So far, so good. Huntington High School’s Paladin Virtual Enterprise company team has advanced to the final round of the National Business Plan Competition championships, which will play out during the 2022 Youth Business Summit in Manhattan in April.
“This means that out of 100 firms on Long Island, they landed in the top 10, which qualified them for nationals,” Huntington business teacher Paige Furman said.
“The National Business Plan Competition showcases some of the best and brightest student leaders and budding entrepreneurs in the country,” according to Virtual Enterprise International. Participating teams from around the country will have their written business plans and oral presentations judged by industry professionals. After receiving top honors in local and regional business plan competitions during the school year, these teams have earned the chance to compete in the country’s premier team-based national business plan competition.”
The Paladin company team will attend the Youth Business Summit, which organizers say will be a “dynamic week of business competitions and leadership activities along with a global innovation challenge and an international trade show.” The event will bring together thousands of young entrepreneurs from across the U.S. and around the world with educators and business partners for a “one-of-a-kind global business convention.”
Paladin’s presentation team features Caroline O’Rourke, Ryan Porzio, Neha Rathore, Jazlyn Chapas-Oliva, Keira Francis and Adrianna LoScalzo.
“The weeks of preparation have paid off and I couldn’t be more proud of the team for reaching nationals,” Ms. O’Rourke said. “We are gearing up for the competition and are beyond capable for the challenge”
Paladin’s product is a 24 hour car surveillance system that protects against theft and provides accident aftercare by notifying emergency services. “We offer a product that provides total auto security,” according to the group. “We are affordable, installable, and available to all. I have complete confidence in our product and its possibilities.”
The Paladin corporate team is enjoying the Virtual Enterprise course and is thriving in such a competitive environment. “This program is such an enriching experience that I recommend it to any student interested in business,” said Ms. Francis, Paladin’s chief business officer. “Given that all our presentations have been virtual thus far, I know we are all so excited to present live and in person at nationals in New York City!”