The Entrepreneurship Academy is a great example of the public/private partnership that has developed between the Fargo Public Schools, West Fargo Public Schools, Moorhead Public Schools, South East Education Cooperative and the NDSU Research & Technology Park to create a youth entrepreneurship program in our community.

Through the Entrepreneurship Academy, high school students (11th and 12th grade) who demonstrate an aptitude in the areas of math, science and technology along with an interest in entrepreneurship will be selected to attend a technology-focused Entrepreneurship Academy at the NDSU Research & Technology Park during the month of April.

The Academy is led by NDSU Research & Technology Park staff with critical assistance from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Students work in teams with a simple business case to determine the best way for the business to compete, identify capital needs to start the business and devise a plan for managing the business successfully.

Participants are provided with business cases, two days of instruction and the necessary materials to assist them in the successful completion of the program. On the final day, teams give a 15 minute “investor pitch” to a panel of judges in a business plan competition setting.  Tuition vouchers to North Dakota State University are awarded to the top two teams whose presentations are judged as having the most solid business strategy and promise for success.

To be nominated for the Entrepreneurship Academy, please click on the following links.

For additional information, please contact:

Youth Entrepreneurship Feasibility Study