Cincinnati hosts the National High School Business Plan Competition

Cincinnati, OH – The national Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) business competition for high school students culminates in Cincinnati tonight, Friday, May 23 at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (NURFC) at 8:15 p.m.  Teams of high school students from over ten states competed on UC’s main campus for the national title by presenting their business plans to a group judges from across the nation.  The Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati coordinates the local competition and is the host to the national business challenge this year.

Business ventures are evaluated on how well they integrate concepts such are global markets, environmental awareness, civic participation, etc into their entrepreneurial ideas. All of the judges are experienced business men and women from around the country.  They represent a panel of over 30 individuals that will be judging students’ business plans and presentations.

Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, California, South Carolina, and several other states sent their winning teams to the SAGE USA Competition.  Mason and Ross High Schools, winners of the SAGE Ohio challenge represented the state of Ohio at the SAGE USA competition today.

The Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati is coordinating the Ohio SAGE effort and is also the host of the national competition. After the presentations on Friday, May 23, students will tour the Great American Ballpark. The official SAGE awards ceremony will take place at the Freedom Center at 8:15 p.m. The winning team will be announced at that time. The SAGE USA national champion will represent the U.S. in the SAGE global competition in Nigeria.

John Morris, COO of the Economics Center at UC noted, “Activities like the SAGE competition spark an entrepreneurial spirit in students as they acquire the skills and knowledge that can ensure success and productivity beyond the classroom.” The SAGE USA competition is an excellent opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to practically apply their skills, write business plans and get the community members involved in their projects.

FOOTAGE & INTERVIEWS: The national business competition awards ceremony tonight, May 23 from 8:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. is an excellent TV and journalistic opportunity as students from around the country compete with their peers and showcase their business ideas in front of business leaders. Students, their advisors and judges are available for interviews at the event. The winning team will be announced at that time. Call 513-324-4276 for more information.