Thinking of Starting a Student Business?

If you're thinking about launching a student-run business at your school this year, you're not alone—and you're in good company.

Schools across the country are embracing entrepreneurship not just as a class or club, but as a transformative experience that teaches real-world, durable skills. Still, one question always rises to the top:

“What kind of business should our students start?”

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we’ve seen some models experience success: ideas that are accessible, educational, and deeply impactful.

One of the most popular student-run businesses is the coffee shop. At Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, the Leaning Eagle Coffee Bar has become a centerpiece of campus life, offering students hands-on experience in hospitality, operations, and customer service. Metro Christian Academy and Gilbert Christian Schools have each launched their own versions, tailoring the concept to their school culture while empowering students with real responsibility.

Another strong model? The vending machine business. These might seem simple, and that’s part of their power. They’re a manageable way to teach supply chain thinking, pricing strategy, and product selection without overwhelming logistics. Grand Rapids Christian and Gilbert Christian have both piloted their vending machine businesses in previous years and are well into the next phase of growing the businesses, giving students ownership of every decision, from product choice to marketing and restocking.

At Greenbrier Christian Academy, students are learning digital design, production, and fulfillment through a print-on-demand business with their eighth graders. It’s a fantastic way to teach students how to blend creativity with systems thinking—tracking inventory, managing custom orders, and meeting deadlines under real-world conditions.

Then there’s the school garden-to-market model. Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy’s Eagle Farms continues to be a standout, with students managing everything from planting to harvest to retail. Greenbrier Christian is following suit, with several other schools expressing interest in creating farmer’s market-style student businesses this year. These ventures don’t just teach business, they build stewardship, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility for something bigger than themselves.

And let’s not forget the smoothie shop. Denver Christian School piloted this business and saw high engagement from students and staff alike. It combined health, hospitality, and hustle — a perfect blend for student entrepreneurs.

Here’s the bottom line: Starting a student-run business isn’t easy.
But it is absolutely doable with the right structure, a committed teacher, and students who are ready to build something real.

That’s what we help schools do at Seed Tree Group. We guide teams through a proven process that starts with ideation and moves through creation, launch, and growth. And we’ve seen what’s possible when students are given the tools (and the trust) to make something that matters.

If you want to get a student-run business off the ground this year, we’d love to help. Let’s build something that lasts.

FOUR STEPS TO LAUNCHING AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM

1. Select the teacher - I have a tool to help with selection

2. Identify between eight and twelve students for the pilot class

3. Train and certify the teacher - I have a program for this with curriculum included

4. Start the year-long class - Follow the plan and an on-campus business will be launched mid-year

After the launch, student interest will drive the future growth of the program. For more on the process, visit our website at https://www.seedtreegroup.com/

The future of education is bright indeed!