Programs > Minnesota Business Venture > Students

2008 Brochure (Download here)
2008 Application (Download here)
Frequently Asked Questions 2008 (Download here)

General Information
Minnesota Business Venture (MBV) is a one-week summer investment in yourself that will pay dividends for the rest of your life!

Leadership Skills + Money Management + Meeting New Friends + College Life + Teamwork Skills + Presentation Skills + College Application Experience + FUN = MBV!

2008 Dates:
Session 1: July 13–18, 2008 at St. Cloud State University
Session 2: July 27- August 1, 2008 at St. John's University

MBV - have a blast with business this summer!
Imagine spending a week at St. Cloud State University or St. John’s University learning information from business professionals that will help you become more successful in life and work. MBV - A BIG OPPORTUNITY WITH A LIFETIME PAYBACK!

While at MBV, you are a member of a small group called a "company" made up of 10-14 other Minnesota high school students. There are guest speakers on a variety of topics from the business world each day. Companies establish their own business product ideas and ask for a loan to produce it. You also participate in mock interviews with corporate hiring specialists who provide you with feedback so that you are best prepared for a real interview. You learn about marketing, investing, insurance and careers while meeting other high school students from Minnesota and having FUN!

“The best part of MBV was being able to meet so many new people who are interested in the business field. It was a great opportunity to work with them and make great new friends.” ~ Student, Warroad High School

Your company Resident Business Leader (RBL) serves as a facilitator, mentor and guide throughout the week. RBLs are from companies such as Ecolab, Medtronic, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and more. The RBL's take off from work to be at MBV and share their experiences with you. Some are even alumni of MBV, giving back to a program that had an impact in their own lives and want to share it today’s youth.

“I learned you can’t be afraid to take chances – when you’re young is the best time to start your own business. I also learned about the many careers available in business.” ~Student, Lakeville South High School

The week is so fun and interactive that you will forget you are actually learning!

Who attends MBV?
Any student from a public, private, charter or home school who is currently completing his or her freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year is invited to attend Minnesota Business Venture. Each year about 100 schools are represented. There are no pre-requisites or grade point requirements for MBV. Students attend who are interested in learning and preparing for their future. MBV is a great experience to include on college and job applications to set you apart from your peers!

Is school credit available?
All students who successfully complete the MBV program are eligible for one high school elective credit awarded through the St. Paul Public Schools. However, it is up to each school district to accept the elective credit. In addition, St. Cloud State University is offering one college credit and a $750 scholarship. This is available to students completing their junior year of high school when they attend MBV and who enroll as freshmen at SCSU. More information will be made available at MBV.

How much does MBV cost?
MBV costs $125 ($175 after April 15th) to attend! This is a non-refundable registration fee once the student is accepted. If the student is not accepted, the fee will be returned. This fee includes all room, board and program expenses for the week while on the college campus.

The total cost to attend MBV is $1,125 per student. MBV is able to offer this program to students at the affordable price of $125 because of the sponsorships the students receive from local businesses, foundations and individuals. BestPrep secures these sponsorships for the students. Additional financial aid is available for the registration fee.

Contact Information
Andrea Hanson, Minnesota Business Venture Director
763-398-0090 ext. 226
ahanson@bestprep.org

Jenny Muñoz, Program Associate
763-398-0090 ext. 232
jmunoz@bestprep.org