In 2025, entrepreneurship at Butler Tech came to life in new ways, expanding access to authentic, real-world learning experiences that encouraged students to think creatively, lead confidently, and turn ideas into action. Across Butler County, students engaged in entrepreneurship not just as a subject, but as a critical life skill. Through new initiatives, strengthened community partnerships, and hands-on opportunities, Butler Tech continues its commitment to transforming lives by preparing students to be ready to innovate in an ever-changing economy.
A major milestone came in March with Butler Tech’s first-ever Startup Week, a weeklong celebration dedicated entirely to entrepreneurship. Led by Entrepreneurship Coordinator Jeremy West, Startup Week reflects the intentional design behind Butler Tech’s approach to student entrepreneurship. Students participated in experiences designed to spark creativity, strengthen business skills, and build confidence as young innovators. The week culminated in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, where student teams presented their business ideas under real-world constraints: five minutes, five slides, and only five words per slide. The challenge required students to communicate clearly and concisely, mirroring expectations faced by real startups. Winning teams received cash prizes to reinvest directly into their businesses. For many students, it was the first time they had pitched an idea publicly.
Entrepreneurship learning also extended beyond the classroom through business-focused experiences across the region. Students participated in tours of Great American Ball Park to learn about sports marketing and operations and Procter & Gamble to explore product innovation and brand strategy. In addition, more than 200 Butler Tech students took part in small business tours in downtown Hamilton and Middletown, visiting nearly 30 local businesses, including Triple Moon Coffee in Middletown and LemonGrenade Creative in Hamilton. Students heard directly from business owners about their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges, and successes, gaining firsthand insight into what it takes to run a business while strengthening connections between Butler Tech and the local business community. For many students, hearing these stories firsthand made entrepreneurship feel real.
The impact of these experiences was recognized beyond the classroom. In coverage by the Journal-News, the small business tours were described as “eye-opening” for students as they connected classroom learning with the realities of entrepreneurship and business ownership.
Another highlight of the year was the 3rd Annual Entrepreneurship Fair in May, which brought student entrepreneurs together for a night of business, creativity, and community engagement. Students set up professional booths, marketed their brands, and sold products and services to the public, gaining authentic experience in sales, branding, and customer interaction. Participation also created opportunities for students to connect with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, further integrating student-run businesses into the region’s economic ecosystem.
Student innovation and entrepreneurship were also featured during Butler Tech’s 50th Anniversary Student Showcase, an event that drew community members, partners, and media attention. Coverage by the Journal-News highlighted the breadth of student projects on display, reinforcing Butler Tech’s role as a leader in career technical education and student-driven learning.
Central to these efforts is the Butler Tech Entrepreneurship Center, a collaborative hub designed to support student innovation from idea to execution. The center provides access to professional-grade resources, including Cricut machines, embroidery and sewing equipment, heat presses, and printing tools, allowing students to design, prototype, and scale their businesses in a real-world setting. It is a space students use regularly, not just for class, but to experiment, create, and problem-solve.
The space is led by Jeremy West, Entrepreneurship Coordinator, who guides students through the entrepreneurial process and helps bring their ideas to life. The Entrepreneurship Center has also welcomed visiting schools, including Northwest High School, where students spent the day exploring apparel entrepreneurship and creating product prototypes alongside a local business owner. Access to a dedicated Entrepreneurship Center and full-time program leadership sets Butler Tech apart and offers opportunities that many high school students simply do not have.
That energy and creativity are what continue to drive the program forward.
“This program has opened the door to entrepreneurship for students across Butler County,” said West. “Our students are making a real impact in their communities through their ideas and businesses, and it’s incredibly exciting to work alongside such driven young people. While we’ve grown significantly over the past four years, we’re just getting started, and we’re committed to making Butler Tech the regional hub for student entrepreneurship.”
At Butler Tech, entrepreneurship is viewed as a critical life skill. District leaders believe every student should graduate with the knowledge and confidence to pursue business ownership or apply entrepreneurial thinking in the workforce, regardless of their career pathway. Whether students choose to launch a company or innovate within an organization, they are learning how to problem-solve, adapt, and lead.
As Butler Tech looks ahead, the momentum built throughout 2025 reflects the impact of sustained investment in student-driven entrepreneurship and community-based learning, positioning the district as a regional leader in preparing the next generation of innovators.
In the Journal-News:
PHOTOS: Butler Tech celebrates 50th anniversary with student showcase event
