15 Entrepreneurship Competitions for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in entrepreneurship or innovation, participating in a competition can be one of the most practical ways to build your skills and stand out in college admissions. These competitions provide an opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, challenging you to solve problems, collaborate in teams, and present your ideas to industry experts.
Participating in an entrepreneurship competition is a valuable addition to your resume, college applications, and future statements of purpose (SOPs). It demonstrates initiative, creative thinking, leadership, and a willingness to tackle challenges—qualities that universities and future employers seek. Whether you plan to pursue business, technology, social innovation, or leadership roles later on, starting early with these opportunities can give you a head start.
In this blog, you’ll find 15 entrepreneurship competitions open to high school students, each offering a platform to put your ideas into action.
The High School Students Business Competition hosted by New York Tech’s School of Management offers an opportunity to work on case studies provided by actual companies. Over four weeks, you and your teammates will tackle business challenges, sharpen your problem-solving and communication skills, and present your recommendations to a panel of faculty and corporate leaders. The program emphasizes interaction with company executives and New York Tech faculty, helping you build valuable networking skills along the way. This experience provides an introduction to business strategy, management issues, and entrepreneurship, with top-performing teams often earning cash prizes or securing internship opportunities.
Location: New York, U.S.
Participation fee: Not specified; contact the program coordinator, Dr. Wenyao Hu, at whu14@nyit.edu for details
Dates: 4-week duration; exact start and end dates vary by session
Application Deadline: Rolling – contact the program coordinator, Dr. Wenyao Hu, at whu14@nyit.edu for details
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors. Participation is team-based.
2. Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (GYEC)
The Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (GYEC) is a 12-hour online competition that challenges high school students worldwide to devise sustainable business solutions to global issues. Working in teams of 3 to 8 students, you'll brainstorm, plan, and pitch a science- and technology-based business idea that addresses pressing social challenges such as environmental sustainability or education. The competition encourages collaboration across diverse skill sets, including science, marketing, business, and communication. It requires teams to submit a detailed business plan and a short video pitch. All participants receive detailed feedback, certificates, and the chance to win a global trophy.
Location: Online (global)
Participation fee: Free
Dates: Preliminary Round - April 12; Final Round - May 17
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school (secondary) students aged 14–18; must form a team of 3–8 students.
3. DECA Competitive Events Program
DECA’s Competitive Events Program offers a structured platform for high school students to think like real business professionals. Through role-plays, case studies, presentations, and online simulations, you’ll solve business problems across fields like entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. You can work individually or in teams to pitch business plans, develop startups, craft marketing strategies, and even simulate running a company. Students interested in entrepreneurship can explore dedicated events such as the Business Growth Plan, Start-Up Business Plan, Innovation Plan, and Entrepreneurship Series, where they will pitch original business ventures to expert judges. Successful participants move on to the prestigious International Career Development Conference (ICDC) for global recognition.
Location: Local, state, and international levels (ICDC 2025 will be held in Anaheim, California)
Participation fee: Varies by location; contact your school’s DECA advisor or email info@deca.org for specifics
Dates: Vary by competition tier; International Career Development Conference – June 29–July 2
Application Deadline: Varies by program; check with your local DECA chapter or email info@deca.org to confirm deadlines in your area.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in a DECA-affiliated school program.
4. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is a prestigious, free opportunity for high school students to explore strategic investing and business analysis. Working in teams of four to seven and guided by a teacher advisor, you'll use Wharton’s online investment simulator to build a portfolio and develop a tailored investment strategy for a potential client. Unlike traditional investing games, teams are evaluated based on the strength of their strategy and communication, not just the profits they generate. Over 10 weeks, you’ll learn about risk management, diversification, company and industry analysis, and client needs. The top 50 teams advance to virtual semifinals, with the best-performing teams moving on to the Global Finale, held at the Wharton School in Philadelphia.
Location: Online (Semifinals are virtual; Global Finale held at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia)
Participation fee: Free
Dates: September 30–December 6 (trading phase); Global Finale - April 25–26
Application Deadline: September 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12; teams must have 4–7 students and one teacher advisor.
5. Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition
The Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition invites high school students from around the world to develop business ideas that solve problems in ways the world has never seen before. You can participate solo or with a team of up to four peers to pitch a new business concept that opens a "blue ocean" - an untapped market space. Using the Blue Ocean Pitch Template and tools provided, you’ll develop a five-minute video pitch, upload it to YouTube, and submit your idea for evaluation by entrepreneurs and business leaders. Participants gain valuable entrepreneurial experience, polish their communication skills, and have the chance to win thousands of dollars in cash prizes.
Location: Online (Global participation)
Participation fee: Free
Dates: Submission Deadline: February 16 | Top 100 Announcement: March 30 | Top 30 Announcement: April 16 | Top 10 Announcement: April 28 | Winners Announced: May 8
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18; solo or team participation (maximum 5 students per team).
6. FBLA High School Competitive Events
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) offers some of the largest and most recognized business competitions for high school students in the United States. Through events in entrepreneurship, business planning, marketing, finance, and management, you’ll develop your skills and compete at local, state, and national levels. Key entrepreneurship-focused events include the Entrepreneurship Role Play, Business Plan Presentation, and Business Management Challenge, where you design and pitch business strategies. Top performers advance to the prestigious National Leadership Conference (NLC), where they compete for national recognition, awards, and scholarships.
Location: Local, state, and national levels (National Leadership Conference held in Anaheim, California)
Participation fee: Varies by local FBLA chapter; contact your school's FBLA advisor or visit FBLA's official website to find a chapter and inquire about costs.
Dates: Competitions throughout the academic year; National Leadership Conference – June 29 - July 2
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by chapter; students must register through their FBLA school advisor.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in a school with an FBLA chapter.
7. National Economics Challenge
The National Economics Challenge, hosted by the Council for Economic Education, provides high school students with an opportunity to showcase their economic understanding, critical thinking, and analytical skills on a national stage. Working in teams, you’ll compete first at the state level, answering questions about microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics. Top state teams advance to the First Round National Challenge, and finalists are invited to an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta to compete for cash prizes. Students are divided into two divisions: the Adam Smith Division for advanced students and the David Ricardo Division for first-time competitors. Along the way, you’ll gain experience applying logical reasoning, data analysis, and problem-solving.
Location: State level (local competitions), national level finals in Atlanta, Georgia
Participation fee: Free; students should participate through their school’s economics instructor or local state affiliate. Contact info@councilforeconed.org or call (212) 827-3600 for details.
Dates: Local competitions typically begin in February–March; National Finals in late spring (May–June)
Application Deadline: Varies by state affiliate; check with your local Council for Economic Education affiliate or instructor.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in an economics course or club. Teams compete in groups, typically coached by a teacher or instructor.
8. Business Professionals of America (BPA) Competitive Events
Business Professionals of America (BPA) offers one of the most comprehensive competitive programs for high school students interested in business, technology, finance, and entrepreneurship. It hosts events in areas such as Small Business Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Financial Analysis, and more. You can advance through regional, state, and national levels, with top competitors earning recognition at the prestigious National Leadership Conference (NLC). Whether you’re crafting a business plan, pitching a startup, or troubleshooting business scenarios, BPA competitions are an excellent way to develop leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial skills.
Location: Local, state, and national levels (National Leadership Conference typically held in May)
Participation fee: Varies by local chapter and division; contact your school’s BPA chapter advisor or visit BPA’s official website for chapter start and membership details.
Dates: Competitions are held throughout the school year; National Leadership Conference typically in May
Application Deadline: Varies by chapter and state deadlines; contact your local BPA advisor.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in schools with BPA chapters; membership required.
9. Conrad Challenge
The Conrad Challenge is a global innovation and entrepreneurship competition in which high school students design solutions to problems across various industries, including aerospace, cybersecurity, energy, the environment, and health. Working in teams of two to five students, you’ll move through a multi-stage process: developing a Lean Canvas, creating an Innovation Brief and Video, and finally pitching your business idea at the Conrad Innovation Summit. Along the way, you will build critical skills, including collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication. Finalists compete for scholarships, prizes, and the prestigious Pete Conrad Scholar title.
Location: Virtual and in-person (Innovation Summit in the U.S.)
Participation fee: Free for initial stages; small fees apply for advancing teams (details provided during registration). For more, visit the Conrad Challenge official site.
Dates: Activation and Lean Canvas Stages: Fall | Innovation Stage: Winter | Power Pitch Stage & Innovation Summit: April 22–25
Application Deadline: Activation and registration typically open in September and close by early November.
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18; teams of 2–5 students required.
10. Diamond Challenge
The Diamond Challenge, organized by Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware, is one of the world’s premier entrepreneurship competitions for high school students. Whether you have a business idea that addresses market needs or a social venture concept aimed at solving global challenges, the Diamond Challenge is a good way to test your skills. Students work individually or in teams to develop their concepts, submit proposals, and pitch their ideas for a chance to win a share of the $100,000 prize pool. Finalists are invited to compete at the Limitless World Summit, where they network with global peers, entrepreneurs, and investors. The Diamond Challenge offers both a business innovation and a social innovation track.
We’ve covered the challenge in detail here!
Location: Virtual (initial stages) + in-person Limitless World Summit (University of Delaware, USA)
Participation fee: Free for initial submissions; students cover their own travel costs if attending the Limitless World Summit. For full details, visit Diamond Challenge’s official website.
Dates: Submission Window Opens: September 18 | Submission Deadline: January 16 | Finalists Announced: March 16 | Limitless World Summit: May 1–2
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: High school students globally (ages 14–18); individual or team participation allowed.
11. GENIUS Olympiad (Business Track)
The GENIUS Olympiad, hosted at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, is a prestigious global competition for high school students addressing environmental challenges across multiple disciplines. Through the Business track, you can create and present green business plans that promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Participants advance through a project submission and finalist selection process before competing in person at the GENIUS Finals. You’ll benefit from networking, cultural exchange, and exposure to global issues through an entrepreneurial lens. With a strong focus on environmental impact and creativity, the GENIUS Olympiad offers a blend of innovation, business, and global citizenship.
Location: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), New York, USA
Participation fee: $50 application fee per project; $500 finalist participation fee; full details at GENIUS Olympiad’s official website.
Dates: Application Deadline: March 10 | Finalists Announced: March 25 | Final Event: June 9–13
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: High school students worldwide (individuals or teams).
12. SAGE Global Competition
The SAGE Global Competition helps high school students launch real businesses that address social and environmental issues. Working through their schools, clubs, or independently, teams develop business ventures, refine their models, and present their successes through written reports and live presentations. Finalists from national competitions advance to the prestigious SAGE World Cup, where they showcase their ventures on an international stage. With a focus on business innovation, impact, sustainability, and presentation quality, SAGE offers an entrepreneurial experience that helps students develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Location: Local/national competitions (U.S.) and international SAGE World Cup
Participation fee: Generally free at the U.S. level; students may need to cover travel expenses if advancing to the World Cup. For more details, visit SAGE Global’s official website.
Dates: Submission Deadline for U.S. Nationals: May 2 | Results Announced: May 23 | SAGE World Cup: Summer (dates vary each year)
Application Deadline: May 2 (for SAGE USA National Competition)
Eligibility: High school students (typically ages 14–18); team participation required.
13. National High School Design Competition by Cooper Hewitt
The National High School Design Competition, presented by Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, invites high school students across the United States to apply design thinking to address challenges. Each year, students create sketches and written proposals around a social theme, blending creativity with problem-solving. Finalists are selected to attend an in-person Mentor Weekend in New York City and receive feedback from design professionals before presenting at a final judging event. The competition provides a platform for developing innovation, communication, and critical thinking skills.
Location: Virtual (submission); in-person events in New York City for finalists
Participation fee: Free
Dates: Submission Deadline: February 10 | Mentor Weekend: May 3–4 | Judging Weekend: June 7–8
Application Deadline: February 10
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) or homeschoolers working toward a high school diploma in the U.S.; individual or team (up to three students).
14. FCCLA Virtual Business Challenge
The FCCLA Virtual Business Challenge invites high school students to put their entrepreneurship and financial management skills to the test in a series of online business simulations. Hosted in partnership with Knowledge Matters, this competition offers you the opportunity to run virtual businesses in personal finance and fashion management. Open exclusively to FCCLA members, the Challenge includes two qualifying rounds and a National Championship Round, where winners can earn cash prizes and recognition. Through this competition, you will build business skills, improve critical thinking, and prepare for future leadership roles.
Location: Online (National Leadership Conference for qualifying teams)
Participation fee: Free for FCCLA members; students must be registered members of FCCLA. For more details, visit FCCLA’s official website.
Dates: Registration Opens: October 1 | Round One: October 14 – November 8 | Round Two: February 3 – February 28 | National Championship Round: March 31 – April 4
Application Deadline: Varies by round, registration starts October 1
Eligibility: High school students who are FCCLA members (grades 9–12).
15. NFTE World Series of Innovation (WSI)
The NFTE World Series of Innovation (WSI) challenges high school students worldwide to apply entrepreneurial thinking and develop solutions to global challenges. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, you can select from a range of sponsored challenges like clean water, economic advancement, and climate action, and submit innovative ideas through an online platform. Open to students aged 13 to 24, WSI provides an opportunity to build entrepreneurial skills, compete for cash prizes, and make an impact. Participants are evaluated on creativity, feasibility, and the solution’s potential for positive impact.
Location: Virtual (global participation)
Participation fee: Free; details available at NFTE World Series of Innovation official page.
Dates: Submission Deadline: December 8 | Winners Announced: April 24
Application Deadline: December 8
Eligibility: Students aged 13–24 globally; high school students strongly encouraged to participate.
Young Founders Lab
If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you build a startup in high school, consider the Young Founders Lab!
The Young Founders Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
You can access the application link here!