A study by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation on economic development in Arkansas emphasized the importance of growing our own businesses—a strategy rooted in local innovation and sustainability. For decades, the Bessie Moore Center has embraced this vision, planting seeds of entrepreneurial understanding in classrooms across the state. These efforts have led to the creation of engaging programs and meaningful curricula designed to prepare Arkansas students to think like entrepreneurs and contribute to their communities.
One standout resource is our creative business simulation, which allows students to explore key concepts such as entrepreneurship, cost of production, pricing strategies, and profit and loss. Through hands-on, experiential learning, students gain practical insight into the challenges and rewards of running a business—skills that are vital to building a thriving, self-sustaining economy.
Arkansas Style
Arkansas teachers wrote these lessons that feature Arkansas entrepreneurs and utilize Arkansas resources. This curriculum includes nine activities and sample business plans for students ages nine to twenty. Use the lesson on The Entrepreneur Next Door and Profile — Arkansas Entrepreneurs to teach your students to profile entrepreneurs from your region.
- Chapter 1: Profile – Arkansas Entrepreneurs (PDF)
- Chapter 2: Hog Wild about Entrepreneurship – Join our Team (PDF)
- Chapter 3: The Entrepreneurs – Recognizing Market Opportunities (PDF)
- Chapter 9: Finance Fun Lesson (PDF)
- Chapter 4: The Entrepreneur Next Door (PDF)
- Chapter 5: Survey the Market – Do Consumers Want Your Product? (PDF)
- Chapter 6: Lemonade Anyone – How Much Is Demanded? (PDF)
- Chapter 7: Lemonade for Sale – How Much to Supply (PDF)
- Chapter 8: Arkansas Diamond in the Rough Production (PDF)
Dog Party USA
Learn more about this organization while also developing your own business plan as an extension of this activity.
- Case Study (Word doc)
- iCovers Business Plan (Word doc)
- Dog Party Business Plan (Word doc)
- Business Plan Template (Word doc)
Diamond in the Rough
Diamond in the Rough Lesson (PDF) — This student-driven activity is fun and educational while requiring learners to use both critical and creative thinking skills. The activity can be customized to fit state specific curricula by integration of an optional modification that uses productive resources found in your state.
Mr. Sam
Guide students’ explorations of this iconic Arkansas through this interactive lesson plan and activity designed to promote the entrepreneurial spirit.
- Cards for Mr. Sam with Answers (Word doc)
- Cards for Mr. Sam Without Answers (Word doc)
- Mr. Sam Timeline Activity (Word doc)
Puzzling Arkansas Entrepreneurs
This activity is designed to introduce students to some interesting facts about Arkansas entrepreneurs.
Walton Museum Scavenger Hunt
Explore the Sam Walton Museum virtually, or in person, to discover more about this industry leader and the skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur.
- Walton Museum Scavenger Hunt: Teachers Version (Word doc)
- Walton Museum Scavenger Hunt: Students Version (Word doc)
EconEd: Entrepreneur
Want to explore additional resources related to entrepreneurship? Check out the curated resources at EconEd for videos, lesson plans, and activities designed to educate the next generation about the skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur.
