Minnesota Business Venture: Preparing Students for a Successful Future

Area students sponsored to business attend summer camp

Minnesota Business Venture powered by BestPrep is a great example to lift students up for their success

Minnesota Business Venture Summer Program

The transition from high school to college and the workforce can be overwhelming and confusing for many students. With the vast array of career options and financial responsibilities, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Fortunately, programs like BestPrep’s Minnesota Business Venture (MBV) are designed to prepare students for success in the professional world.

A few past summers, Majeed Khori, a Champlin Park High School student, and Nawfal Yasir and Karena Schmidt, Parnassus Preparatory School students from Maple Grove, were sponsored by Arby’s Foundation and Highland Bank, respectively, to participate in MBV. MBV is a week-long summer business, career, and financial literacy camp that aims to provide students with real-world business experience and financial education.

While the program was held virtually in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the year’s program was held in person at the University of St. Thomas and St. John’s University. The program selected 230 students from 67 schools to participate and receive scholarships for their attendance.

During the week, students were divided into small groups called “companies” and were tasked with developing an imaginary product or service. The students then created a business plan and presented it to a panel of professionals, hoping to gain loan approval. Throughout the week, the students received guidance and mentorship from professionals in the local business community.

In addition to the business aspect of the program, MBV also focused on financial literacy and career preparation. Students engaged in activities that were organized thematically, including Dare to Dream Day, Financial Freedom Day, Career Day, and Empowerment Day. Each day also included virtual activities such as guest keynote speakers, scavenger hunts, and mock interviews. Local celebrities, including musical artist Dessa, Minnesota Twins first base coach Tommy Watkins, and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, held Q&A sessions with the students at the end of each day.

MBV has been around since 1981 and has over 11,000 program alumni. The program is sponsored by many companies and organizations, including 3M, Allianz, Arby’s, Piper Sandler, and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.

Programs like MBV are essential in preparing students for their future careers. The program provides students with valuable experience in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and career readiness. Students not only learn how to develop and pitch a business plan, but they also gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are applicable in any career field.

Minnesota Business Venture, powered by BestPrep

Furthermore, MBV’s focus on financial literacy is crucial in a society where financial education is often overlooked. Students learn how to manage their personal finances, including budgeting, investing, and saving for the future. These skills are essential in setting students up for long-term financial success.

Teaming up with BestPrep Minnesota Business Venture is an excellent program for students looking to gain valuable experience in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and career readiness. The program has been around for over 40 years and has a proven track record of success, with over 11,000 program alumni. The program’s focus on real-world experience and mentorship from professionals in the business community sets students up for success in their future careers. Programs like MBV are crucial in preparing students for the challenges they will face in the professional world and are an investment in our future workforce.

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