Minnesota Business Venture FAQs

In 2020, Minnesota Business Venture will be exclusively online (eMBV)

eMBV is open to all high school students completing grades 9-12. eMBV is perfect for students searching for career direction, planning for college, dreaming of starting a business or just eager to connect with students who share similar interests. The world revolves around business; this is a unique chance to learn from talented professionals who want to see students succeed!

Learn how to plan for a successful future – develop a career focus, leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

Gain experience that can be used when applying for college or jobs – make connections with members of our state’s business community.

Improve financial literacy skills – learn more about investing, money management and how to save.

Experience learning online using new-to-them technology, all while meeting people from across the state.

It’s online! Participate from your home in one of the two sessions:

Virtual Session 1: July 13-15, 2020 from 9:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m.

Virtual Session 2: July 27-29, 2020 from 9:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m.

The enrollment fee for eMBV is $50, which includes all three days of content and a pre-eMBV mailing with a t-shirt and other swag you may need during the online sessions. Financial aid is available for students who demonstrate financial need. The cost of the program is kept low thanks to BestPrep’s generous donors, including businesses, foundations, and individuals.

The deadline to register has been extended to Friday, June 19, 2020.

Yes! Expect your refund to be sent your way no later than the end of May. If you have any questions about this, please email mbv@bestprep.org.

Applications are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. Online applications can be accessed at www.bestprep.org/mbvapp. Next steps are to fill out the application and submit it to BestPrep.

During each session we anticipate about 200 students.  Students attending public, private, charter or homeschools are welcome to attend.  Each summer more than 100 high schools are represented.  View a recap of in-person MBV from 2019 here.

Of course! Just ask them to also fill out the application online: www.bestprep.org/mbvapp

There are three morning sessions that make up online eMBV. Each day involves company meetings, guest speakers, teambuilding activities and breakout sessions.  Guest speakers and activities vary from day to day. Here is an example of what a day at eMBV might include:

9:00 a.m. Keynote address by business executive

9:30 a.m. Company meeting

10:00 a.m. Breakout sessions

10:40 a.m. Large group activities (games)

11:00 a.m. Second keynote address

11:30 a.m. Company meeting

11:50 a.m. Camper recognition

12:00 p.m. Optional session (Mock Interview, Celebrity drop-in)

Registered students will be assigned to a company, which consists of up to 10 students. The company is led by a CEO (returning eMBV student) and a Resident Business Leader (an employee of a corporation such as Allianz Life, Ecolab, Medtronic, Securian, etc.). As a company, students work together to create a business plan for a fictitious product, while also participating in engaging activities and listening to a variety of speakers. All sessions are taught by professionals in the business world. Topics include: Marketing, Financial Literacy, Personal Branding, Entrepreneurial Stories and more.  Activities are geared to give students the information they need to succeed!

Each day there are a number of fun activities for the students to participate in. Some activities include a photo challenge, scavenger hunt, stretch breaks, icebreakers, and camper recognition.

Yes. Minnesota Business Venture has a technology Code of Conduct that each participant and parent/guardian must sign for the student to participate. Violations of the Code of Conduct will mean a student can no longer participate.

Students will need an electronic device (smart phone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer) and access to the internet. If you do not have these, let us know when you register and we will work with you to make sure to connect you with a device and the internet.

eMBV dress is casual. No offensive clothing, and also nothing offensive should be in the space we can see you when you are on camera.