Dr. Marlene M. Jackson, founder of Biz Kidz Academy, and her daughter, co-founder, Ashley N. Cole, have teamed up to faithfully support business-minded kids for 10 years.
“In 2025, Biz Kidz Academy, in partnership with elected officials, business leaders, educational institutions, community organizations, families, and friends, celebrated a decade of success in inspiring and strengthening over 2000 kids and teens (ages eight-21) throughout Maryland; the District of Columbia; Atlanta; North Carolina; and Canada,” said Dr. Jackson, a recent retiree from the Federal Communications Commission and adjunct professor.
A Generational Passion for Service
Dr. Jackson’s passion for helping young people pursue their entrepreneurial dreams spanned generations.
“For the past 10 years, Biz Kidz Academy has inspired kids and teens to creatively embrace their entrepreneurial spirit, lead confidently, think critically, and be financially responsible. Our goal, from the very beginning, has been to provide aspiring young entrepreneurs with the guidance, resources, tools, and support required to be confident and self-assured decision makers,” she said.
Additionally, in honor of the loving memory of an extraordinary mother and grandmother, the Academy’s Biz Kidz Program established the Frances Barber Educational Scholarship for college-bound high school students.
Cole, a professional counselor with the Baltimore County School System, works alongside her mother at the nonprofit while sharing her talents.
“I am proud of both the Academy’s growth and the growth and accomplishments of our family of young entrepreneurs,” she stated.
A Biz Kidz’ Perspective
Biz Kidz Academy builds lasting relationships with its parents, mentors, and educators. For example, Makayla Martin, 21, graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing. The owner of Golden Hands Jewelry (https://www.facebook.com/goldenhandsjewelry), reflected on her Biz Kidz Academy experiences. She participated in pitch competitions, workshops, and sold her products.
“Biz Kidz Academy played a major role in shaping my entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 14 years old. During that time, I won the Biz Kidz Academy Outstanding Leadership Award and was Biz Kidz Academy’s $500 scholarship recipient. The program gave me the confidence to take my ideas seriously and turn them into something real,” Martin said.
The entrepreneur learned skills that she still utilizes.
“Today, as I prepare to enter a career in sales and continue pursuing entrepreneurship, I can clearly see how much of my confidence and foundation started with Biz Kidz,” she added. “I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Jackson for creating a program that gives young people opportunities like this. Her program truly changes lives by helping young entrepreneurs discover their potential and believe in what they can achieve.”
Upcoming Competitions
Biz Kidz Academy will sponsor a virtual creative writing/video competition, vendor event, and awards ceremony on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in partnership with Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., at the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC), located at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, Maryland 21046.
“Elementary, middle school, and high school students are also invited to sell business products and services during a free vendor exhibit event and award ceremony. Students are not required to have a formal business to participate. They may. Business products and services in various categories are accepted. Available vendor spots are restricted in number and will be allocated to exhibitors on a first-come, first-served basis,” Dr. Jackson explained.
There is no residency requirement to participate in the free competition and vendor event. Additionally, students ages six -18 are encouraged to creatively express themselves in an online writing or video on a topic that inspires them. The original 500-word essay must incorporate an original composition, poetry, or other written expression. Competitors will be judged on their ability to clearly compose and express their ideas in writing by a professional panel of judges.
The Next Chapter
Participants can win prizes, including a laptop and Amazon gift cards. Trophies and award certificates will also be provided.
“All competitors will receive a letter of congratulations presented by the Office of Howard County Executive Calvin Ball,” Dr. Jackson stated.
Family, friends, and the community are invited to come out on Saturday, April 25, 2026, to attend Biz Kidz Academy’s awards presentations and support participating competitors and exhibitors. Guest speakers, light refreshments, singing, Zumba lessons for kids, a special magical guest; and more will also be underway.
The new deadline to register for the online writing and in-person vendor competition is April 11, 2026. Visit www.bizkidz.co to learn more about Biz Kidz Academy and upcoming competitions.