At Sharp Innovations, our Higher Purpose extends far beyond delivering exceptional business solutions. We are deeply committed to making a positive impact on underprivileged and marginalized youth across the United States and overseas through strategic partnerships and charitable contributions. During the past school year, we were proud to fulfill this mission in a meaningful way—by partnering with the Plainfield School District 202 in Illinois to participate in the INCubatoredu program, a unique initiative that gives high school students hands-on experience in entrepreneurship.
What is INCubatoredu?
INCubatoredu is a nationally recognized high school entrepreneurship program designed to immerse students in the real-world process of creating a business. Many high school students have dreams for their future but lack the practical knowledge and skills to achieve them. This program bridges that gap by bringing in entrepreneurs and industry experts as volunteer coaches and mentors.
Over the course of the program, students work in teams to identify a business concept, develop and test hypotheses, receive expert feedback, and adapt their strategies in response to real-world challenges. They also gain foundational knowledge in essential business disciplines such as marketing, finance, technology, and operations. In many ways, the program mirrors the format of the popular television show Shark Tank, but with a focus on education and skill-building for the next generation.
Sharp’s Role in the Program
Sharp Innovations joined INCubatoredu as a Gold Sponsor, providing critical funding that scholarship and future incentives for students. Our sponsorship is just one part of our involvement—our commitment also includes hands-on participation.
I personally had the privilege of volunteering as a classroom coach during the program. My session focused on the importance of having a professional website for any new business. Over the course of my time with the students, we explored the full process—from registering a domain name and selecting a hosting provider to building the site, implementing search engine optimization (SEO), and maintaining content over time.
The students’ curiosity and engagement were remarkable. They asked insightful questions about domain registration, website builders, e-commerce options, and online marketing strategies—often more detailed than those I hear from established business clients. It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and to know that these skills could directly benefit them in their future endeavors.
The Benefits of INCubatoredu
The impact of INCubatoredu extends far beyond the classroom.
For Students: The program delivers a practical, experience-based education in product development, business planning, and entrepreneurship. Over the course of a semester, participants explore diverse topics including revenue forecasting, customer research, branding, pricing strategies, legal considerations, and sales planning. They work closely with community mentors who offer guidance and real-world perspectives. The program culminates in a district-wide “Pitch Night,” where student teams present their business ideas in a competitive setting—an invaluable opportunity to experience the pressures and rewards of entrepreneurship.
For the Community and Local Businesses: INCubatoredu creates a bridge between education and the business world. Local companies have the chance to connect with motivated young talent while also helping to shape the skills that will benefit the future workforce. Businesses can directly address skill gaps they’ve identified in new hires—such as communication skills, problem-solving, and professional etiquette—by mentoring students early in their career journeys.
For Coaches and Mentors: Volunteering with INCubatoredu offers the rare opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young adults. Sharing knowledge and expertise helps students gain a stronger foundation for success, and the experience is rewarding for professionals who want to give back to their communities.
How the Community Can Get Involved
The program actively seeks volunteers through community events, local outreach, and word-of-mouth referrals. Coaches, mentors, and advisory board members are invited to share their expertise in a structured, supportive environment guided by teachers and school administrators. Each volunteer brings unique insights that help students develop their ideas, refine their business models, and prepare for future opportunities.
During the 2024–2025 school year, I had the honor of joining the program as a coach, and I look forward to participating again. Watching students absorb information, ask thoughtful questions, and begin to envision their own entrepreneurial paths was a reminder of the power of mentorship.
Where Sponsorship Funds Go
Sharp’s Gold Sponsorship—and contributions from other local businesses—directly support the program’s culminating competition. Winning teams may receive scholarships for higher education or registering for their LLC. For many students, especially those from underserved backgrounds, these resources can be life changing. Some participants enter the program unsure of their next steps after high school, but through INCubatoredu, they leave with new skills, confidence, and tangible opportunities.
Closing Thoughts
Participating in INCubatoredu has been both a privilege and a source of inspiration for me personally and for Sharp Innovation as a whole. It allowed me to contribute to the community in a hands-on way, even from outside our central Pennsylvania base, while supporting a program that equips young people with the skills they need to succeed.
As interest in INCubatoredu continues to grow among students, educators, and local businesses, Sharp remains committed to supporting this important work—both financially and through ongoing mentorship. I am already planning to return as a coach for another session, and I encourage others in the business community to consider lending their expertise to this rewarding program.
For more information about how to get involved, visit the INCubatoredu website.
Join Sharp Innovations in Service
If you’re interested in supporting our Higher Purpose or find yourself in need of website or digital marketing services, Sharp Innovations is here to support you. Our team brings years of experience in web hosting to guide and inform our clients about internet processes. A free consultation with our experts is just a button click away!
If you have any questions about how you can help make a difference in any of our ongoing service initiatives, please contact us or reach out to our support team at support@sharpinnovations.com.