Showcasing Young Entrepreneurs SAGE business plan competition

Recruitment for the 2009 Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) competition for high school students began this month. The Economics Center coordinates the Ohio SAGE competition. Hopeful teams of young students are beginning new business ventures in their schools, assembling business advisory boards and gearing up for a chance at the state title in May 2009.

Students who participate focus on marketing their own skills, and are advised by the business board members they recruit. In SAGE, students must improve an existing business venture and develop and operate a new business. In the process, they learn how to market their products and services, get connected to the business community and local universities, and write a business plan. The SAGE business plan competition is an outstanding venue for practical learning.

Last May, the Economics Center hosted the SAGE USA national competition. Ross High School teacher, Tom O’Neill is participating in SAGE again this year. Last May, his team placed third during the national competition. Their IT business produced a resource network, fully adopted in Ross High School, which allows teachers, counselors and administrators to quickly track students’ individual academic progress, attendance, testtaking skills, homework completion, etc. After their success last May and some time to revise their business plan, O’Neill’s team will try again for the national title in May 2009.