Mini City Teaches Richardson ISD Students How to Run a Business

Long before they reach middle school, children are asked what they want to be when they grow up. A new learning center in Richardson ISD is giving students a chance to try out some of the answers.

The center is called Biztown. It is a colorful, life-size miniature version of the city of Richardson, complete with a public water plant and a boutique where shoppers can find the right outfit. Some might assume it is little more than an elaborate playground, but the students on site say otherwise.

Each business in Biztown has to be run from top to bottom. Students hire employees, build a budget and work to turn a profit. One student described the process of adding up salaries and operating costs to arrive at the amount of a business loan. The work draws directly on math taught in the curriculum.

Melissa Heller, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Engagement for Richardson ISD, said the experience builds skills beyond the core subjects. Students can develop "critical thinking skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, all of those other soft skills" that business and industry partners have told the district are important, she said.

Heller said the district offered a similar program years ago. Students who took part back then are now parents, and they asked the district to consider bringing back one of their most memorable grade school experiences.

Students at Biztown looked over the available jobs and applied for the ones they wanted. Piper Brown works at the Hype Hub, a content company where a friend serves as content creator and she is the on-air host of a podcast. She is trying to persuade residents of Biztown to listen so she can sell ads and make money. Her second job choice was interior designer, because her mother is one, and her third was RISD superintendent, since she hopes to become a teacher someday.

Over the course of the day, students ran into problems that mirror the real world, from staffing issues to bank accounts that did not add up. Teachers and parent volunteers offered guidance, but the students had to cooperate, partner with other organizations and find customers on their own.

Kaden Pederson said he liked that Biztown features businesses he already sees around town, including State Farm, Ford, Bridgestone and Toyota. He works at the Bite Size Bistro, a food company that sells what it makes to earn money. Pederson also wanted to donate food to people in need.

At the end of the lessons, the business owners will use the money they have earned to buy prizes to take home. The students appeared to understand that the bigger takeaway was something else. "I think they're trying to teach you how to like, live like, be an adult," Brown said, adding that the experience will help when she grows up and can say she has tried it before.