A Company Advisor (CA) serves as a mentor to a "company" of 10-12 students. The CA guides their company through the business simulation, team-building exercises, company meetings, officer elections, speaker discussions, and the Stockholder’s and Emerging Entrepreneurs Presentations.

To volunteer as a company advisor, download the company advisor application for next year's program and mail it in, or simply email us at

The CA program is one of the best professional development programs available. CAs participate in seminars on current business topics, network with other professionals, and enhance their mentoring, communication and time management skills. CAs rise to the challenge of getting their team of "future business leaders" moving in the right direction to accomplish their goals.

The emphasis is really on the advisor/consultant role. As is so true in business, being a good advisor can mean being a trainer, a team builder, a problem solver, a motivator, a mentor, a teacher, a facilitator and a mediator . The common thread? All of the components of a solid leadership course are present, but instead of sitting and listening to an instructor lecture about what it takes to be a leader, employees are practicing those skills and gaining the kind of knowledge and confidence that only comes from experiential learning.

Time Commitment

Young Entrepreneurs Business Week is for one full week, running from Sunday to Saturday. CAs arrive the Saturday before business week begins to attend one day of mandatory training. With daily programming beginning at 8 am and concluding around 9 pm, the week is a very challenging yet rewarding experience. CAs will have many breaks throughout the day and are welcome to use this time for personal matters or business. However, it is beneficial for all parties if CAs are present as much as possible.


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YEBW requires CA�s to attend one of two full-day trainings 1 to 2 months prior to the program as well as a full day of training on campus right before the program begins. This session will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the YEBW experience, as well as offer the tools, skills and knowledge needed to guide your team through the week. CA�s will be sent the entire curriculum packet prior to the program including meeting agendas, activities, and a full program schedule. See the sample company meeting agenda to get a sense of what exactly will take place during the company meetings. If additional training is required, the YEBW staff is happy to help at any time.

Top-notch speakers are scheduled throughout the week to share their experience and insight about business with Young Entrepreneurs Business Week students and volunteers. Though the vast majority of speakers are content-based, motivational speakers are also scheduled.

Topics include entrepreneurship, elements of accounting, elements of marketing, personal finance, influencing others, business communications & writing, planning & investing, and customer service.

The majority of time is spent in company meetings and team development activities. General Assemblies are one hour in length and attended by the entire YEBW student body. Smaller group assemblies are shorter in length, consist of 30-40 and are more interactive.


As eloquently stated by Stan McNaughton, the CEO of PEMCO Insurance:

"As a company advisor, you hold the power to transform the students’ learning experience into your own “virtual leadership laboratory.” If you challenge yourself, you actually can practice and perfect many of the leadership concepts that are locked up in dustythree-ring binders on some bookshelf."

"Whether a young business professional or a veteran with a wealth of experience, I highly recommend being a company advisor for YEBW. I am inspired and extremely hopeful for the future of our youth after spending just one week guiding and mentoring a company through the program. Together we learned, questioned, and discovered the world of business and entrepreneurship. YEBW opens minds and broadens perspectives." -Linda Collier, PR/Marketing Executive

"The Young Entrepreneurs Business week was one of the highlights of my summer of 2006. Being an advisor to many bright and inspiring youth gave me encouragement and confidence in the future of America. Students from all over Oregon and even Alaska marked a place in my heart as they joined together to make business decisions, to work hard together and to play hard together. It was a week packed with many avenues of learning and getting to know each other that I will treasure as one of the most valuable experiences I have had." -Mary Kay Stroum, Educator

"YEBW offers kids a great alternative to playing video games all summer. Using old-fashioned board games and computer simulation models, high school students continue their journey towards financial literacy. Outside speakers as well as time in the classroom deliver valuable business basics to the students and serve as a refresher for company advisors. Mentoring young people in the art of building a business will result in positive outcomes for all. Being a company advisor is a rewarding experience that I hope all business professionals will consider." -Denise L. Sunseri