Dragon’s Den and Dragon’s Market: Real entrepreneurship starts in primary

What if primary students could experience entrepreneurship just like adults do? At Instituto Thomas Jefferson Valle Real, we made it happen!

What if primary students could experience entrepreneurship just like adults do? At Instituto Thomas Jefferson Valle Real, we made it happen!

It all started with a simple question from two fifth-grade students: “Can we do something to sell, like the secondary and high school students?” That spark of curiosity grew into a hands-on experience that ignited creativity, leadership and business vision in our youngest learners.

Entrepreneurship from an early age: a life skill

We know today’s world needs people who think critically, bounce back from setbacks and use practical skills. That’s why we design projects that go beyond academics and prepare students to solve real problems. Inspired by the famous Dragon’s Den programme, our Makerspace teacher, Esteban Meza (“Tebo”), guided students through every step: from brainstorming viable ideas to budgeting, creating marketing campaigns and pitching their projects to a real panel of business leaders. Experiences like these don’t just shape students – they shape future leaders.

From classroom to real life: entrepreneurship in action

After weeks of preparation, teams presented their projects to a panel of parents with business experience. The response was so positive that what started with just three groups grew into a fair with 16 creative proposals.

Dragon’s Market

The next day, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived: Dragon’s Market. Students set up their stalls, sold products they made themselves, solved unexpected challenges on the spot and discovered what it means to earn a customer’s trust (and money). Yes, many sold out before midday.

More than a lesson: a transformative experience

Throughout the process, students used tools like Canva, Google Suite and artificial intelligence, learned to organise, communicate ideas clearly and work as a team. Most importantly, they gained confidence and built skills they’ll use for life.

These initiatives aren’t one-off events – they’re part of our educational approach, where students learn by doing, express themselves freely and discover their talents from a young age.

Can you imagine your child living experiences like these? At ITJ, every project is a chance to plant skills that go beyond the classroom. We want more families to see how we prepare tomorrow’s leaders, starting today.

👉 Book a visit and discover what your child’s future could look like at Instituto Thomas Jefferson Valle Real. Be part of our community! Click the link to learn more and get in touch: https://www.itj.edu.mx/valle-real/en/contact-us