BUILDing Excitement

First year students participate in the BUILD Youth Business Plan Competition, where they present their business plans to an audience of family, community members, and business professionals. Winners receive a cash award and automatic acceptance into BUILD's second year program, the Youth Business Incubator.

Program Details

Planning a Business, Preparing for Life

BUILD students come to us more interested in business than academics. Our four-year program is based on this premise. By showing them the connection between hard work and business success, they become interested in college. They see the correlation between higher education and  stronger communities.

Entrepreneurs 1 (E1)– Freshman Year: Planning a Business

Students meet with BUILD 7-10 hours per week for the entire academic year, where they learn the fundamentals of business, as well as management, organizational, and professional communication skills. Students form teams of 3-5 members, and, with the support of volunteer mentors, each group develops a comprehensive (20-30 page) business plan. Math, reading, writing, and presentation skills become relevant to making their plan a success. The year ends with participation in the BUILD Youth Business Plan Competition.


Entrepreneurs 2 (E2)– Sophomore Year: Running a Business

Students meet in BUILD’s Youth Business Incubator for 3-6 hours per week, after school, for the entire academic year. They begin to operate their small businesses while learning negotiations, business ethics, venture capital, and more. They’re assigned a Venture Capital Advisor, who acts on BUILD’s behalf to finance the students’ businesses. Meanwhile, students also work with BUILD’s Academic Program Manager and academic mentors to maintain academic standards for college admissions. To remain in E2, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.


Entrepreneurs 3 (E3)– Junior Year: Preparing for College

Students learn advanced topics relating to college selection and preparation including essay writing, interviewing skills, financial aid, and standardized test preparation.
They continue operating their businesses, but focus more on the ultimate goal of preparing for the next steps beyond high school. To assist in the college selection process, BUILD staff members accompany students on college tours in various parts of the country. To remain in E3, students must maintain a 2.7 GPA.


Entrepreneurs 4 (E4)– Senior Year: Selecting a College

Here students shift their focus from running their businesses to selecting a college. With the help of BUILD mentors, they write admissions essays, prepare college applications and package their BUILD experience into a portfolio. When possible, BUILD helps to arrange interviews with local alumni. Parents/guardians receive advice and information about scholarships and financial aid resources through workshops and meetings.