Kern County’s Young Entrepreneurs Shine at Virtual Enterprise Competition

Students from more than 70 high schools across California and the region shined at the Virtual Enterprises (VE) California Conference and Trade Exhibition this week, showcasing their innovative business concepts in a competitive and collaborative environment. The event, which spanned two days at the Mechanics Bank Convention Center in Bakersfield, is one of the country’s largest and most competitive VE events.

The Virtual Enterprise competition is a dynamic platform where high school students simulate the experience of developing a business from the ground up. Teams create, market, and operate virtual companies, competing in categories such as Business Plan, Accounting, Elevator Pitch, Prototyping, Trade Show and more.

Ridgeview, Centennial, Bakersfield, and Stockdale High Schools dominated the competition in the Business Plan, Marketing, and Human Resources categories, securing their places in nationals. In April, the top nine Business Plan teams and the top eight Human Resources and Marketing teams will move on to the prestigious VE National competition in New York City.

Student Projects Steal the Show

Amanda Nguyen, a senior at Ridgeview High School and VP of Operations for Unleashed, described her team’s innovative dog health products: a smart collar described as a Fitbit for dogs and a personalized meal plan service.

The Ridgeview Business Plan Team placed first in this year’s regional competition. Ridgeview has also done well in previous years, going on to finish in the top seven nationally.

Nguyen credited VE with teaching her leadership, collaboration, and public speaking skills, which she plans to use in her future law career.

“I really want to open my own law firm,” she said. “Virtual Enterprise has helped me figure out how a business works and how to create a business from the ground up, and that includes law firms.”

Ridgeview High School won the event’s Business Plan Competition with its mock company called Unleashed.

Thomas Woods, a senior from Bakersfield High School and a member of the Harvest SPF accounting team spoke passionately about their eco-friendly sunscreen, which recycles imperfect produce and uses it as an ingredient in their product. The group wanted to develop an idea that was practical and good for the environment.

BHS’s Marketing and Human Resource teams placed in the top eight and will head to nationals in New York. Woods, a two-time national competitor, says this program has helped inspire him to pursue a career in economics and finance. He’s now encouraging others to join.

“Try to be a part of this program because it’s so important for your future,” he said. “You learn so many core skills. Everything you do in this program is going to lead to success.”

Mikayla Rodrigo is a sophomore at Independence High School and CEO of Frigere. This smart fridge camera system allows users to plan and cook meals more effectively. This is the first year Independence has been involved in the VE competition. Rodrigo says VE has taught her efficiency and leadership in a real-world context. She says she is very proud of her team and all they were able to accomplish.

“This being our very first year, I think we’ve done pretty well,” she said. “It’s amazing to see all these different ideas and talk to all these different people.”

A Legacy of Excellence

Centennial High School has established itself as a titan in the Virtual Enterprise (VE) competition. With a string of state titles and national appearances, Centennial’s students have earned a reputation for their dedication, creativity, and business acumen. Jacilyn Elliott, Centennial’s VE advisor, attributes this success to the students’ unwavering commitment.

“What’s the secret? The secret is hard work,” she said. “I have really hard-working kids that put in the time, put in the energy, put in the effort. We’re here every day after school, practicing, just like a sports team would.”

At the center of Centennial’s efforts this year is Mirova. This subscription-based fashion business provides outfits tailored to each customer’s unique characteristics, including body type, skin tone, and style preferences. For $99 per month, customers receive two clothing items and an accessory, empowering teens through their wardrobe.

“We noticed that a lot of teenagers, they feel very insecure about their own bodies,” said Nov Noor Kaur, CEO of Mirova and a senior at Centennial. “With an outfit that’s proven to flatter you, we’re instilling confidence in teenagers and young adults.”

Kaur credits the program with helping her become a confident public speaker, an expert in time management, and an effective leader. Before VE, Kaur said she was hesitant to speak in front of groups, often feeling nervous and unprepared. Now, she can confidently express ideas and answer questions on the spot.

Kaur says being CEO comes with a lot of work, but her team has shown a tremendous amount of talent and effort.

“This is a moment we’ve been waiting for, to show all our hard work that we’ve been putting in,” she said. “I’m super proud of everyone.”

Centennial’s VE success is rooted in its rigorous two-year program. Juniors begin with an introduction to business fundamentals, earning college credits through a partnership with California State University, Bakersfield. Seniors then enter the virtual business class, operating their own companies in a simulated professional environment.

Elliot also says Centennial’s success is partly thanks to community support. Local businesses volunteer their time to listen to the student presentations, give feedback, offer mentorship, and raise awareness for the program.

“We’re fortunate to have such a supportive environment,” said Elliott. “Our students learn from local professionals, and their achievements shine a spotlight on Bakersfield at a national level.”

Centennial High School’s Mirova Business Plan Team takes 3rd place.

Building Important Life Skills

Bryce Sterling, a Centennial High School graduate, and VE Western Regional Council member emphasized the program’s lifelong benefits, including gaining practical skills such as confidence, public speaking, and salesmanship. He also says VE allows students to network and build meaningful social connections, leading to his first job after high school.

“This is the single best experience that a high school student can have in the country,” he said. “That entrepreneurial spirit that you’ve been exposed to here is going to help you in whatever career you pursue.”

Elliott agreed, saying the VE program allows students to gain ‘soft skills’ that can be taken with them into any field.

“They’re learning how to work with a team. They’re learning the hierarchy of a company. They’re learning how to interview for a job, presentation skills, time management, and deadlines,” Elliott said.  

Teri Jones, California and Western Regional Director of Virtual Enterprises International praised the students’ dedication and potential.

“I could not be more proud of all of these things that all of you are doing,” she said. “One day, you’re going to be my boss.”

Kern County Team Results

Business Plan:

1st – Ridgeview High – Unleashed
2nd – Stockdale High – DECD OUT DECOR
3rd – Centennial High – Mirova
4th – Stockdale High – BullBlue Denim
5th – Ridgeview High – DriveSmart
7th – West High – Re-Leaf Candles

The top 9 teams will advance to Nationals.

Human Resources:

3rd – Centennial High – Mirova
4th – Ridgeview High – DriveSmart
6th – Ridgeview High – Unleashed
8th – Bakersfield High – Harvest SPF

The top 8 teams will advance to Nationals.

Marketing:

1st – Ridgeview High – DriveSmart
3rd – Bakersfield High – Thrive
4th – Bakersfield High – Harvest SPF
7th – Stockdale High – BullBlue Denim

The top 8 teams will advance to Nationals.

Courtesy: Kern High School District