Overview

The Circles of Excellence is a composite method to identify the top firms in the VE program by measuring engagement and achievement of targeted initiatives throughout the year. The Circles of Excellence will recognize and highlight top firms in the VE program each year. This year’s Circles of Excellence will recognize Gold, Silver, and Bronze firms that meet the parameters as outlined in the list.

The results are cumulative. If your firm did not make the distinguished firms list, do not give up! There are several opportunities each period to move up the list. The CoE is designed to track progress over time and recognize overall engagement and achievement.

Firms will be able to access their Circles of Excellence report and monitor their status on the Hub throughout the year.

Find out more about each period’s parameters and deadlines by clicking into each period.

SY 2024-25 ANNUAL ACTIVITIES CALENDAR

Period 1 (August 2024 - October 2024)

Cutoff for the period is October 31, 2024

Maximum Points for the Period = 5 

List of Round 1 distinguished firms to be published mid-November 2024

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW TO EARN POINTS FOR PERIOD 1
  • Submit the Business Registration Form.
  • Submit the elevator pitch through the Competitions Manager
  • Submit the firm’s social media handle to the firm directory in Marketplace Tools
  • Submit and receive approval of loan application and angel investors through the Small Business Loan or Equity Investment applications
  • Submit a lease agreement to the Lease Agreement Form signed by a school administrator

Period 2 (November 2024 - December 2024)

Cutoff for the period is December 31, 2024

Maximum Points for the Period = 15

List of Round 2 distinguished firms to be published mid-January 2025

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW TO EARN POINTS FOR PERIOD 2
  • Register for an online trade show or live trade show on Marketplace Tools
  • Submit the company branding kit through the Competitions Manager
  • Submit an Executive Summary through the Competitions Manager
  • Submit payroll to employees through the Firm Bank Account
  • Submit payment to VE Realty (Account #630907080) through the Firm Bank Account or notify RD of rent payment to a VE firm
  • Submit payment to VE Utilities (Account #630907072) through the Firm Bank Account or notify RD of utilities payment to a VE firm
  • Student purchase product/service from another firm through their Personal Student Bank Account
  • Submit screenshot of QuickBooks bank account setup to the QBO Account Setup Form
  • Submit the 941 Withholding Payroll Tax Form
  • Submit 941 Remittance payment to VE Payroll Tax (Account #630907102) through the Firm Bank Account
  • Submit to the Risk Management Plan Submission Form
  • Submit to the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy Form
  • Purchase merchandise order on the Wholesale Marketplace and submit payment to VE Wholesale Marketplace (Account #630907145) through the Firm Bank Account
  • Submit insurance payment to VE Business Insurance (Account #630907153) or VE Workers Compensation (Account #630907153) through the Firm Bank Account or notify RD of insurance payment to a VE firm
  • Submit a screenshot your #veinternational post on social media with the signature of the facilitator to the VE International Evidence Form

Period 3 (January 2025 - February 2025)

Cutoff for the period is February 28, 2025

Maximum Points for the Period = 16

List of Round 3 distinguished firms to be published mid-March 2025

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW TO EARN POINTS FOR PERIOD 3
  • Participated in at least one trade show (Regional or National in Jan/Feb)
  • Submitted the Board of Directors Quarterly Report for Q3 (from Nov to Jan)
  • Participated in a local or regional qualifying round of the Business Plan Competition
  • Participated in a local or regional round of the FIN, HR, or MRK competitions
  • Participated in the National E-Commerce Website Competition
  • Participated in the National Video Commercial Competition
  • Processed at least one Payroll (Jan/Feb)
  • Processed at least one Rent payment (Jan/Feb)
  • Processed at least one Utilities payment (Jan/Feb)
  • Proof of sales made by the firm to individuals or other VE businesses
  • Evidence of student transactions (purchases made from student accounts in Jan/Feb with 80% of the students making at least one transaction)
  • Submitted the 941 Withholding Payroll Tax Form (Jan/Feb)
  • Processed the 941 Remittance payment (Jan/Feb)
  • Submitted the Sales Tax Form (Jan/Feb)
  • Submitted the Sales Tax Payment (Jan/Feb)
  • Evidence of firm website creation on Marketplace Tools

Period 4 (March 2025 - April 2025)

Cutoff for the period is April 30, 2025

Maximum Points for the Period = 18

List of Excellence firms (Gold, Silver, and Bronze circles) to be published mid-May 2025

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW TO EARN POINTS FOR PERIOD 4
  • Participated in at least one trade show (Regional or National in Mar/Apr)
  • Submitted a written business plan*
  • Qualified for the National Business Plan Competition (NBPC)
  • Received Top 20 Recognition for the NBPC
  • Qualified for the National Marketing Competition
  • Qualified for the National Human Resources Competition
  • Qualified for the National Finance Competition
  • Processed at least one Payroll (Mar/Apr)
  • Processed at least one Rent payment (Mar/Apr)
  • Processed at least one Utilities payment (Mar/Apr)
  • Proof of sales made by the firm to individuals or other VE businesses
  • Evidence of student transactions (purchases made in Mar/Apr with 80% of the students making at least one transaction)
    Submitted the 941 Withholding Payroll Tax Form (Mar/Apr)
  • Processed the 941 Remittance payment (Mar/Apr)
  • Submitted the Sales Tax Form (Mar/Apr)
  • Submitted the Sales Tax Payment (Mar/Apr)
  • Used TurboTax to file 1040 Income Tax Form
  • Completed at least one international transaction (incoming only)

Period 5 (May 2025)

Cutoff for the period is May 31, 2025

Maximum Points for the Period = 6

Final list of Excellence firms (Gold, Silver, and Bronze circles) to be published mid-June 2025

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW TO EARN POINTS FOR PERIOD 5
  • Submitted a completed Annual Report*
  • Submitted the 1120 Corporate Tax Form
  • Participated in the National Company Newsletter Competition
  • Submitted End of Year Survey
  • Created an Additional Student Bank Account (at least 50% of the class)

Bonus Points (August 2024 - May 2025)

Points may be submitted from August 2024 – May 2025 but may not be reflected until May 2025. Cutoff for bonus points is May 31, 2025.

Maximum Bonus Points = 3

Final list of Excellence firms (Gold, Silver, and Bronze circles) to be published mid-June 2025

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW TO EARN BONUS POINTS
  • Evidence of a mentor in the classroom (live or video)
  • Hosted an event (fundraising, mini trade show, showcase, etc.)
  • Completed Pre and Post Survey Averages

Circles of Excellence Period 5 Results

Updated June 11, 2025

FirmPF CodeSchool NameRegionRank
Summit StixUS013489Neuqua Valley High SchoolMidwestGold
CatalystUS012491Neuqua Valley High SchoolMidwestGold
Nature's NurtureUS016218South Granville High SchoolSouthGold
AthLyteUS016739Smithtown HS EastNew York StateGold
EverXUS014646Germantown Friends SchoolMid-AtlanticGold
Allergy ArmourUS016405Manhasset Secondary SchoolNew York StateGold
SnoozeUS016710LYNBROOK SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateGold
PuraVieUS015668Westhampton Beach High SchoolNew York StateGold
VistixUS016504Brooklyn Technical High SchoolNYCGold
SmartSpaceUS016374John Jay Senior High SchoolNew York StateGold
EvyUS016503Brooklyn Technical High SchoolNYCGold
Oui Chef!US016502Brooklyn Technical High SchoolNYCGold
SleepEasyUS016723SEWANHAKA HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateGold
EasyLifeUS014540Crystal Lake South High SchoolMidwestGold
PropifyUS016525JOHN F KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateGold
The Animal Kingdom, Inc.US01125Loretto High SchoolSouthGold
CultureCraveUS016589Fort Hamilton High SchoolNYCGold
Captain CupcakeUS016467Oceanside High SchoolNew York StateGold
MirovaUS016399Centennial High SchoolWestGold
Meal CrunchUS016006HERRICKS HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateGold
EASEUS016450Academy of Finance and EnterpriseNYCGold
Soothing StuffiesUS016501Nassau BOCES Iris Wolfson High SchoolNew York StateGold
AdastraUS012581Stoney Creek High SchoolMidwestGold
Flashpoint EnergyUS016468Oceanside High SchoolNew York StateGold
Geek BikesUS016318Geneva High SchoolMidwestGold
CharmingUS016005HERRICKS HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateGold
RallyTime TailgatesUS016604Riverside High SchoolSouthGold
MyGrowthUS016014Malverne High SchoolNew York StateGold
Origins OdysseyUS016418Midwood High SchoolNYCGold
VoltiqueUS016821Roy C. Ketcham High SchoolNew York StateGold
Burst StripzUS016268Montville Township High SchoolMid-AtlanticGold
REMedyUS015132Timothy Christian High SchoolMidwestGold
TriumphUS016417Midwood High SchoolNYCGold
EventureUS016451Academy of Finance and EnterpriseNYCSilver
NYC PIZZAUS01OFFPort Richmond High SchoolNYCSilver
AquaTrakUS016738Smithtown HS EastNew York StateSilver
Dynamic 5olesUS015573William Cullen Bryant HSNYCSilver
Vitopia IncorporatedUS016733Edward R. Murrow High SchoolNYCSilver
EligoUS016413SOUTHOLD JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateSilver
LevatioUS016236Rochester Adams High SchoolMidwestSilver
CRE8US015979VR Eaton High SchoolSouthSilver
QuickCourtUS016435Syosset High SchoolNew York StateSilver
PreventifyUS016551Rocky Point High SchoolNew York StateSilver
EclipseUS016643Morris County School of TechnologyMid-AtlanticSilver
EvróUS016004HERRICKS HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateSilver
Financial UUS016393Ann Arbor Skyline High SchoolMidwestSilver
Nuclear EnergyUS016017Whippany Park High SchoolMid-AtlanticSilver
Puri5US016436Syosset High SchoolNew York StateSilver
Lumina AI LearningUS016303Carlsbad High SchoolWestSilver
45NorthUS015116Alpena High SchoolMidwestSilver
Comfort KuppUS016755Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High SchoolNYCSilver
AtmosferëUS016552Rocky Point High SchoolNew York StateSilver
LingoTechUS016252JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOLSouthSilver
Huddled Inc.US016818Edward R. Murrow High SchoolNYCSilver
Knocked OutUS011897PAUL D SCHREIBER SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateSilver
FUZE INUS015981VR Eaton High SchoolSouthSilver
Cube Co.US016437Syosset High SchoolNew York StateSilver
SpectrumUS016035Neuqua Valley High SchoolMidwestSilver
Eco-ScapersUS015386Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftmanship HSNYCSilver
Alter EcoUS016250High School for Arts and BusinessNYCSilver
PawfectionUS016530Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK HSNew York StateSilver
Timeless TreasuresUS016634PITTSFORD-MENDON HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateSilver
Financial FlowUS016664Lincoln Technical AcademyWestSilver
The Sole PurposeUS016567CARLE PLACE MIDDLE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateSilver
HarvestSPFUS016190Bakersfield HighWestSilver
NeutriumUS016819William Cullen Bryant HSNYCSilver
Spark Revival StripsUS015980VR Eaton High SchoolSouthSilver
FanFuelUS016031Waubonsie Valley High SchoolMidwestSilver
Dine & DashUS016210Center for Community Adjustment (CCA)New York StateSilver
Outside TodayUS016302Carlsbad High SchoolWestSilver
VersaShaveUS016392Ann Arbor Skyline High SchoolMidwestSilver
SkylineUS012462Marengo High SchoolMidwestSilver
E-scentialsUS016269Montville Township High SchoolMid-AtlanticSilver
Neptune SwimUS016379H. Frank Carey High SchoolNew York StateBronze
ReviveUS015506LYNBROOK SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
AlignUS016390Homestead HighWestBronze
BraceUS016169Blackman High SchoolSouthBronze
EssenceUS016170Blackman High SchoolSouthBronze
buffRUS016114Bearden High SchoolSouthBronze
JobLincUS01295Abraham Lincoln High SchoolNYCBronze
Slumber ScentsUS016524Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK HSNew York StateBronze
SunnysideUS016007Northport High SchoolNew York StateBronze
Dynamis Inc.US016391Homestead HighWestBronze
Cooked Inc.US016095Cinco Ranch High SchoolSouthBronze
Dorm ReformUS016337COMSEWOGUE HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Green IvyUS016314Legacy Magnet AcademyWestBronze
REVE & CoUS015685High School of Fashion IndustriesNYCBronze
Eventure BoxUS016447PITTSFORD-MENDON HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
The ProjectUS016433Syosset High SchoolNew York StateBronze
Global GrubUS016446PITTSFORD-MENDON HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
ScentsationUS016749Metea Valley High SchoolMidwestBronze
SpectatorXUS016419Wakefield High SchoolSouthBronze
Pure Purpose ApparelUS016237Cesar E. Chavez High SchoolWestBronze
BlinkUS015982VR Eaton High SchoolSouthBronze
FableUS016132South Pasadena Senior HighWestBronze
Bamboo BreezeUS015364Coral Springs Charter SchoolSouthBronze
ReKicksUS016098Beech High SchoolSouthBronze
CoraUS015975Greer High SchoolSouthBronze
Scholarly Solutions Inc.US016077Jule F Sumner High SchoolSouthBronze
SalvageUS016094Cinco Ranch High SchoolSouthBronze
AuraboveUS014869New Dorp High SchoolNYCBronze
Mix n' MunchUS016415WEST ISLIP SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
ThriveUS016191Bakersfield HighWestBronze
EasyEatsUS016694PITTSFORD SUTHERLAND HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Link2LiftUS016143Bearden High SchoolSouthBronze
AuraSleepUS016457Greenport High SchoolNew York StateBronze
LiquadaptUS016470East Hampton High SchoolNew York StateBronze
FlourishUS016315Legacy Magnet AcademyWestBronze
My Morning MixUS016600BABYLON JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Nurture NestUS016599BABYLON JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Pop ShopUS016414WEST ISLIP SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
VitaPearlsUS016295Legacy Magnet AcademyWestBronze
NooreUS015162Rochester High SchoolMidwestBronze
RoomMateUS016692PITTSFORD SUTHERLAND HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Snooze SnacksUS016273Coral Springs Charter SchoolSouthBronze
Daily ReflectionsUS016411SANFORD H CALHOUN HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Minne-Sorta NiceUS014378Minnetonka High SchoolMidwestBronze
Reyah ReflectionUS015965Elmwood Park High SchoolMidwestBronze
VitalBiteUS015938North Shore High SchoolNew York StateBronze
Sports ReachUS016686Thousand Oaks HighWestBronze
TaskyUS016752Northside School of Innovation Technology and EntrepreneurshipSouthBronze
Lumist SkinUS016375Westminster High SchoolWestBronze
GroVEUS016721New Dorp High SchoolNYCBronze
KahunaUS016770SMITHTOWN HIGH SCHOOL-WESTNew York StateBronze
KevinAIUS016563PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
PickleTekUS016339COMSEWOGUE HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
ProtectUUS016209COMSEWOGUE HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
ReLeafUS016338COMSEWOGUE HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Rent-A-GrandmaUS016484Innovation Education ManagementWestBronze
BristleLiteUS016334Irvine High SchoolWestBronze
Pickle & Paddle Co.US016054Metea Valley High SchoolMidwestBronze
BODO BoardsUS016499HERRICKS HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
ICE-O-WRAPUS016516Bridgehampton UFSDNew York StateBronze
NomadNestUS015911OYSTER BAY HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Flo-ProUS016428HUNTINGTON HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Lucky LandingsUS016582W TRESPER CLARKE HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
RaydianceUS016431HUNTINGTON HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
SnugologyUS016316Legacy Magnet AcademyWestBronze
Kit KareUS016376Westminster High SchoolWestBronze
MirrimUS016313Legacy Magnet AcademyWestBronze
ShoEssentialsUS016386FORT LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOLSouthBronze
Apex ComfortUS015391Neuqua Valley High SchoolMidwestBronze
BAMUS016434Syosset High SchoolNew York StateBronze
24/7 FindUS016301COOPER CITY HIGH SCHOOLSouthBronze
Activ8US016760West Hempstead Secondary SchoolNew York StateBronze
Green $capeUS016032Granville Central High SchoolSouthBronze
Guardian InsuranceUS016646Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High SchoolNYCBronze
Fresh Start Fitness & Co.US014911Mount St. Mary AcademyNew York StateBronze
Fruition LeatherUS016311San Juan Hills High SchoolWestBronze
KaseBaseUS016226West Aurora High SchoolMidwestBronze
Shore2ShoreUS015456SAYVILLE HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Style SwipeUS016560PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
CozyUpUS016693PITTSFORD SUTHERLAND HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
StageBoundUS016799Waubonsie Valley High SchoolMidwestBronze
Fly By FashionUS011096Mount St. Mary AcademyNew York StateBronze
Rapid RefreshUS016583W TRESPER CLARKE HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Tuf WaxUS016689Thousand Oaks HighWestBronze
Xtreme Comfort, Inc.US014851St Charles East High SchoolMidwestBronze
Tornado WatchUS014153Lawrence High SchoolNew York StateBronze
At Your ServiceUS01145West Hempstead Secondary SchoolNew York StateBronze
Crust and Crumble BakeryUS016782SAYVILLE HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Closet OasisUS016283West Orange High SchoolMid-AtlanticBronze
SoterianUS016063COOPER CITY HIGH SCHOOLSouthBronze
Active Edge Inc.US016325COLD SPRING HARBOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
BrightPath InsuranceUS016584Harry S Truman High SchoolNYCBronze
BullBlue DenimUS016171Stockdale HighWestBronze
CRBNUS016440JOHN F KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Echo Wave ProductionUS016550Manhattan Business AcademyNYCBronze
State of MindUS015133Farragut High SchoolSouthBronze
Tailored 4 TailsUS016637EASTPORT-SOUTH MANOR JUNIOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Baron Brew Cafe FVHSUS016381Fountain Valley High SchoolWestBronze
Ambēco WearUS016333Irvine High SchoolWestBronze
Smart ChewUS016416WEST ISLIP SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
Heart Break Rage RoomUS015254Montclair HighWestBronze
Clever ContraptionsUS016021St Charles East High SchoolMidwestBronze
DEC'D OUTUS016172Stockdale HighWestBronze
DriveSmartUS016254Ridgeview HighWestBronze
Sku-WearUS016408Berks Career & Technology CenterMid-AtlanticBronze
InkLabUS016750Metea Valley High SchoolMidwestBronze
ClassNote.AIUS016672JERICHO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLNew York StateBronze
IKIGAIUS016238Archbishop Molloy High SchoolNYCBronze
MatchWearUS014826Francis Lewis High SchoolNYCBronze
Now TrendingUS012642Michigan Great Lakes Virtual AcademyMidwestBronze
simXsportsUS015707Metea Valley High SchoolMidwestBronze
Ray of TotesUS016073Yucaipa High SchoolWestBronze
To-A-TeeUS016801FORT LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOLSouthBronze