15 Business Competitions for High School Students

Beyond just acting as a resume builder, the data analysis and case studies you perform during these events often expose you to specific industry problems, providing a natural launchpad for future independent research projects. Finally, the specific hurdles you navigate and the measurable outcomes you achieve in these competitions give you substantive, evidence-based experiences to write about in your college statement of purpose, clearly demonstrating your proactive interest in the business field. 

If you’re interested in exploring internship opportunities that are available to high school students, check out our blog here!

Why should I participate in a business competition in high school?

Participating in a high school business competition gives you a massive head start by turning abstract textbook concepts into real, high-stakes experience. In these events, you can expect to take up roles of a startup founder or corporate consultant, working closely with a team to solve complex, messy problems like launching a new product, fixing a failing company, or building a realistic financial plan. You will spend weeks researching actual market trends, brainstorming creative solutions, and polishing a slide deck, all leading up to a live presentation where you pitch your ideas directly to a panel of expert judges. 

To help you find the best fit, we have compiled below 15 business competitions for high school students.

1. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition

Location: Primarily online (virtual stock simulator and semifinals); the Global Finale is held in-person at The Wharton School in Philadelphia, PA
Cost: None
Contest Date: September – Mid-December
Application Deadline: September 12
Eligibility: Current 9th to 12th-grade high school students

The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is a free, experiential program where you explore the fundamentals of investing. Working in a team of four to seven students with a teacher as your advisor, you use an online stock market simulator to make investment decisions based on real market conditions and changing economic scenarios. The experience helps you understand how financial markets respond to global events and business performance. Throughout the competition, you develop and refine investment strategies while learning how to analyze companies and industries in depth. You also gain experience in communication, risk assessment, and diversification.

2. Blue Ocean Competition

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Cash prizes ranging from $500 to $1,000 are awarded to winners
Dates: April  – May 
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school students worldwide (ages 14–18); may compete individually or in teams of up to 4–5 members; must complete the free online Blue Ocean Mini-Course before submitting

The Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition is a global, virtual entrepreneurship program for high school students where you develop and pitch an original business idea using the Blue Ocean Strategy approach, which focuses on creating new and innovative market spaces rather than competing in crowded ones. You can participate individually or in a team of up to five students, and you will be guided through the process of identifying a real-world problem, designing a creative solution, and structuring it into a clear business model. The final submission is a short pitch video, usually around five minutes, which is evaluated by judges from the business and entrepreneurship world. 

3. Project ECHO – Teen Entrepreneurs’ Business Plan Competition

Location: Virtually or in person at California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson, CA; the summer internship is conducted virtually 
Cost: Entry is generally tied to program enrollment fees, which range from $250 for summer sessions to $650–$750 for semester-long/after-school programs; financial aid, scholarships, and early bird discounts are available / Cash start-up funds awarded to top three winning teams
Dates: May 31
Registration Deadline: May 21 
Eligibility: High school students under 19; you can participate through a school class or club or register independently with a team.

The Project ECHO High School Entrepreneurs’ Business Plan Competition is an entrepreneurship program where you will develop a startup idea and present it to a panel of judges in a professional pitch setting. You will work with a team to create a detailed business plan that includes market research, strategy, and financial planning, and then present your idea during the competition. Judges evaluate both your written proposal and your presentation, focusing on innovation, feasibility, and the strength of your pitch. Through the program, you will gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, teamwork, leadership, and public speaking, along with the opportunity to receive mentorship, feedback from professionals, and cash prizes for top-performing teams.

4. DECA

Location: Conferences vary in location (different cities around the US) 
Cost/Stipend: Fees vary per conference; scholarships are available / Scholarships provided to students
Dates: April
Application Deadline: Varies by state/provincial association; registration and fee deadlines are typically in early to mid-March
Eligibility: Must be an active DECA member who qualifies by placing at their state/provincial conference, or an approved academy attendee

Through these competitions, you can begin with Principles of Business Administration Events, where you demonstrate basic business knowledge, and progress to Individual Series Events, which involve role-play scenarios in specialized career areas. If you prefer teamwork, Team Decision Making Events let you solve business case studies with a partner. Other options include the Personal Financial Literacy Event, Business Operations Research Events focused on research and presentation, and Project Management Events, where you plan and execute a project from start to finish.

5. Technovation Girls Competition

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Prize stipends awarded to top teams
Dates: Season begins on August 13, with final projects due April 20; judging takes place from April 23 – May 18 (Round 1) and May 27 – June 10 (Round 2)
Application Deadline: March 18
Eligibility: Female-identifying, transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming participants who want a female-identified environment, aged 8–18 as of August 1

In this program you will design an app or AI prototype that addresses a real-world issue. You will prepare a pitch video, develop a business plan, and create a technical video explaining how your solution works and the feedback you gathered. You can build your project using beginner-friendly tools such as Scratch, MIT App Inventor, or Thunkable, or program in languages like Python, Java, or Swift. Along the way, you will also learn about entrepreneurship, research, responsible use of AI, marketing, and pitching, while receiving guidance from a volunteer mentor who helps your team plan, solve challenges, and stay on track.

6. Business Professionals of America - BPA

Location: Conferences vary in location (different cities around the US)  
Cost: $150 standard registration ($170 after April 1), plus travel and official hotel accommodations; various national scholarships are available / Scholarships given to students
Dates: May 6–10
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students must be active members of a local chartered BPA chapter and are typically enrolled in business, finance, or technology programs 

The Business Professionals of America (BPA) Workplace Skills Assessment Program (WSAP) is an intracurricular competition that helps you develop real-world business and leadership skills through a wide range of events. You can compete in multiple categories across areas such as finance, business administration, management information systems, digital communication and design, management, marketing and communication, and health administration, allowing you to apply classroom learning in practical, career-focused scenarios. BPA also offers virtual national competitions, which make participation more accessible by removing travel and budget barriers and allowing you to compete directly at the national level without needing to qualify through regional or state rounds.

7. The Big Idea Competition

Location: Virtual; the final competition can be attended either online or in person at the Johnson Fine Arts Center, Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Winners share ~$55,000 in cash prizes and college scholarships 
Dates: Mid-December
Deadline: October 31
Eligibility: Any U.S. high school student (public, private, or home school); individuals or teams up to 3 

The Big Idea Competition is a business pitch contest for high school students, in which you can participate individually or in small teams. You will submit a written report outlining your business idea, target market, competitors, and management plan, along with a short video pitch introducing your concept. From all submissions, a few finalists are selected to present a live pitch to a panel of judges. If chosen as a finalist, you will be paired with a mentor who will help you refine your business plan and prepare your presentation for the final round.

8. Annual Marion County Youth Business Plan Competition

Location: College of Central Florida, Ocala, FL 
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Scholarships and prizes given to students
Dates: April 8
Registration Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Marion County high school students; the business concept must be new or an existing business (under 5 years old) capable of launching in Marion County 

The Annual Marion County Youth Business Plan Competition is a program where you will develop and present a full business plan while building real-world entrepreneurial skills. You will work with experienced mentors and industry professionals to refine your idea, while also connecting with peers, community leaders, and supporters who can help you grow. Through workshops and presentations, you will learn how to turn ideas into actionable plans by conducting market research, preparing financial projections, and developing innovative solutions. You will also strengthen skills like problem-solving, public speaking, strategic thinking, and pitching your ideas confidently to potential investors. The competition offers significant cash prizes for top teams, with over $7,000 awarded to the best business plans.

9. Montana Chamber Foundation's Prospects High School Business Competition

Location: Virtual; the final pitch competition is held in person at MSU Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship in Bozeman, MT
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Cash prizes up to $5,000 are awarded to winners 
Dates: Submissions open November 3; Virtual Awards Ceremony is on April 23, in-person pitch competition on May 17–18
Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Montana high school students can apply, whether they attend public, private, or religious schools, are homeschooled, or are pursuing a HiSET diploma

In this competition, you will work with business leaders, receive mentorship, and develop a product, service, or community-based solution. The competition offers two tracks: one for students with new business ideas and another for those already running small ventures. To apply, you will submit a short pitch video along with a written business summary explaining your idea. Judges evaluate both submissions, provide feedback, and may even offer internships or job opportunities. Top teams receive significant prizes, with grand champions in each track winning $5,000 and second-place winners receiving $2,500.

10. Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition

Location: Virtual 
Cost: None
Dates: March 2 – June 5
Application Deadline: June 5 (Voting Phase end date) 
Eligibility: Students above 13 years old with an innovative idea or project that addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In this competition, you will develop a solution that addresses one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on global challenges like sustainability, equality, and health. You can participate by submitting either a new idea or a project that is already underway. The process begins with a short pitch submission. If your idea is selected, you will refine it using the Entrepreneurial Design Canvas, a tool designed to help you organize and strengthen your proposal. After completing the learning modules and improving your concept, your project is published for community voting. The most supported entries advance to the final round, where experts review the submissions, and winners are announced during an online award ceremony.

11. SAGE Global Teen Entrepreneur Program

Location: Virtual (SAGE USA); the SAGE World Cup is held in person at different locations each year
Cost/Stipend: Around $365 / Winning teams at the global level may earn small cash prizes or scholarships
Dates: SAGE USA: May 2–16; winners will be announced on May 23; SAGE World Cup: September 11–15
Deadline: May 2 
Eligibility: Students aged 13–19; must present an operational business or social enterprise that addresses a community issue 

In the SAGE Global USA National Competition, you and your team will present your venture through a live presentation followed by a Q&A session, along with submitting a short annual report describing your work, impact, and achievements. Judges evaluate your project based on decision-making, social impact, and the potential of your business. The top teams advance to the SAGE World Cup, where you will present your venture on an international stage and connect with industry leaders and student entrepreneurs from around the world. Throughout the process, you will receive mentorship from business professionals, educators, and university students who help you strengthen your business model and presentation skills. 

12. GENIUS Olympiad Business

Location: Finals are held in-person at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York 
Cost/Stipend: $600 + $60 application fee / College scholarships given to students
Contest Date: June 8–12
Application Deadline: May 10
Eligibility: High school students in grades 8–12 (minimum age 13); up to two students per environmentally-focused business project

In this competition, you will design a green product or service or create a social responsibility plan that helps businesses reduce their environmental impact. You can work individually or with a partner to prepare a comprehensive business plan that serves as an investment proposal. As part of the process, you will pitch your idea to judges using a presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session. Your plan should include market research, target customers, pricing strategies, marketing and distribution plans, and operational details, along with profit projections. If your project focuses on social responsibility, you will analyze the environmental impact of an existing business or industry and propose practical changes to reduce its footprint while evaluating the financial and market implications.

13. NFTE World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (WYEC)

Location: NFTE, New York, NY; the final round of the competition takes place at the United Nations Plaza in New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $5,000 first place prize, $1,000 second place prize, and two $500 finalist prizes
Contest Date: November 17–20
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions 
Eligibility: Students aged 15–22 from NFTE’s international partner network, as well as winners of the U.S. National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

In this program, you will attend workshops and leadership sessions led by business experts, focusing on entrepreneurial thinking, global perspectives, and networking with other young founders. You will also work closely with an experienced coach who will help you refine your pitch, strengthen your business strategy, and prepare for the final competition. On the final day, selected finalists will present their ventures to a panel of judges in a live pitch event. The mentorship and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders can help you access future career and business opportunities.

14. U.S. National Innovator Challenge (NIC)

Location: Online
Cost: $30 per student entry ($60 for two, $90 for three)
Dates: July 10–19
Application Deadline: June 19
Eligibility: K-12 students (individual or teams up to 3) residing in the U.S.

This national innovation competition is open to U.S. high school students who have a creative idea, prototype, or project that solves a real-world problem. You will work individually or in a team to document your solution, including its design process and testing, and submit it online for evaluation. Judges assess each entry based on creativity, impact, and problem-solving skills. If selected as a finalist, you will present your project in a live virtual setting, receive feedback from experts, and may advance to higher levels of competition, such as a global innovation challenge.

15. Horn Entrepreneurship, University of Delaware – Diamond Challenge

Location: Global; open to teams from any country, with virtual and in-person pitch options worldwide and an in-person final Summit
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $100,000 prize pool with $12,000, $8,000, and $4,500 grand prizes awarded per track
Dates: Submission window opens September 16; Limitless World Summit April 29–30
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Teams of 2–4 high school students aged 14–18 at the submission deadline; one adult advisor aged 21 or older required; each student may join only one team and submit one concept per year

In this program, you join a global entrepreneurship competition where you and a team of two to four students turn an original idea into a business or social venture concept. Working in the business innovation track, you identify a customer problem, design a product or service, and build the underlying economics showing how the venture generates revenue and profit. You write a three-to-five-page concept narrative, produce a 60-second introductory video, and deliver a five-minute pitch with a slide deck before judges. Across three rounds, you refine your concept through expert feedback, sharpen your storytelling, and develop real entrepreneurial skills. Top finalists pitch at the in-person Limitless World Summit for a share of the $100,000 prize pool.

One more option -  Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; need-based financial aid is available / No stipend
Dates: Vary, with spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November) cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies, with multiple cohorts throughout the year - spring (January), summer (May), fall (August), and winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who are able to work for 5–10 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks

Ladder Internships is a selective virtual internship program for ambitious high school students eager to work with high-growth start-ups, which are companies that, on average, raise over $1 million. Start-ups offering healthcare internships span diverse industries, including mental health, neurology, ophthalmology, health tech, and more. Earlier host companies included June Brain, IPMD, and Softenmind. You will work closely with the host company's managers and a Ladder Coach on a real-world project, which could be a product, service, or strategy, and present your work to the host company. You will receive one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other key professional and research skills, and attend group training sessions with other interns in your cohort. 

Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs

1. With such a wide range of competitions on this list, how do I figure out which one actually matches the kind of business idea or skills I want to build?

Start by thinking about what kind of challenge excites you most. If you want to work with real market data and investment strategy rather than building something from scratch, the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is the strongest fit, since it centers entirely on managing a simulated portfolio. If you're drawn to founding your own venture and pitching it from the ground up, the Diamond Challenge, Blue Ocean Competition, and Big Idea Competition all walk you through identifying a real problem and building a full business concept around it. If sustainability or social impact is more your interest, GENIUS Olympiad Business and the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition are built specifically around solving environmental or global development challenges. Matching the competition's core focus to your actual interest matters more than chasing prestige, since judges can tell when a pitch reflects genuine engagement with the problem rather than a generic business plan template.

2. DECA and BPA both require active membership in a school chapter before you can compete. What if my school doesn't have one?

Both DECA and BPA operate through a chapter advisor and qualifying state or regional rounds, so without an active chapter at your school, you generally can't compete in their national conferences directly. If your school doesn't currently have a chapter, it's worth asking a teacher, often in business, marketing, or career and technical education, whether they'd be willing to start one, since both organizations provide startup resources for new chapters. In the meantime, you have plenty of strong alternatives on this list that don't require school-based membership, including the Wharton Global Investment Competition, Blue Ocean, and the Diamond Challenge, all of which you can enter independently or by forming your own team.

3. Technovation Girls has different eligibility than most competitions on this list. What exactly does that restriction look like, and are there similar options if I don't qualify?

Technovation Girls is specifically designed for female-identifying, transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming participants who want a female-identified competitive environment, with no restriction based on location or school enrollment otherwise. If you don't fall into one of these categories, nearly every other competition on this list, including DECA, BPA, the Diamond Challenge, and the Wharton Investment Competition, is open to all students regardless of gender identity, so your options remain broad. If you specifically want a tech-and-AI-focused entrepreneurship competition similar in structure to Technovation, the U.S. National Innovator Challenge is a solid open alternative, since it similarly centers on building and pitching a creative tech solution to a real-world problem.

Key Takeaways

This list covers 15 business competitions for high school students, ranging from free, virtual pitch competitions like Blue Ocean and the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition to high-stakes events with substantial prize money, including the Diamond Challenge's $100,000 pool and the Big Idea Competition's roughly $55,000 in combined cash and scholarships. DECA and BPA stand apart structurally, since both require an active school chapter and a qualifying round before you can compete, while most other competitions on this list, including Wharton's Investment Competition and the Diamond Challenge, accept individual or self-formed team entries with no school affiliation required. For students seeking a startup-style experience outside the competition format entirely, Ladder Internships remains the most flexible option on this list, placing students directly inside a real, high-growth startup rather than having them pitch a hypothetical venture to judges.