Using Glowforge in Economics and Entrepreneurship

April 03, 2025

Hands-On Learning for Future Business Leaders

Every successful business starts with a spark of inspiration. But turning that spark into success? That's where the real learning happens.

In economics and entrepreneurship classrooms across the country, students aren't just studying business concepts — they're experiencing them, hands-on. With Glowforge, young entrepreneurs transform creative ideas into marketable products, learning invaluable lessons about innovation, marketing, and financial literacy along the way.

Let's follow the entrepreneurial journey from initial concept to successful sale, exploring how hands-on creation can teach real-world business skills.

Spark to Solution: Product Development
Every entrepreneur's journey begins with a problem to solve. Maybe it's a better way to organize school supplies, or a unique piece of décor that speaks to teen trends. Whatever the challenge, Glowforge helps students turn solutions into reality.

Project Spotlight: Custom Keychains and Phone Stands

Have students design a practical product, like a keychain or phone stand, that could be sold as part of a school fundraiser or business simulation. They can work through the entire process from concept to prototype, testing their designs and refining them based on usability and feedback.

Beyond the Product: Creating Brand Magic

Products don't sell themselves — they need personality. As students develop their brand identities, they discover how visual elements and storytelling work together to capture customer attention.

Project Spotlight: Logo and Packaging Design

Ask students to design a logo and create packaging for their product. They can engrave the logo on items like tags, boxes, or display stands, and consider how colors, fonts, and design elements can attract their target audience.

Making Cents of It All

Here's where creativity meets calculation. Students quickly learn that successful businesses need more than great ideas — they need smart financial planning. Students calculate material costs, production time, and market demand to determine optimal pricing. When they see how each decision affects their bottom line, abstract economic concepts become practical business tools!

Project Spotlight: Cost and Pricing Analysis for Custom Coasters

Have students design and create a set of coasters, calculating the cost of materials and engraving time. They can then set a price for the coasters and determine the profit margin, learning how production costs influence pricing strategies and profit potential.

Pitch Perfect

Even brilliant ideas need a brilliant presentation. As students prepare to launch their products, they learn the art of the pitch. Watch confidence grow as students create professional presentations of their business plans. Using their Glowforge-created prototypes and branded materials, they pitch to real audiences — from classmates to local entrepreneurs. Each presentation builds communication skills and entrepreneurial courage.

Project Spotlight: Student Business Proposal for a Product Line

Each student or group can create a business proposal for their product line, including a product description, branding strategy, and financial projections. They can present their proposal to the class or even a panel of local entrepreneurs, receiving feedback to refine their ideas.

Where Theory Meets Reality

This is where all the pieces come together — literally! The classroom transforms into a marketplace where student entrepreneurs put their products, pitches, and pricing strategies to the test. When students set up shop with their Glowforge-made products, they’ll manage everything from display design to sales transactions. Every customer interaction teaches lessons about service, adaptability, and the thrill of making that first sale.

Project Spotlight: Pop-Up Shop for Student Products

Organize a pop-up shop where students can sell their Glowforge creations, like custom keychains, bookmarks, or engraved jewelry. Each student can track their expenses, sales, and profits, gaining insight into customer service and real-world business operations.

Building Tomorrow's Business Leaders

Economics and entrepreneurship aren't just subjects to study — they're skills to practice. When students use Glowforge to develop real products and launch real businesses, they gain more than knowledge. They develop the confidence, creativity, and practical skills needed for future success.

Ready to transform your classroom into an innovation incubator? Download our Glowforge Educator Grant Guide or book a 1:1 demo to see how hands-on creation can enhance business education.