Greer High Finding Success With Virtual Enterprise Program

Greer High students are learning what life is like in the business world through the school's Virtual Enterprise program. 

Virtual Enterprise is a simulated business that is set up and run by students to prepare them for work in a real business environment. Students determine the nature of their business, its products and services, its management structure, and engage in the daily operations of running a business.

In short, students become young entrepreneurs conducting business with other “firms” nationally and internationally.  Students are involved in every aspect of running their business, including human resources, accounting, product development, production, distribution, marketing, and sales. The program enables students to develop key business skills, acquire global economic knowledge, develop interpersonal and organizational skills, and learn about potential careers thus furthering their preparedness for college.

This year the school is home to "Sugar Rush Inc.," a virtual candy, soda and ice cream store offering premium confectionary sweets and health conscious candy alternatives.     

On Dec. 6, these young entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase their talent to a panel of business executives. Four students traveled to Camden to represent Sugar Rush in the South Carolina Virtual Enterprise Business Plan Competition. When the dust settled the students from Greer stood atop the field of competitors. This marks the third time that a team from Greer earned the state title. This success earns the team the privilege of representing the state of South Carolina at the National Business Plan competition in New York City in March 2012. Presentation Team members include CEO Tyler Ashwood, Director of Marketing Peter Barnett, CEO Madison Elliott and CFO Richard Handler. 

“The greatest joy as their coordinator is when a college freshman returns to visit and tells me that his or her professors have asked them where they gained their business knowledge because they are functioning at a level high above their peers," said Program Coordinator Adam Massey. "I have students who have majored in management, marketing, finance, economics and veterinary studies, all with hopes of opening their own businesses in the years to come. Each student I talk to credits this program with being a major stepping stone on their path to success.”