Summer camps may have ended, but the skills and memories made at CEOs of Tomorrow’s Busine$$ of Giving Summer Camp will last far beyond the season.
In this two-week, hands-on experience, students in grades 4-8 learn how to launch a business. They don’t just build products or pitch ideas, they learn how entrepreneurship can create positive change in their communities.
At a past camp, students launched a gummy animal candy business. Their journey began at Madison College, where they explored the school’s Baking & Decorative Arts program and learned to craft and package handmade truffles. They also met with the owner of Edible Arrangements to gain insight into the world of gourmet treats.
Armed with inspiration and new skills, the campers created a logo, advertisements and even a video commercial—then sold their creations to real customers. The experience didn’t stop there. The young entrepreneurs visited the Henry Vilas Zoo to learn about animal welfare, then explored how their candy business could support the humane treatment of all animals.
Over the years, campers have also launched soap, lotion, candle and cookie businesses—all while developing real-world skills in creativity, leadership and giving back.
Turning ideas into impact
CEOs of Tomorrow is on a mission to unlock youth entrepreneurial potential and inspire them to make the world a better place. Its engaging, hands-on programs strengthen critical life skills and give youth the opportunity to affect positive social change while earning money.
“We use social entrepreneurship to teach kids about job readiness, financial literacy and social responsibility—skills that matter in every aspect of life,” said Executive Director DeAndre Martin. “In the process, they also gain confidence, problem-solving abilities and strong communication skills.”
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Roxie Hentz, CEOs of Tomorrow was created to provide high-quality, relevant entrepreneurial education and opportunities to young people—particularly those from historically underrepresented communities. Hentz saw social entrepreneurship as a transformative tool to address racial achievement and wealth gaps while cultivating critical thinkers and community leaders.
Under her leadership, the organization grew into a national mode for social entrepreneurship education. Hentz retired earlier this year, passing the baton to Martin, who joined CEOs of Tomorrow in February after serving as Community Development Director with Northeast Oklahoma City Renaissance.
“I first learned about CEOs of Tomorrow through a friend and admired their work from afar,” said Martin. “When I saw the executive director role posted in their newsletter, I applied right away!”
Martin brings a deep commitment to community-driven innovation, with a background in entrepreneurial education, workforce development and equitable economic opportunity. He’s excited to lead what he calls a “small but mighty team” dedicated to preparing students for future success.
Learning beyond the classroom
CEOs of Tomorrow’s programs align closely with the Madison Metropolitan School District curriculum and academic success measures.
“By working in tandem with the school system, we can reinforce what’s taught in the classroom,” said Martin.
In addition to summer camps for younger students, the organization offers five entrepreneurship programs for high schoolers. Each is designed to deepen business knowledge, build life skills and promote social good.
In the four-week Busine$$ Academy, local and international students connect virtually to explore business principles like management, finance and marketing. The course concludes with intercultural groups working together to design and pitch presentations that highlight global issues and entrepreneurial ways to address them.
The 10-week Busine$$ Incubator allows teens to test real business ideas aimed at generating revenue and driving positive community change. They also learn and practice business development, finance and marketing concepts. At the final showcase, aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of judges and sell their products or services to real customers.
The Teen Ambassadors program, offered each fall and spring, is a chance for students to gain the financial knowledge, job skills, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed as an adult. Ambassadors mentor peers on topics like budgeting, saving and investing, and design “business in a box” kits—called ImPACTful Creations—which they sell to support causes they care about.
“It shows them they can make money and still make a difference,” said Martin. “Their businesses don’t have to choose between profit and purpose.”
Students who complete these programs are eligible for summer business internships, gaining 90-144 hours of real-world experience alongside local entrepreneurs.
The high school programs culminate with a global excursion, where students are immersed in opportunities out of the country, working with international teens to apply what they’ve learned. The teens collectively develop small business ideas aimed at addressing a local need and bringing revenue to the youth, families and villages.
In past years, students traveled to The Gambia, and another trip is planned for 2026.
Building for the future
In 2024, CEOs of Tomorrow served about 150 students—and has reached up to 200 in previous years. With over 16,000 students in Dane County in need of after-school support, Martin believes the organization is well-positioned to expand.
That growth will be supported by a major milestone: CEOs of Tomorrow is now located in the new Black Business Hub, a move that Martin sees as transformational.
“Being in the Hub creates opportunities to share space, energy and ideas with other entrepreneurs,” he said. “Students and adults alike can access services that support their business goals. It’s a huge win for the community.”
Martin is grateful to partners, the Urban League of Greater Madison, JLA Architects, Operation Fresh Start and Tri-North Builders for helping create an ideal home for the organization and its students to thrive.
As CEOs of Tomorrow continues to grow, Martin encourages families to get involved.
“Our programs give kids the tools to shape their futures,” he said. “Whether they want to start a business, support a cause or simply gain confidence, we help them take that next step.”
Learn more or sign up for upcoming programs at ceosoftomorrow.org.
