Last December, 26 high school and college students took the stage to present their power point business plans to judges, teachers, sponsors, advisors, family and friends.

This was the first Napa Valley Youth Entrepreneur Business Plan Competition, which took place at the Westin Resort. Everyone was impressed. These tech savvy students communicated clearly and the visuals were engaging. Their preparation and planning were exemplary.

This year, they’re back and the second annual Youth Business Plan Competition, which is bigger and better.

Napa Valley College is committed to growing the next generation of businesses through the Youth Entrepreneur Program. This year’s competition is open to students, ages 14-28, who are interested in starting or expanding a business. We are anticipating more than 50 entries from our high schools and our NVC hospitality management and business classes.

Parents and families are invited to an event featuring the top 12 business plan presentations on Dec. 5.

 The Youth Entrepreneur Program is being made possible by Napa Valley College, in response to the demand of educating the next generation of entrepreneurs. The education and the business communities have come together to support our youth in business.

The 2009 Business Plan Competition is being sponsored by Napa Valley College, Napa Community Bank, Umpqua Bank, Napa Chamber of Commerce, Napa County Office of Education, Travis Credit Union, Silverado Brewing Company and Charter Oak Bank.

“Last year it was wonderful to tap into the resources of NVC Small Business Development Center in teaching entrepreneurial explorations for my advanced hospitality and food service students,” said high school instructor, Mike Cromwell. Several of his advanced hospitality students placed in the top five of Iast year’s competition.

This year, the top three finalists in both the high school and the college divisions will receive cash awards. The top college plan will receive a $1,000 cash prize. We are anticipating 50 high school students to participate from Vintage, New Tech, Justin-Siena, Napa and Sonoma High. As many as 50 students from NVC classes taught by management instructors Walt Unti, Ian MacNeil and Charlie Monahan are participating in the college division.

Last year, business ideas ranged from a digital game room to spiritual tours throughout the wine region.

Before the final competition, free training and counseling will be offered by SBDC advisers to the students.

A series of free business clinics are offered to all participants on Wednesday evenings from Oct. 28 through Nov. 18. NVC Business Advisors will also be working with classes on how to develop a business plan.

The deadline for entries for business plans is Nov. 30. Six finalists from each category will be asked to present their plans at Napa Valley College on Dec. 5.

For more information, go to www.nvcyep.com or call 253-3210.