A Global Celebration of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Each year, the New York City Youth Business Summit exceeds expectations, and 2025 was no exception! The 28th annual event, held on April 7-8 at the Javits Convention Center, brought together nearly 4,600 students from VE companies across 14 states and 8 countries for an exciting array of competitions and the highly anticipated trade exhibition.
YBS is a culmination of a yearlong program. Throughout the school year, the VE student firms participate in regional competitions to pitch and sharpen their Business, HR, Marketing and Finance plans to lead up to the nationals at YBS. The Youth Business Summit provides students with the opportunity to compete further and showcase their trade booths as well. Seasoned industry professionals and business educators volunteered as judges for each competition.
This year’s competitions included the prestigious National Business Plan, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Global Innovation Challenge, Financial Literacy Challenge and Booth Design competitions. New additions to the Summit—the Social Media Marketing Competition—pushed creativity and critical thinking to new heights.
The trade exhibition was a highlight of the event, where students set up and staffed 250 booths, representing their companies. While it was clear from the start that running a booth was no easy task, students quickly rose to the occasion. What began as a bit of trepidation turned into excitement as they made sales and engaged with peers, industry professionals in a highly competitive marketplace.
WPIX Spotlights Youth Business Summit
Showcasing Financial Education in Action
The 2025 Youth Business Summit was not only a monumental event for students participating in the Virtual Enterprises (VE) program, but it also garnered significant attention from local media. WPIX, one of New York’s leading television stations, showcased the incredible work of four standout schools The Academy of Finance and Enterprise, Midwood High School, High School of Fashion Industries, MS 137 and many more.
In an engaging segment led by Mr. G, the beloved weather anchor, students were interviewed about their experiences with VE and how they apply financial education to their business strategies. Mr. G’s lively approach helped draw out the students’ enthusiasm and passion for their projects, giving viewers an inside look at how these young entrepreneurs are learning to manage real-world challenges.
The future is bright for these young entrepreneurs, and the financial literacy they’re mastering today will serve as the foundation for their continued success. Stay tuned for more updates on how the VE program is shaping the next generation of business leaders.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Judges
As we reflect on the 2025 Youth Business Summit (YBS), we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support we received throughout this two-day event. A special thank you goes out to the dedicated judges who gave their time, expertise, and energy to coach, mentor, and rate student teams during the competitions. Their involvement made this year’s summit an extraordinary success, and their contributions are vital in helping us develop the workforce of tomorrow.
Our judges not only assessed student presentations but also guided them through the complexities of business decision-making. Their feedback provided invaluable learning opportunities for the students, helping them refine their ideas, sharpen their skills, and think critically about their business models. By volunteering their time, the judges are playing a crucial role in developing the next generation of business leaders, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support.
Competitions Results
Congratulations to PuraVie from Westhampton Beach High School, NY for securing 1st place in this year's National Business Plan Competition. All the results for the National Business Plan, National Finance Competition, National Human Resources Competition, National Marketing Competition, Global Innovation Challenge, Booth Design Competition, Sales Pitch Competition, and Sales Materials Competition are now available online. Congratulations to all!
View Competition ResultsPhoto Galleries
Find all the photos for the National Competitions, Global Innovation Challenge, and International Trade Exhibition.
View all photosA Special Shoutout to Our Sponsors and Supporters
We would also like to extend a special thank you to our generous sponsors—HSBC, New York Life, and Osaic—for their ongoing commitment to the VE program and the students we serve.
Their support ensures that we can continue to offer high-quality educational opportunities, empower students, and foster innovation in the business world.
Additionally, we would like to acknowledge the invaluable guidance provided by our Board of Directors and Regional Councils. Their leadership and vision are integral to the continued success and growth of the VE program. Their unwavering commitment to excellence helps us create impactful experiences for students and encourages them to strive for greatness in all they do.
We Couldn’t Do It Without You! We look forward to continuing this incredible journey with all of you and appreciate your ongoing partnership. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the students and communities we serve. Thank you again for all that you do!
