Small Business Start-Up

Summer Camp

The Small Business Start-Up Camp is an immersive, two‑day experience for rising high‑school juniors and seniors who are excited to turn ideas into reality. Designed around hands‑on product design, this fast‑paced camp exposes participants to the full cycle of innovation. Brainstorm, prototype, test, and pitch your product ideas. Working in teams, participants will build practical skills in creativity, collaboration, problem‑solving, and entrepreneurial thinking. Whether you dream of launching a business, inventing something new, or simply learning how great ideas come to life, this camp will inspire you to create boldly and experiment fearlessly.

Summer Camps

July 13-14, 2026

Age Group: Students entering grades 11-12

Fee: $250
Includes all activities, meals, and on-campus housing. This program includes an off-campus outing.

Registration: Opens March 1, 2026

Brief Schedule

Day 1

Market research: Learn how to spot problems worth solving and develop a unique product idea that fills a real-world need.

Prototyping: Be ready to get your hands dirty. Using basic materials, design principles, and common maker tools, you'll build a minimum viable product (MVP) to test your concept.
 

Day 2

Create your business: Using the business model canvas, you will learn to develop the core components of a successful business. Identify your target customer, plan revenue streams, and start marketing.
 

Please Bring

Creative thinking and clothes that can get messy during the prototyping process. 

Scholarships

Earn up to $2,000 off Penn College tuition

Did you know you can save money on your Penn College tuition if you attend one of our Summer Camps? 

Learn More

Here's how it works:

  • Complete a Summer Camp during the summer before entering 12th grade.
  • Or better yet, come for two Summer Camps. Pick a different program the second time around or come for the same one twice. Each year we mix things up.
  • Attend Penn College and receive $1,000 off your tuition each year if you came for one camp.
  • Or, get $2,000 off your tuition each year if you join us for two camps. 

The future needs you

If you put more into today, could you get more out of tomorrow? If you create your future at Pennsylvania College of Technology, the answer is yes.

With open and rolling admission, applying is easy.

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