10 Long Island Schools Shortlisted for National Business Plan Competition

Virtual Enterprises (VE) announced today that the following Long Island schools have been shortlisted for the VE National Business Plan Competition (NBPC), which will take place April 17-19 during the annual VE Business Youth Summit at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. NBPC represents some of the best student leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs in the country:

More than 2,400 students from 80 Long Island schools attended the Long Island VE Regional Conference and Exhibition held at the LIU Post from January 10-11. During this time, dozens of students submitted business plans to the jury during the first round of the business plan competition. 40 student businesses were selected to participate in the second round of the competition, resulting in 10 Long Island finalists.

During the Long Island Regional Conference and Expo, nearly 100 simulated businesses created and run by Long Island students participated in a live interactive trade show and competed for the best business plan, best promotional presentation, best trade show booth and more. The annual event brings together Long Island students who run a simulated business with their VE program classmates, as well as about 100 corporate volunteers from regional businesses, colleges and industry.

The VE program addresses one of the biggest challenges facing education and the economy today by providing students with the best opportunities for career advancement and college preparation. At a time when only 43 percent of employers surveyed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) believe students are prepared with the professionalism and work ethic required for a career, the VE apprenticeship model helps students set a career path, develop 21st place. century-old business and management skills, and college prep assistance. Compared to other high school students in the US, VE students reported a higher likelihood of going to college, being better prepared for it, and identifying future career interests.

ABOUT VIRTUAL ENTERPRISES INTERNATIONAL

Virtual Enterprises International (VEI) is an educational non-profit organization that provides schools with a solution to offer all students meaningful, skill-based career experiences. Through our hands-on, task-based curriculum aligned with the VE Career Readiness Framework, students test potential careers and develop in-demand skills and competencies that higher education institutions and employers are looking for. By managing the day-to-day activities of the company, students not only develop business skills and entrepreneurial thinking, but also identify career paths that match their interests, talents and aspirations.

Since its inception in 1996, VEI has served over 200,000 high school students, including many from low-income communities. In 2015, VEI introduced the VE-JV Career Academy, a similar two-year program that empowers high school students to develop technology and entrepreneurial skills by starting and managing business ventures. Approximately 90% of VE students interact with business professionals who regularly mentor them, and 87% choose interesting careers through their participation in the VE program. We support over 20,000 students in the US annually and are part of a global network spanning over 40 countries and over 7,000 student-run businesses. Find out more about VE on our website, Facebook, TwitterInstagram and LinkedIn pages.