Global Entrepreneurship

Participants in Chatham Hall’s Global Entrepreneurship program don’t just dream, they do.

In Global Entrepreneurship, students explore the fundamentals of business and economics; gain skills in business planning, market diagnostics, presentation, and pitching; and are guided through the discovery and incubation process of a business concept. The students are led by the program's director, Beth Barksdale, a former CEO of a multi-million dollar national healthcare company.

During the program, students test and launch their own entrepreneurial ventures that can be implemented and scaled as viable businesses. Throughout, students are gaining research, leadership, and public speaking skills, among many others. At the end of the two-year program, they receive a certificate of completion.

Recent Businesses & Organizations Started by Students

Bite of the World - Food Cart
Oak Tree - Campus Coffeehouse
Paw-Mento Cheese - Nonprofit
Copper's Cookies - Horse Treats
FaFo - Online Art Gallery
Speedy Snacks - Dorm Snack Store
$$$ Club - Student Investment Club

The program consists of three essential pillars that ensure our students have a hands-on learning opportunity to create value for the School, in the local community, and the wider world.

Program Modules

List of 3 items.

Module 1

Ideas for Chatham Hall: Students examine the School and develop pitches that would add value to the campus community.
Module 2

Ideas for the Town of Chatham: Students research the Chatham community and propose products, programs, or services that would add economic and/or social value.
Module 3

Ideas for the Wider World: Students develop pitches that would add value anywhere in the world.

Stephanie C.B. '24

"My experience in the Global Entrepreneurship program has been transformative. The program's emphasis on practical, real-world projects has inspired me to apply entrepreneurial principles effectively. Pursuing this certificate has not only clarified my future direction, but has also instilled in me the importance of innovative thinking and social impact."
Vicky G. '24

“Being in the entrepreneurship class enabled me to grow in confidence, independence, and creativity. It gave me chances to practice my public speaking, critical thinking, and to actually put my ideas into action."
Dr. Erin Mchugh, Dean of College Counseling

"The best thing about the Global Entrepreneurship program is that it's available to all students, even if they're not planning on studying business. The program helps students build up skills that they'll need in any field. It's not just about having a great idea and selling it; they have to do product testing, market research, and much more. These are skills that are great for all fields, and it prepares them to use them in their daily lives. They learn how to bring an idea to fruition."
Zoey Horn '22

"This class taught me how to be confident in myself and my presentation skills. I learned what it takes to be a young woman entrepreneur in today’s modern society. This class was vital to my success at Chatham Hall and the development of my personal self."
Christine Chen '20

"The entrepreneurship program at Chatham Hall taught me to think critically and creatively, and allowed me to see and address real-life concerns. As a result of my experience, I feel endowed with a responsibility to improve my community and have the skills and confidence to put my vision into action to better the world."

Global Entrepreneurship in the News

Chatham Hall Celebrates Earth Day & Arboretum Dedication
4/23/2024
On April 22, Chatham Hall students and faculty welcomed alumnae, local residents, and friends to campus for a special Earth Day celebration that included the dedication of its new arboretum.
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Chatham Hall Arboretum Receives Accreditation
2/19/2024
The newly-created Chatham Hall Arboretum has earned official accreditation showcasing 27 tree species in the campus’ front lawn.
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Student Entrepreneurs Launch Sweet New Business
2/16/2024
Some sweet treats and goods have been introduced to the campus community through a new student-led business.
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Chatham Hall to Establish Campus Arboretum
10/23/2023
What do you think of when you think of Chatham Hall? One alumna and current Trustee thinks that the abundance of beautiful and majestic trees on campus are one of the School’s most iconic and important assets. Turns out, she’s not alone.
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Global Entrepreneurs Design Additions to Chatham Community
5/24/2023
Seven first-year student entrepreneurs were invited to present at this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Symposium, each with an idea to add value to Chatham Hall, the local Town of Chatham, or a specific community in the U.S.
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Abdilaahi ‘23 Expanding Use of Multifaith Room
11/1/2022
When Nuura Abdilaahi ‘23 arrived at Chatham Hall, she quickly realized she had no private space for prayer.
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Entrepreneurism Students Pitch Community Enhancements
5/12/2022
The Global Entrepreneurism Program hosted its third annual symposium on May 11. On display were student ideas to enhance Chatham Hall, the Chatham community, and the wider world.
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Zhang '23 Accepted to Wharton Global Youth Program
4/12/2022
Zhaojiayi “Tina” Zhang ’23 has been accepted to the Wharton Global Youth Program, a summer program hosted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. The program offers seven on-campus business experiences, and Zhang will be attending Leadership in the Business World (LBW).
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FaFo to Highlight Chatham Hall Artists
2/21/2022
FaFo, an online gallery, will soon launch and exhibit the original artwork and publications of Chatham Hall students. Short for “Fashion Information,” the FaFo site will provide a widely accessible platform that extends beyond the School to celebrate the diversity of Chatham Hall artists.
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Speedy Snacks Bring International Flavors On Dorm
2/14/2022
The $ Club, also known as the Money, Money, Money Club, is a student body investments-based entrepreneurial club launched last year intending to offer student-investors a way to fund on-campus businesses and learn more about what makes any venture profitable.
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