Alexess’ Transformational Week at Minnesota Business Venture

Publish on July 1, 2026 Categories -

BestPrep’s Minnesota Business Venture (MBV) program is a week-long summer camp that helps high school students explore careers, build leadership skills, and gain real world business experience through hands-on learning.  

One student who was greatly impacted during the first session of MBV was Alexess, an incoming sophomore from Visitation School in Mendota Heights. 

When Alexess first arrived at camp, she was extremely nervous because she didn’t know what to expect. Those nerves quickly subsided after finding a welcoming community that helped build her confidence and encouraged her to grow into her own. 

[Alexess (fourth person from the left in the first row) with her company.]

One of her favorite memories was participating in Junk Night, an interactive activity where students put their creativity and teamwork on display with an impromptu infomercial skit. She liked that it gave her company the opportunity to connect and grow closer as a group in a short amount of time. Another one of her favorite memories comes from an unexpected and heartfelt moment – campers huddling under one umbrella while it rained. It made her realize how kind other people were at camp and that it doesn’t take long for people to form meaningful connections. 

As the week went on, Alexess enjoyed the investing and budgeting breakout sessions, noting that it gave her practical financial skills while also strengthening her communication and public speaking abilities. She also shared that another big takeaway came from keynote speaker Eric Forstrom of Wells Fargo, who encouraged students to be their most authentic self. 

[Alexess presenting during her company’s Business Plan Presentation.]

Looking back on her experience, Alexess shares, “Everybody here is so kind, and there’s no judgment. You can just say anything and feel comfortable sharing your ideas.” 

Alexess is thankful she came to MBV and is eager to apply the confidence and life skills she gained in her school and life moving forward.