelong learner, and this lab not only meets the needs of my students but also fulfills my own growth as a facilitator and person. I appreciate my administration for investing in this lab and appreciate SmartLab for offering such an incredible product!!!

Chad Burrows
Facilitator, Huntington Middle School | Public | Chillicothe, Ohio
Bryan Frazier

“SmartLab Learning’s turnkey solutions allowed us to move quickly to implement a district-wide STEM program…the SmartLab Learning solutions plus the professional development allowed our students to be actively engaged in project-based learning immediately.”

Bryan Frazier
Superintendent, Claremore Public Schools | Public | Claremore, OK
Dr. Deirdre Pilch

“We are able to work with our students to get them career and college ready, and we do that K-12. SmartLabs help by getting students’ hands on projects and activities, getting them working with partners in the classroom, and getting them building something they would’ve never have imagined they could build…it’s actually shown our community what our students are capable of.”

Dr. Deirdre Pilch
Superintendent, Greeley-Evans School District 6 | Public | Greeley, CO
Mark Weerts

“In our SmartLab, students become empowered and engaged as they use critical thinking, curiosity, and collaboration to apply content standards. I have yet to meet a student who doesn’t love this class or
benefit from this connected approach to learning.”

Mark Weerts
Principal, Phoenix Middle School | Public | East Troy, WI

Ready to start planning your SmartLab?

We’re excited to hear from you. Let’s change the way your students engage with math and science–in and outside the classroom.