special for reporters
This month, a group of young entrepreneurs, Benjamin Viafore, Nikesh Werner, and Douglas Stovall, will partner with Mercer Island High School's (MIHS) DECA chapter to conduct a business plan contest.
Frustrated by the lack of local business opportunities, three students decided to host their own business plan competition to foster a passion for business in their local community. With the help of MIHS teacher and advisor Jen McClellan, the students, along with the Mercer Island DECA Chapter, founded the nonprofit organization Seattle Competition for Young Entrepreneurs (SCYE), which was founded on Nov. 4. A competition will be held on the day.
SCYE features two rounds. First, participants have until October 21st to submit a briefing document outlining their concept. Second, the finalist will present her idea in front of the judges on November 4th and answer questions.
To make this contest as inclusive as possible, all high school students in the Seattle metropolitan area are free to participate and can participate in teams of one to three people to compete for three prizes. The winner will receive $1,000, second place and third place will receive $500 and $250, respectively. For more information, please visit her website at SCYE (thescye.com).
“No business experience is necessary,” said Biafore, one of the event's student organizers. “At SCYE, we believe that business plan competitions are a great way to fine-tune your ideas, get great feedback, and make your dream project a reality in a low-risk environment.” To the founders of SCYE According to , business plan competitions play an important role in getting students involved in business because business is not usually taught in the classroom.
This sentiment is even more evident when looking at websites where would-be participants can sign up or donate to nonprofit organizations. Viafore, along with SCYE's other co-founders, hopes this competition, run by students for students, will provide more opportunities for young people to get involved in business and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs in the Seattle area. I'm here.
