📊 Becoming a Future Entrepreneur – The Business Studies Track

Introduction to the Business Studies Track

Do you ever wonder how money moves, how shops make profits, or how people start successful businesses? Do you like saving, budgeting, or imagining your own company? If yes, then the Business Studies Track in Kenya’s CBC system might be just right for you!

In this track, students learn how to manage money, create businesses, market ideas, and become financially responsible. It’s about turning ideas into income, learning how the economy works, and preparing to be a job creator, not just a job seeker.

If you dream of starting your own shop, designing a product, or helping a company grow — welcome to the world of young entrepreneurs.

What is Business Studies All About?

Business Studies teaches you how businesses operate, how to make financial decisions, and how to manage and grow money and resources. It’s a track where you think like a boss, act like a leader, and learn like a future investor.

You’ll study things like:

• How to budget and save money

• How businesses are started and managed

• What profit, loss, and capital mean

• How to advertise and market products

• How banks and financial systems work

• How to plan for taxes and make smart investments

It’s not just about books — it’s about applying what you learn to real life. In fact, students in this track often run mini-businesses, create business plans, or sell products as part of their learning.

Why the Business Studies Track Matters

Money is a big part of everyday life — and yet many people don’t know how to manage it well. This track gives you the skills and mindset to succeed in today’s economy.

Here’s why it’s so important:

• Teaches Financial Responsibility: You learn how to budget, save, and spend wisely.

• Encourages Entrepreneurship: You don’t have to wait to grow up to start a business — you can start now.

• Prepares for Real-World Success: Whether you want to be a CEO, farmer, or artist, you’ll need to understand business.

• Boosts Innovation: You’ll learn to solve problems creatively and offer useful solutions.

• Opens Career Opportunities: Every industry — from farming to fashion — needs business experts.

Business isn’t just about big companies. It’s about thinking smart, taking risks, and making things happen.

Who Should Choose Business Studies?

Not sure if this track is right for you? Let’s see if you relate to these qualities.

Signs You Have a Business Mind

• You like planning or organizing activities

• You enjoy selling things — even snacks at break time

• You always think of new ways to make money

• You’re good with numbers and decision-making

• You love solving problems or negotiating with others

• You pay attention to prices, savings, and value

If these describe you — you’re already thinking like an entrepreneur!

What Subjects Are Offered in the Business Studies Track?

CBC offers a wide range of business-related subjects that help students build a strong foundation in entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Core Subjects

• Entrepreneurship Education: Learn how to start, run, and grow a business.

• Financial Literacy: Understand budgeting, saving, investing, and spending.

• Commerce: Explore trade, banking, insurance, and customer service.

• Business Mathematics: Apply math to real-life business problems.

• Accounting: Learn how to keep financial records and balance income and expenses.

Practical and Digital Skills

• Computer Applications in Business: Learn to use tools like Excel, Word, and digital marketing platforms.

• E-Commerce: Understand how businesses sell products and services online.

• Marketing and Branding: Create ads, logos, and business names.

• Sales Management: Learn how to convince customers and build loyalty.

Every subject is practical — so expect to use calculators, run simulations, role-play as CEOs, and pitch your own ideas.

Cool Careers You Can Pursue

Business Studies isn’t just about starting a company — it can take you into almost any industry. From tech to tourism, agriculture to fashion, business is everywhere.

Business Jobs for Creators and Thinkers

• Entrepreneur/Business Owner: Start your own salon, bakery, shop, or online store.

• Accountant or Auditor: Manage financial records and ensure money is used correctly.

• Marketing Manager: Promote products through ads, social media, and branding.

• Banker or Loan Officer: Work in banks, helping people and businesses with money matters.

• Project Manager: Lead teams to complete business or development projects.

• Economist: Study how money and resources move in a society.

• Investment Advisor: Help people grow their money through smart investments.

• Sales Executive: Convince customers and grow business profits.

• Business Consultant: Give advice to help companies improve performance.

Whether you love math, people, leadership, or creativity — there’s a place for you in the business world.

Real Kenyan Entrepreneurs to Inspire You

• Tabitha Karanja (Keroche Breweries): Started a local brewery and built it into a big business.

• Chris Kirubi (RIP): Was one of Kenya’s top investors and business minds.

• Michelle Ntalami (Marini Naturals): Created a beauty brand that now reaches across Africa.

• Eric Kinoti (Founder of SafiSana): Built a tent-making business from scratch, now a millionaire.

They all began with ideas — and turned them into reality. So can you.

What a Day in This Track Looks Like

In the Business Studies Track, no two days feel the same. You’re always learning something practical that connects with real life.

Here’s a sample of what your school day might include:

• Morning Class: Learning how to create a business plan in entrepreneurship class.

• Group Project: Working in teams to pitch a product idea and calculate profits.

• Break Time: Selling snacks as part of a class-run mini-business.

• Afternoon Session: Practicing how to write an invoice or balance a ledger in accounting.

• Homework: Researching how local businesses market their products.

Sometimes, your school may even invite local business owners to speak or take you on a trip to a supermarket, factory, or bank to see how things work.

It’s real, practical, and rewarding.

Skills You Will Gain

The Business Studies Track focuses on developing skills that are useful now — and even more valuable in the future.

Money and Management Skills

• Budgeting: Learn how to manage your money wisely.

• Saving and Investing: Understand how money grows over time.

• Record Keeping: Keep proper financial and inventory records.

• Decision Making: Choose what to buy, when to sell, and how to make a profit.

• Leadership: Learn how to lead projects and teams confidently.

Entrepreneurial and Life Skills

• Creative Thinking: Solve problems with new and smart ideas.

• Communication: Pitch business ideas clearly and persuasively.

• Negotiation: Get better deals by talking smart.

• Customer Service: Make customers happy — and keep them coming back.

• Teamwork: Work well with others, just like in real business settings.

These skills are the keys to financial independence, business success, and career growth.

Hands-On Projects You’ll Do

Get ready to roll up your sleeves! In this track, you don’t just learn theory — you do business.

Here are some fun, real-world projects you’ll be part of:

• Starting a School Business: Sell snacks, stationery, or crafts and track your profits.

• Budget Planning Challenge: Create a monthly budget for a family or a small business.

• Business Pitch Presentations: Share your product idea with the class like a real entrepreneur.

• Market Research Surveys: Find out what students in your school want to buy and why.

• E-Commerce Demo: Build a mini online shop using simple web tools.

By the end of Junior High School, you could already be running a side hustle or planning your future company!

Common Challenges and Myths

Like any subject, Business Studies comes with a few challenges and myths that need to be cleared up.

Here are some of them:

• “Business is only for math geniuses.” Not true! Business is for anyone willing to learn and think creatively.

• “Business studies is not academic.” False. This track requires deep thinking, planning, and analysis — it’s very academic.

• “You need a lot of money to start.” No — most projects begin with small capital, big ideas, and teamwork.

• “It’s too hard to run a business while in school.” You learn to manage your time, just like in real life. That’s part of the training.

Also, some students may struggle with keeping records, understanding accounting, or public speaking when pitching ideas — but these are skills you can build with practice.

How to Stay Motivated and Innovative

Business success is about passion, persistence, and ideas. Here’s how to stay energized:

• Follow successful entrepreneurs on social media or YouTube.

• Read business stories — from small startups to global companies.

• Try mini-hustles — even if they don’t work, you learn something.

• Ask questions: Why do people buy one brand over another? What makes a great logo?

• Keep a business ideas notebook — write down your thoughts and plans.

Remember, all big businesses started as small ideas in someone’s mind — just like yours.

What Parents and Teachers Should Know

For young entrepreneurs to grow, they need support and belief from the adults around them. Here’s what parents and teachers should understand:

• This track teaches life-long financial skills.

• Business careers are diverse and respected.

• Students become more independent, responsible, and goal-oriented.

• Entrepreneurship doesn’t distract from studies — it deepens learning.

• Encouragement builds confidence. Celebrate small business efforts, even if they’re simple.

When parents invest in their children’s business dreams, they’re not just supporting schoolwork — they’re building future employers and innovators.

The Future of Business and Innovation in Kenya

Kenya’s business scene is changing fast — and CBC students are part of that change. With mobile banking, social media marketing, and digital platforms, even young people can now start ventures.

Here’s what the future looks like:

• Digital entrepreneurs creating online stores and content.

• Youth-run agribusinesses, tech startups, and creative brands.

• More business competitions, fairs, and youth investment programs.

• Financial inclusion tools like M-PESA and mobile loans for young savers.

• CBC graduates becoming tomorrow’s CEOs and innovators.

If you’re in this track, you’re not just learning business — you’re building Kenya’s economic future.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts for Future Business Leaders

The Business Studies Track is more than a class — it’s a mindset. It’s about believing that ideas matter, that problems have solutions, and that anyone — even a student — can make money while making a difference.

If you’ve ever thought, “What if I started my own business?” — this track gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to try.

Motivation to Follow Your Passion

Don’t wait to grow up to start thinking like an entrepreneur. Start now. Learn, plan, practice, and build. You might just become the next Kenyan success story.

Business is not just about profit — it’s about passion, purpose, and creating value for others.

❓ FAQs

1. Do I need to be very good at math to succeed in this track?
Not really. Basic math is useful, but what matters most is understanding, creativity, and planning.

2. Can I run a real business while in school?
Yes — as long as it fits within school rules. Many schools encourage mini-business projects.

3. Will I still study subjects like Science or English?
Yes, you’ll take the core CBC subjects alongside your specialized business classes.

4. Can this track lead to university?
Absolutely. You can study business, finance, economics, marketing, and more at university or college.

5. What if I fail in my first business attempt?
That’s part of learning. Many successful people failed first — and then succeeded.

Please don’t forget to leave a comment.