Five high school students will compete in a business plan competition as part of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Central California Regional Business Plan Competition and Banquet starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at Fresno State’s Satellite Student Union.
Students from 11 Central Valley high schools spent the past year organizing business plans and perfecting their presentation skills in preparation for the event. The students first unveiled their plans to judges during in-class competitions throughout March and April. The first- and second-place students from each school were chosen to participate in the semifinals on May 22, when the five finalists were announced.
The students will present their business plans to a panel of judges Thursday evening at the finals and receive a score. Scores will be tallied to determine the winners.
Winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip to New York City in October to compete in the national challenge for a chance to win a grand prize of $25,000 and connect with many nationally-recognized entrepreneurs.
“Every year, we’re impressed by the entrepreneurial acumen of these Central Valley high school students. The Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is pleased to fuel their business plans,” said Dr. Scott Moore, interim executive director of the Lyles Center. “The passion that the students have for their businesses is inspiring.”
The program is managed by the Lyles Center as part of Fresno State’s Craig School of Business. The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship provides entrepreneurial education programs to young people to enhance their economic productivity by improving their business, academic and life skills. To date, the network has worked with nearly 450,000 students across the U.S. and around the world.
For additional information, contact Laurie Zaninovich at lzaninovich@csufresno.edu or 559.278.3735.
