13 Entrepreneurship Programs in Michigan for High School Students
Entrepreneurship programs can be a practical way for you to explore business ideas while gaining real-world experience early. If you’re a high school student in Michigan interested in entrepreneurship, these programs allow you to move beyond theory and actively test ideas, solve problems, and build ventures.
What do entrepreneurship programs involve?
You learn essential skills such as business planning, market research, pitching, and financial decision-making. Many programs also connect you with mentors, founders, and industry professionals, helping you understand how entrepreneurship works in real environments.
What entrepreneurship programs are available for high school students in Michigan?
Entrepreneurship programs in Michigan range from short-term workshops and summer camps to longer incubator-style experiences hosted by universities and nonprofit organizations. You can participate in programs that guide you through building a startup from idea to pitch, while others focus on specific skills like financial literacy, innovation, or leadership.
Below is a list of 13 entrepreneurship programs in Michigan for high school students.
For more opportunities, consider business summer programs in Michigan and finance internships in Michigan.
Quick Look
3 free programs: Junior Achievement Company Program, JA Be Entrepreneurial, and Sesi Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference (all Michigan-based or school-delivered, open to grades 9-12)
3 virtual or remote programs: Young Founders Lab, Ladder Internship Program, and Michigan Virtual Entrepreneurship Course (all available year-round with flexible scheduling and financial aid)
Paid programs: range from $50 (UM-Flint Summer Entrepreneurship Institute, scholarships available) to $5,500 (Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy, need-based scholarships available)
1 program restricted to rising seniors: Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy (residential, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, highly selective)
4 programs open to all high school grades: Young Founders Lab, Ladder Internship, JA programs, and NSLC Business and Entrepreneurship (all accept students in grades 9-12 with no grade restriction)
Earliest deadlines: EMU Empowerment Program (December 5), UM-Flint Summer Entrepreneurship Institute (April 30), and Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy (spring, check current cycle)
13 Entrepreneurship Programs in Michigan for High School Students
1. Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (residential)
Cost/Stipend: ~$5,500 (need-based scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 7 – June 17 | June 21 – July 1
Application Deadline: Typically spring (applications now closed)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is a pre-college, entrepreneurship-focused program in which you explore how businesses operate through hands-on, collaborative learning. You engage in college-level classes and workshops led by Ross faculty, covering topics such as business strategy, leadership, and decision-making. The program emphasizes experiential learning, where you work on group projects, analyze real-world business challenges, and develop solutions. You also interact with industry professionals and attend guest lectures, gaining insights into different career paths in business and entrepreneurship. The structured residential format gives you a realistic preview of college life while helping you build teamwork and communication skills.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies as per program (need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: ~4 weeks (starting early June)
Application Deadline: March–May (multiple rounds)
Eligibility: High school students
The Young Founders Lab is a startup-focused program where you work on building a real, revenue-generating business from the ground up. You explore the full entrepreneurial process, from identifying a problem to developing and testing a solution. The program includes interactive workshops on business fundamentals, ideation, and market strategy, along with case studies and discussions. You also receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals, which helps you refine your ideas and approach. Throughout the program, you collaborate with peers and apply practical frameworks to develop your venture.
3. Michigan State University – Entrepreneur Leadership Camp
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified (financial support may be available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 22 – June 25
Application Deadline: Not publicly specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The MSU Entrepreneur Leadership Camp is a short, immersive program designed to introduce you to entrepreneurship through hands-on learning and practical application. You participate in workshops, team-based challenges, and interactive sessions led by experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals. The program focuses on developing an entrepreneurial mindset, helping you learn how to identify problems, generate ideas, and build solutions collaboratively. You also gain exposure to Michigan’s startup ecosystem by engaging with mentors and industry leaders. The camp emphasizes both leadership and innovation, encouraging you to think critically and work effectively in teams. Over the four days, you build practical skills in communication, problem-solving, and business strategy while forming connections with peers and mentors.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: January, May, September, November (varies by cohort)
Eligibility: High school students able to commit 10–20 hours/week
The Ladder Internship Program offers a startup-focused experience where you work on real business projects with early-stage companies. You collaborate with founders and teams across industries such as technology, marketing, and consulting, gaining exposure to how startups operate and scale. The program emphasizes practical skill development, including problem-solving, communication, and project execution. You receive guidance from a manager and a dedicated coach, helping you refine your work and professional approach. Throughout the internship, you contribute to meaningful deliverables and present your work at the end of the program. This structure allows you to gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience in a real business environment.
5. University of Michigan–Flint – Summer Entrepreneurship Institute
Location: University of Michigan–Flint, Flint, MI (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: $50 (scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 16 – June 18
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Summer Entrepreneurship Institute at UM-Flint is a short, hands-on program that introduces you to the fundamentals of starting and growing a business. You participate in faculty-led sessions, guest lectures from entrepreneurs, and field visits to local businesses, giving you exposure to real entrepreneurial environments. The program focuses on helping you generate business ideas, evaluate their feasibility, and understand what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. You also work on team-based projects, collaborating with peers to develop and present your ideas. The structured schedule combines interactive learning with practical application, allowing you to actively engage with the material. This program is particularly useful if you want an accessible, low-cost introduction to entrepreneurship within Michigan’s local business ecosystem.
6. Junior Achievement (JA) – Company Program
Location: Michigan (available in classrooms, after-school programs, and virtual formats)
Cost/Stipend: Typically free (school or sponsor-supported)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment (varies by school/program)
Program Dates: School year or summer sessions (varies by provider)
Application Deadline: Varies by local JA chapter
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The JA Company Program is a hands-on entrepreneurship experience where you build and manage your own student-led business. You work in teams to identify a problem, develop a product or service, and take it through the full business cycle, from ideation to execution. The program emphasizes practical skills such as decision-making, financial management, marketing, and stakeholder communication. You also receive mentorship from industry professionals and community volunteers, helping you understand how businesses operate in real-world settings. Throughout the experience, you collaborate with peers and take on leadership roles within your company.
7. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) – Business & Entrepreneurship Program
Location: Multiple campuses, including University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
Cost/Stipend: ~$4,195–$4,495 (scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Program Dates: Multiple 9-day sessions (June–July)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
The NSLC Business & Entrepreneurship Program is a short-term, immersive experience where you explore how businesses are built and managed. You participate in simulations that require you to make strategic decisions, manage resources, and respond to real-world business challenges. The program also includes group projects where you develop and pitch a business idea, helping you understand the startup process from ideation to presentation. You learn from guest speakers, including entrepreneurs and industry professionals, gaining insight into different business careers. In addition, site visits and campus-based activities expose you to real business environments.
8. Western Michigan University – Dollars and Sense Camp
Location: Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: $299
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: August 17 – August 21
Application Deadline: Not publicly specified
Eligibility: Grades 8–12
The Dollars and Sense Camp is a weeklong program focused on financial literacy and practical decision-making skills closely tied to entrepreneurship. You explore topics such as budgeting, investing, real estate, and risk management, building a strong foundation in managing money and evaluating financial opportunities. The program includes interactive activities such as simulations and competitions, where you apply concepts to real-world scenarios. You also engage with business professionals and faculty from WMU’s Haworth College of Business, gaining insight into finance-related careers. Team projects and presentations allow you to develop communication and analytical skills while applying what you learn. This program is useful if you want to strengthen your understanding of financial systems that underpin successful entrepreneurial ventures.
9. Junior Achievement (JA) – Be Entrepreneurial (Think Like an Entrepreneur)
Location: Michigan (classroom-based, after-school, or virtual)
Cost/Stipend: Typically free (school or sponsor-supported)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment (varies by school/program)
Program Dates: Flexible (short modules or semester-long)
Application Deadline: Varies by local JA chapter
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The JA Be Entrepreneurial program is a flexible entrepreneurship experience focused on developing your mindset and foundational business skills. You learn how to identify opportunities, apply design thinking, and create value through innovative ideas. The curriculum guides you through building a one-page business plan, helping you translate concepts into actionable strategies. You also evaluate your strengths, develop a growth mindset, and create a personal action plan for entrepreneurial success. The program includes project-based learning, where you apply concepts to real-world scenarios. In some cases, you can participate in competitions like the JA Social Innovation Challenge, giving you a platform to present your ideas.
10. Michigan Virtual – Entrepreneurship Course
Location: Virtual (Michigan Virtual platform)
Cost/Stipend: ~$370 (varies by course type; consortium discounts available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
Program Dates: Summer, semester, or trimester options
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
The Michigan Virtual Entrepreneurship Course is a structured online program that introduces you to the fundamentals of starting and managing a business. You explore key concepts such as developing a business idea, conducting feasibility analysis, identifying target customers, and creating a business plan. The course also covers operational aspects like hiring, inventory management, and production processes, giving you a comprehensive understanding of how businesses function. You work through guided modules and assignments that help you apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. By the end of the course, you will have developed a strategic plan for your venture, building both analytical and planning skills. This program is useful if you want a flexible, academically grounded introduction to entrepreneurship.
11. Empowerment Program for Entrepreneurs
Location: Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti, MI) + virtual components
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes potential funding support (up to ~$6,000)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Begins January (multi-week program)
Application Deadline: December 5
Eligibility: Open to aspiring entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds (including high school-aged participants in some cases)
The EMU Empowerment Program is a mentorship-driven entrepreneurship initiative that helps you launch and grow a business with real support systems. You participate in micro-learning workshops led by faculty and industry experts, covering core areas like business strategy, operations, and scaling. The program emphasizes hands-on mentorship, providing personalized guidance to refine your business ideas and overcome challenges. A key feature is access to resources such as intern support and potential funding, allowing you to apply what you learn directly to a venture. You also gain exposure to a network of entrepreneurs and professionals within Michigan’s startup ecosystem.
12. Sesi Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference & Skandalaris Business Plan Competition
Location: Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open attendance; competition is selective (finalists chosen)
Program Dates: March 13
Application Deadline: Varies (registration required; competition deadlines earlier)
Eligibility: High school and college students
The Sesi Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference is a one-day event that offers exposure to entrepreneurship through keynote talks, panel discussions, and networking with business leaders. You hear directly from founders, policymakers, and industry professionals, which helps you understand real-world business challenges and opportunities. A key component is the Skandalaris Business Plan Competition, where selected high school finalists present their startup ideas to a panel of judges. This allows you to refine your pitch, receive feedback, and compete for awards. Even if you attend without competing, you still benefit from networking and learning from experienced entrepreneurs. The event provides a concise but valuable introduction to Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
13. Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programs
Location: University of Michigan–Flint, Flint, MI
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program (many free or funded opportunities available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by initiative
Program Dates: Year-round (summer programs, competitions, and events)
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school students and university-level participants (varies by initiative)
The Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation serves as a hub for entrepreneurship opportunities at UM-Flint, offering multiple programs that you can explore as a high school student. These include summer institutes, innovation competitions like Zillion Solutions, speaker series, and mentorship-driven initiatives. The focus is on experiential learning, where you develop entrepreneurial thinking through problem-solving, innovation challenges, and collaboration with peers and professionals. You also gain access to resources such as mentorship, funding opportunities, and exposure to Michigan’s local business ecosystem. The center emphasizes connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with real-world tools and networks, helping you move from idea to execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there free entrepreneurship programs for high school students in Michigan? Yes, 3 programs on this list are free. The Junior Achievement Company Program and JA Be Entrepreneurial are both free and delivered through schools and after-school programs across Michigan, supported by school and sponsor funding. The Sesi Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference at Eastern Michigan University is free to attend, with the Skandalaris Business Plan Competition open to selected student finalists. The EMU Empowerment Program is also free and provides up to $6,000 in potential funding support, though it is restricted to aspiring entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds.
2. Which Michigan entrepreneurship programs are available online or virtually? 3 programs on this list are fully virtual or remote. Young Founders Lab is a 100% virtual startup bootcamp with cohorts starting in June and financial aid available for all high school students. Ladder Internship is fully remote and places students with real startups across industries, including marketing, technology, and consulting, with multiple cohorts throughout the year. Michigan Virtual's Entrepreneurship Course is an online, self-paced academic course open to Michigan high school students on a rolling basis. All three are accessible regardless of where in Michigan you are located.
3. Can freshmen and sophomores apply to entrepreneurship programs in Michigan? Yes, most programs on this list are open to all high school grades. The JA Company Program and JA Be Entrepreneurial are open to students in grades 9-12. WMU Dollars and Sense Camp accepts students in grades 8-12. NSLC Business and Entrepreneurship and Young Founders Lab accept all high school students with no grade restrictions. Ladder Internship and Michigan Virtual are also open to all grades. The one exception is Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy, which is restricted to rising seniors only.