8th Grade Capstone Project: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

 

At Aspen Academy, the 8th Grade Capstone Project is a pivotal component of our Leadership, Finance, and Entrepreneurship (LiFE) curriculum. This comprehensive project challenges students to integrate and apply all they have learned by developing their own businesses and competing in a Shark Tank-style competition. This initiative is not just an academic exercise; it's a real-world experience that prepares students for future entrepreneurial and business endeavors.

Key Components of the Program Include:

●       Mentorship and Guidance: Throughout the project, students are mentored by professionals who guide them through the complexities of starting and running a business. This direct mentorship helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

●       Leadership and Management Skills: Students are responsible for all aspects of their business, from initial concept through to the final presentation. This responsibility helps develop key leadership and management skills, including decision-making, team management, and financial oversight.

●       Real-World Business Operations: Students experience firsthand the challenges and rewards of business operations, preparing them for real-world economic and professional environments.

●       Comprehensive Skill Development: The capstone project enhances skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, financial literacy, and public speaking.

●       Community Engagement: By involving local business leaders and entrepreneurs, the project connects students with the broader community, enhancing their network and understanding of the business world.

●       Reflection and Growth: Students reflect on their learning journey, understanding both their successes and the challenges they faced, which fosters a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience.

At Aspen Academy, the 8th Grade Capstone Project epitomizes our commitment to preparing students not just for academic success but for life. It is a profound demonstration of how our LiFE programs can transform a student's educational experience into a journey of personal and professional development. Join us and witness how Aspen Academy nurtures future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

2024 Spotlight Businesses

Arielle Sokol: Uncle David's Hummus

Middle School, Business, Entrepreneur, 8th Grade Business

Uncle David's Hummus is a cherished family recipe, a tribute to my uncle who, sadly, passed away last year. We not only prioritize nourishing our bodies with good, healthy food, but we also believe in giving back to the community. That's why we donate 10% of our profits to the Melanoma Research Foundation, in honor and memory of Uncle David, as melanoma was the cause of his passing.

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Taylor Krauser: Simply Crispy

Middle School, Business, Entrepreneur, 8th Grade Business

Simply Crispy makes gourmet rice crispy treats that everyone can enjoy. Simply Crispys goal is to create an enjoyable experience, satisfy sweet cravings and provide innovation and variety to our customers. With Simply Crispy’s dedication to creating high quality rice crispy treats it makes it the perfect choice for everyone.

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Maddie Silver: Hello Colorful

Middle School, Business, Entrepreneur, 8th Grade Business

HelloColorful provides fun cards for everyone. The individual cards are designed to fit any occasion, age, and person who wants a funky card with a gift or just on its own to brighten up someone's day.

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Lara Leonard: Honey Bites

Middle School, Business, Entrepreneur, 8th Grade Business

Honey Bites Baklava sells gourmet, handcrafted baklava. We specialize in different flavors including Orange Spice and Chocolate Hazelnut. We also donate 50% of profits to a charity that supports the bees.

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Alejandro Samour: Sweet Bites

Middle School, Business, Entrepreneur, 8th Grade Business

Sweet Bites is a bakery that sells cookies that fit the customers dietary restrictions, while also selling regular cookies. Sweet Bites can also take special orders such as bread, brownies, or cake. This bakery uses safe, high quality ingredients in the products.

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Maggie Curran: Grizzly Gummies

Middle School, Business, Entrepreneur, 8th Grade Business

Grizzly Gummies sells homemade gummy bears with options including flavors, toppings, and sizes! We also proudly donate a percentage of profits to the local bears of Colorado.

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Brayden Kakel: BK's Belts

Middle School, Business, Entrepreneur, 8th Grade Business

BK’S Belts provides lightweight belts that do their job while barely making themselves known. They are custom-made to fit the individual who wears them so it's not too tight or too loose

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Morgan Friedman: M's Eats

Middle School, Business, Entrepreneur, 8th Grade Business

Do you want baking with no hassle than M’s Eat is perfect for you! We provide all of the dry ingredients for treats, so all you have to do to mix, bake, and enjoy!

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Lilly Holland: Cassidy Designs

Middle School, Business, Entrepreneur, 8th Grade Business

Cassidy Designs sells high quality handcrafted luxury hair bows to add elegance to any look. Each bow is modeled after a different city, adding uniqueness to every piece.

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Carter Parks: Carter's Custom Creations

Middle School, Business, Entrepreneur, 8th Grade Business

Carter’s custom creations provides custom T-shirts for any need. Sports tournaments family get togethers. Anything you need Carter’s custom creations can do.

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Shay Gerstein: Print Craft

Middle School, Business, Entrepreneur, 8th Grade Business

2023 Spotlight Businesses

Lillie Shepard: Lilah Books

My business "Lilah" was created after I published my two books. These books are about life lessons that I have learned throughout my life and they are the lessons that I want kids of this generation to learn.

View Lilah's Books' Website

Samantha Parkin: Carino Collages

Carino Collages or Cute Collages seeing that Carino is Italian for cute is a business that uses photos of different regions, people, and aesthetics as collages. 

These collages can be based on color, aesthetic, season, or they can be completely customized to your liking.  

View Carino Collages' Website

Rilyn Davis: International Desserts

Rilyn's International Desserts, are sweet treats from all over the world like Germany, Ireland, England, France, Italy, Greece, and many more. When you buy from Rilyn's International Desserts you can get a box your just a bag full of these treats!

Purchase our products at the Expo or before AMP'd.

Lauren Bough: Akalayle

Akalayle is a unique t-shirt company with many interesting designs marketed towards Millennials and Generation X. Akalayle has so many designs because of all the silk screens we have crafted by hand. The t-shirts are only $20 and are very good quality. They can be directly bought from our website Akalayle.com, as well as in person at Aspen Academy on Amp’d Fridays! These t-shirts are an amazing addition to your casual weekend style!

View Akalayle Website

Davianna Carney: Neptune's Chocolate

Neptune's Chocolates is an organic chocolate company. We sell a variety of delicious items such as chocolate-covered fruit, chocolate-covered marshmallows and truffles. We donate 5% of our profits to the Colorado Children Cancer Association. Our prices are better than any other chocolate companies in the area and we care more. Neptune's Chocolates delivers for free!

View Neptune's Chocolates Website

Kate Chain: Pops of Positivity

We sell Lollipops and Candy Bags with a positive message attached. We currently have 3 products to offer, one large rainbow lollipop ($5), a pack of two lollipops (a twister pop and a colorful pop) ($3), and an assorted candy bag ($5). Our goal is to spread positivity to anyone who buys our candy.

View Pops of Positivity Website

Riley Fenton: Puppy Posh

Puppy Posh is a business that sells handmade dogs tags out of resin that are individualized for each family and pup. It has the dog's name on the front and the family can choose what they want in their tag. Puppy Posh makes them affordable and weatherproof as the name is part of the tag. 10% of Puppy Posh’s profit goes to the National Humane Society. This business is for every dog and pup alike.

View Puppy Posh Website

2021 8th Grade Businesses

Charlie Fisher: Duo Wipe

The main product that is sold by Duo Wipe is the dual wipe for skiing and snowboarding. This product will provide a simple, easy and convenient way to allow skiers/snowboarders to wipe their nose when kleenex isn’t available, as well as keep their goggles clean and defogged....all in one non-cross-contaminating product!

Emma Schaff: Signal

Signal allows people to make an extra $60-$120 each month. It works by plugging a hotspot in near a window, and then putting it on your wifi. Once the hotspot is plugged in it collects data from small data devices such as street lights, but not devices like cell phones. Once the data is collected it is sold to companies such as AT&T, that use data.

View Signal Website

Jack Mohler: Candy CO

Candy CO’s main products are candy bags and custom candy bags. The company’s website will function as its primary marketing and ordering tool. Candy CO plans to satisfy kids and their families that want high-quality candy for any special event. In addition to the quality of the candy, Candy CO will stand apart from other candy stores through exceptional customer service. The tailored candy bags will be the obvious first choice for any candy fanatic that knows what they want and will settle for nothing but the best.

Jack is currently building his website and is accepting cash, Venmo, and Pay-pal for purchases. Stay tuned for more!

 

Sydney Coughlin: 5280 Photos

5280 Photos focuses on providing our customers with a unique view of nature. We create magnets to showcase the quiet strength and beauty of the Colorado landscape. Through our magnets, we offer our customers a chance to see the large and small wonders Colorado has to offer. We have 6 different magnet options (as of now) for our customers to choose from.

View 5280 Photos Website

Delaney McCallum: GNOMES

GNOMES are handcrafted light-hearted whimsical creatures inspired by puns. From celebrities to sports players to pop culture references, GNOMES are adorable, clever, and sure to make you smile! Everyone has a favorite celebrity, so GNOMES are for everyone, the target market is unlimited. You have GNOME idea how much you are going to love them!

 

Morgan Connor: Cause Socks

Cause Socks is a non-profit business that helps to raise awareness for serious causes. We sell colorful tie-dyed socks to spread awareness through fashion and color. Each pair of our socks are hand dyed and packaged with care for our customers. 100% of all our profits are donated to the American Heart Association to help those with serious heart conditions.

Hogan Phelps: ForeBox

Golfers are walking around aimlessly trying to find new gear and accessories they want. The solution is ForeBox. ForeBox is a monthly subscription to a golf box. ForeBox’s customers will be sent a golf box each month. The box will come with 5-10 golf-related items inside. Each month the box will be different. The contents may include Golf balls, Training Aids, Tees, Golf Shirts, and Gloves.

 

View ForeBox Website

2025 Complete List of 8th Grade Businesses

  • Andrew Sybrowsky - Andy's Apples - Carmelized Apples
  • Anne Swieringa - Barn Boutique - Horseback Riding Brushes / Grooming Products
  • Anthony Troia - Fidgetop - Fidgets
  • Blake Walko - Wish Wear - Customizable Clothing
  • Boden Lewis - Hat Trick - Hats
  • Brooke Lipman - Slime for Smiles - Slime
  • Caleb Brunstetter - Rocketrader - Trading cards / game
  • Charlotte Hirsch - Unplugged - Arts and crafts creativity kits for kids
  • Colleen Chain - Cookies For A Cure - Cookies
  • Dorothy Thomas - Out of the Box - DIY craft kits
  • Ellie Hewatt - Box of Italy - Homemade Pasta
  • Ember Teets - The Little Things - Decorative Boxes
  • Gianna Lantz - Arctic Candy - Freeze dried candy
  • Ginger Gunning - Squishii - Squishy Toys
  • Graham Johnston - Funky Monkey - Protein banana bread
  • Harper Wolz - Harper's Challah - Fresh baked challah bread
  • Ivy Guinn - Twilight Trinkets - Wire wrapped necklace pendants and other wire wrapped jewelry
  • Jace Mougne - Voxel Verse - Toys
  • Jen Heffner - Drivecraft - Craft kits for traveling
  • Jamison Meyer - One Click / Snap Home - Smart home kits
  • Keston Ingvoldstad - Muffins of Malibu - Homemade muffins
  • Lily Kakel - Coastal Candles - Eco-friendly candles
  • Luca Inghilterra - Timeless Designs - Clothing company - car focused
  • Lukas Shepela - Sock-It! - Handmade tie-dye socks
  • Luna Frisch - Polar Ice Cream - Ice Cream
  • Mathis Brown - Sweet Scoop - Ice Cream
  • Moji Lawrence - Sola Designs - Bead Kits
  • Natalie Fabricant - Charmed - Jewelry Plates
  • Nick Santangelo - Hooked Horizons - Fishing lures
  • Paige Bernardi - Sweet Snow - Shaved Ice
  • Penelope Hirsch - Pencookie - Natural ingredient cookies
  • Quinn Fintak - Polar Grip - Silicone Phone Holder
  • Ryan Keough - Peak Soda - Customized flavored soda
  • Ryder Levin - Pun Intended - Sock Company
  • Rylee Clevenger - Tinted - Lip gloss containers
  • Sam Hodges - Pitch Perfect - Progress tracking baseball / softball bat
  • Sam Kenyon - Beau Stickers - Personalized stickers
  • Scarlett Corbit - LoveLinked - Charm Bracelets
  • Scarlett Robbins - TowelTastic - Premade towel animals, soap, and passports for the animals
  • Sebastian Nieb - Santi - Streetwear Inspired Clothing
  • Sebastian Park - Teatacular - Boba Boba drinks
  • Sofia Rippstein - Rosez Co - Customized clothing
  • Sophia Labbert - Crystal Bath - Bath and body products
  • Sophia Park - Slice by Sophia - Portable Soap
  • Stella Bozeman - Sweet Secrets - Sweet treats
  • Talia Gerstein - Tilly's - Protein cinnamon rolls
  • William Wagner - Will-Wear - Sweatshirts

2024 Complete List of 8th Grade Businesses

  • Benjamin Ablowitz (Ben) Easki - Ski Tuning and Lessons
  • Ruby Anderson - Cake Poppers - Protein Packed Cake Pops
  • Charles Bentz, IV (Charlie) - Cookie Craze - Healthy Cookies
  • Jade Chacko - JMC Designs - Curated Greeting Cards
  • Griffith Crichton - Suki's Brownies - Allergen Free Brownies
  • Margaret Curran - Grizzly Gummies - Homemade Gummy Bears
  • Ally Danehy - Healthy Hound - Healthy Dog Treats
  • Reagan Davis - Sugar Balm - Organic Skincare Products
  • Sunand De - Sundayslice - Coffee Cake
  • Maxwell Dyer (Max) - Sizzle Snacks - Cheese Chips
  • Michael Fefes - Played Out Entertainment - Board Games
  • Gavin Fenton - Squeezed - Homemade Lemonade
  • Zoe Flynn-Howe - Lipsy - Lip Balm
  • Emily Fox - Belief Bands - Gratitude Bracelets
  • Morgan Friedman - M's Eats - Baking Kits
  • Anna Fry - Bliss Soda - Bubble Soda
  • Paxton Fry - Paxton's Popp'n Treats - Flavored Popcorn
  • Shay Gerstein - Print Craft 3D - 3D Printed Products
  • Kathleen Gordon - Aloha Mist - High-Quality Perfumes
  • Spencer Greene - Splash Caps - Swim Caps
  • Lillian Holland - Cassidy Designs - Custom Hair Bows
  • Courtney Holliday - Uniq Jewelry - Customized Bracelets
  • Finn Horton - Dynamo Brownies - Protein Brownies
  • Grant Jungwirth - Crispy Crunch - Marshmallow Treats
  • Brayden Kakel - BK's Belts - Custom Fit Belts
  • Wyatt Kinsman - Brain Bars - Chocolate Bars
  • Taylor Krauser - Simply Crispy - Gourmet Rice Krispy Treats
  • William Landen (Will) - Rescue Wear - High Quality Apparel
  • Evan Lehnerz - SunShade - Chemical-Free Sunscreen
  • Pierson Lengsfeld - Sno-Hut - Snow Cones
  • Lara Leonard - Honey Bites - Baklava Treats
  • Samuel Lundstrom (Sam) - Sweet Spot - Weekly Candy Subscription
  • Alexander McCann (Alex) - Landscapers Aid - Lawn Care and Yard Maintenance
  • Addison Nielsen-Nedeau - Sugar & Spice Creperie - Allergen Free Crepes
  • Tanner Parkin - Mochasquared - Hot Cocoa Kits
  • Carter Parks - Carter's Custom Creations - Customized T-Shirts
  • Oliver Poston  - Feel the Burn - Aromatherapy Candles
  • Alejandro Samour (Ale) - Sweet Bites - Cookie Bakery
  • Victoria Silva - Yeti Mallows - Homemade Marshmallows
  • Madelyn Silver (Maddie) - Hello Colorful - Customized Cards
  • Samuel Silver (Sam) - Silver's Sweets - Homemade Candy
  • Arielle Sokol - Uncle David's Hummus - Homemade Hummus
  • Mason Speidell - Wyld - Handcrafted Protein Drinks
  • Kate Stone - Drip Design - Customized Glass Tumblers
  • William Taylor (Will) - Rockin' Candy - Rock Hard Candy
  • Andres Turner Torres - Tierra Nevada - Ski Tracking Device
  • Kyle Williams - Circle Soleil - Premium Round Beach Towels
  • Ryan Williams - Interview IQ - Interview Preparation / Education Tool
  • Emma Wilson - Bandanas for Buddies - Customized Pet Bandanas
  • Emily Woller - Chain Craft - Handmade Keychains
  • Bradley Zwerin - B's Bubbles - Bubble gum

2022 Complete List of 8th Grade Businesses

Lauren Bough- Akalayle

Pierce Bozeman- Lit Candles

Avery Brown- Timber Studios

Matteo Canepari- Happy Honey

Davianna Carney- Neptune’s Chocolates

Kate Chain- Pops of Positivity

Jake Cohen- Rings to Rings

Gately David-Wicks N’ Waxed

Rilyn Davis-Rilyn’s International Desserts

Lily Derksen- Crochet Creations

Sofie Fein- Words of Art

Riley Fenton- Puppyposh

Annie Fox- Write in Style

Sydney Goodspeed- 931 Go

Jess Green- Jar Desserts

Brody Guetz- CandyLand Bags

Levi Horwitz- Caramels and Co.

Milan Jardine- What’s Popping

Brady Kruep- Swaggy Shoelaces

Jack Lantz- UnBEARable

Sennon Lawrence- A Plus Protein Ice-cream

Avery Lehnerz- Rockin’ Guac

James Long- Power Shot

Max Lundstrom- Soccer Mystery Box

Hailey Lutz- All Wrapped Up

Milla Magnusdottir- Boosted

Will McCallum- Floss No Dentist

Holly McManus- Mood Jewelz

Mary Jane Murphy- Homemade Hugs

Aiden Musslewhite- Riegel Gummies

Sam Parkin- Carino Collages

Chloe Powell- Chloe’s Caps

Elliott Robbins- Puzames

Caden Sheppard- The Rainboard

Lillie Sheppard- Lilah

Laney Sims- Sudsfied

Bella Smith- Depend

Mark Stanley- Blue Card Designs

Avery Tacha- Gifts and Goodies'

Alex Teets- Jecket 

Will Tucker- Will’s Campfire Kits

Declan Victor- Working Title

Kate Weidknecht- 2013 Beads

Brayden Wheeler- Brayden’s Paracord

Alex Wolf- Body Care by Alex

Connor Woller- Sweet Surprise

 

2021 Shark Tank Winner: Ian Liu

2021 Shark Tank 2nd Place: Emma Schaff

2021 Shark Tank 3rd Place: Sofie Cooper

2021 Shark Tank Finalist: Marlowe Connors

2021 Shark Tank Finalist: Jack Watters

2021 Shark Tank Finalist: Hogan Phelps