Selling Dreams: Vienna Primary School Students Turned into Young Entrepreneurs
Kids' Entrepreneur Exposition: Empowering Young Minds as Business Owners
On the bustling campus of Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Vienna), you might soon hear a familiar question with an unexpected twist: "Want to buy this ball? It'll cost you one Euro!" Don't be alarmed; these sales pitches come from energetic young entrepreneurs — primary school students — who are redefining the realm of business as part of the Changemaker Market Day.
The Entrepreneurship Revolution: A Necessary Step
"Think about it — it's never too early to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit," says project initiator, Nikolaus Franke, as he reflects on the inception of this innovative program. Growing up in the United States, he often felt the entrepreneurial mindset was an integral part of the culture. In contrast, he saw a skepticism towards self-employment among Austrians. Recognizing the need for fresh ideas and perspectives to tackle the challenges of the 21st century, Franke envisioned a project that would connect the young minds of primary school students with the knowledge and resources available at WU Vienna.
Can 10-year-olds make a difference?
While children may have boundless enthusiasm, they often develop a limited understanding of career possibilities, with conventional professions like teacher, doctor, or salesperson making more impact than the seemingly abstract concept of entrepreneurship. In the Changemaker program, participants learn that they hold the power to shape their world and make a significant change. This empowers them, while also providing influential experiences to their teachers and parents.
Since its inception in 2017, the Changemaker Market Day has seen more than 2,500 primary school students come together to bring their ideas to life. The students learn from Changemakers — students from WU Vienna's founding center — who guide them in implementing their first business projects. In addition to the market experience, the students engage in lectures and discussions with WU Vienna students and professors to delve deeper into the intricacies of entrepreneurship.
The Changemaker Market Days will be held on June 5 and 16, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM on the WU Vienna campus. Visitors are invited to browse and buy the innovative projects showcased by the young entrepreneurs.
The Power of Innovation: Overcoming Obstacles
During the lecture, students expressed their thoughts on what they had gleaned from the Changemaker Market Day. Their answers echoed a common theme: resilience and self-belief. In a world that tends to prioritize perfection, Franke emphasizes the importance of understanding that innovation requires boldness and a readiness to take risks. Just as a football match wouldn't be exciting without a few defenders and a goalkeeper, innovation thrives on daring and unconventional ideas.
The Innocence of Youth: A Secret Weapon
Children, in many ways, make exceptional entrepreneurs. Their lack of knowledge often eliminates mental barriers, leading to unparalleled creativity and problem-solving abilities. While it is essential to preserve this creativity, ensuring the proper implementation of innovative ideas is vital. The education system can significantly benefit from incorporating entrepreneurial skills to foster innovation and success among future generations.
As the Changemaker Market Days continue to inspire, challenge, and empower young students, it becomes evident that the future of business lies in the hands of these energetic innovators. So, keep an eye out for those surprised sales pitches on the WU Vienna campus — they just might hold the key to solving tomorrow's problems.
In the endeavor to fuel future innovation, the Changemaker Market Days offer an opportunity for business education, bridging the gap between primary school students and the expertise at WU Vienna. These events empower students to tap into their creativity and learn entrepreneurial skills, breaking down barriers and fostering success for generations to come.
More importantly, these programs harness the power of youthful innocence, as children's limited understanding of traditional professions allows for their boundless enthusiasm to spark unparalleled creativity and problem-solving abilities in the realm of entrepreneurship. The education system, therefore, should integrate entrepreneurial skills to cultivate a generation of energetic innovators ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
