Big Ideas, Bold Pitches & One Incredible Week at the Bear Tracks Summer Entrepreneurship Program
In the SSU Bear Tracks Summer Program Business Class students didn't just learn about starting a business—they developed the mindset and skills to turn ideas into action.
Throughout the week, participants explored what it means to think like an entrepreneur by learning how to identify opportunities, solve real-world problems, understand their customers, build a business model, create a marketing strategy, develop a pitch, and confidently present their ideas. Along the way, they strengthened valuable skills like teamwork, communication, creative thinking, leadership, and problem-solving—skills that will serve them well whether they launch a business, pursue college, or enter the workforce.
“I really liked how we worked as a team. In the workplace, you won’t always know who you are going to work with and you must be able to adapt,” said Mason Bender, Bear Tracks student. “When we joined teams for the final pitch competition, we chose based on the business idea we were presenting and then got to know our team members and worked together to develop our business idea. I feel like I learned new skills. The class prepared us for whatever we will be tasked with in a real-world setting.”
The program culminated in an exciting pitch competition, where student teams presented their business ideas to a panel of local entrepreneurs and business leaders. After receiving mentorship and feedback throughout the week, each team demonstrated remarkable growth, confidence, and creativity. Their innovative ideas and polished presentations showcased just how much they accomplished in only a few days.
"Entrepreneurship is about so much more than starting a business—it's about learning how to recognize opportunities, build relationships, and have the confidence to pursue your ideas," said Gina Collinsworth, Director of Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement at SSU’s Kricker Innovation Hub. "Our volunteer mentors and community business leaders made an incredible impact by sharing their time, experience, and honest advice. Those conversations and connections are often just as valuable as the lessons taught in the classroom, and we hope our students leave knowing they now have a network of people who believe in their potential."
A heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteer mentors, judges, community partners, and supporters who invested their time and expertise in these future innovators. Most importantly, congratulations to our Bear Tracks students for stepping outside their comfort zones, embracing new challenges, and discovering that entrepreneurship is about more than starting a business—it's about having the confidence to solve problems, create opportunities, and make a positive impact wherever life takes you.
We are also grateful for our partnership with Future Plans and the GRIT program, whose support through grant funding helped make this year's Bear Tracks program possible. Their investment in this program provided students with the opportunity to explore college life, build real-world skills, and connect with mentors and experiences that can help shape their professional pathways.
The future looks bright, and we can't wait to see where these young entrepreneurs go next!