#YBS2026: The Power of Innovation
Each year, the Youth Business Summit continues to raise the bar, and 2026 proved to be the biggest and boldest event yet. Held on April 21 – 23 across multiple iconic New York City venues—including the United Federation of Teachers headquarters, Long Island University Brooklyn, and the Jacob Javits Convention Center—the 29th annual Summit brought together more than 5,000 students, educators, and business professionals from across the country and around the world for three unforgettable days of competition, collaboration, and innovation.
YBS serves as the culmination of a yearlong journey for Virtual Enterprises student firms. Throughout the school year, students refine their business concepts and compete in regional events to strengthen their Business, Human Resources, Marketing, and Finance plans in preparation for the national stage. At YBS, students had the opportunity to showcase those skills through high-level competitions, live presentations, and the International Trade Exhibition, while receiving feedback from experienced business leaders and educators serving as judges and mentors.
This year’s Summit featured an exciting lineup of competitions, including the National Business Plan, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Global Innovation Challenge, Financial Literacy Challenge, Booth Design, and Sales Pitch competitions. Returning favorites like the Social Media Marketing Competition continued to inspire creativity and strategic thinking, while the debut of the new AI Challenge encouraged students to explore emerging technologies and demonstrate how artificial intelligence can shape the future of business.
The energy throughout the Javits Center was unmatched during the International Trade Exhibition, where more than 200 student-run firms transformed the exhibition hall into a dynamic marketplace filled with innovation, branding, and entrepreneurship. Students designed and managed professional trade booths, connected with peers and industry professionals, pitched their products and services, and competed in real-time sales environments. What began as nerves quickly evolved into confidence as students adapted to the fast-paced atmosphere and embraced the excitement of live business.
From groundbreaking ideas to unforgettable presentations, the 2026 Youth Business Summit showcased the incredible talent, professionalism, and ambition of the next generation of business leaders.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Judges
As we reflect on the 2026 Youth Business Summit (YBS), we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support we received throughout this three-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 Summit Bound from Neuqua Valley High School, IL 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, AI Challenge, Booth Design Competition, and Sales Pitch 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:
New York Life Foundation, HSBC, Osaic, Reknew AI, Community Financial System, Inc., Broadridge, Buyers Edge Platform, Sifma, R&M Letter Graphics, East West Bank, Long Island University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, East Carolina University, Rice University, and University at Albany 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!
