The latest announcements, Venture Challenge updates, and student success stories from the Entrepreneurs Club Venture Challenge.
Entrepreneurs Club (EC) is a technology entrepreneurship program for high school students, founded in 2014 and based in the Sacramento region of California. Students build real businesses rather than simulations, working through 8 training modules over 10 weeks and competing in the Entrepreneurs Club Venture Challenge (ECVC).
The 5th Annual Entrepreneurs Club Venture Challenge takes place Mar. 19, 2027 in Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, with $10,000 in cash awards. Teams of 2-4 high school students apply online by Jan. 29, 2027. Since 2014, EC has reached 500+ students across 30+ high schools, with 75+ teams having competed. In 2026, 39 teams from 20 schools competed in front of 462 attendees.
July 2026, Announcement
Fresh off a record-breaking 4th Annual season, the Entrepreneurs Club is looking ahead to the 5th Annual Venture Challenge, set for April 2027 in the Sacramento region. The 2026-27 club season and curriculum kick off this fall, with applications for the next Venture Challenge opening in spring 2027. Schools and students interested in starting a chapter or getting involved are encouraged to reach out.
May 12, 2026, Announcement
The Entrepreneurs Club celebrated its 4th Annual Venture Challenge on May 11, 2026, held for the first time at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. The event drew more than 400 attendees and 39 teams from roughly 20 Sacramento region high schools, competing across a trade show and live pitch presentations for a share of $10,000 in cash awards. It was the largest ECVC to date, capping a milestone season for the organization.
April 10, 2025, Event Recap
The Third Annual Entrepreneurs Club Venture Challenge (formerly the Entrepreneurs Club High School Competition) was held at the Main Theater at Oak Ridge High School on April 10, 2025, from 5-8 PM. Student teams from across the region pitched their business ideas in a competition format with cash awards. The event drew hundreds of attendees including parents, teachers, community members, and industry professionals.
September 1, 2024, Growth
After two years of success at individual schools, the Entrepreneurs Club has officially expanded to five regional high schools across the Sacramento region. The expansion means more students than ever will have access to hands-on entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and the chance to compete in the annual Venture Challenge.
June 1, 2024, Leadership
The Entrepreneurs Club is excited to announce Makena Crawford as the new leader of the organization. Makena brings fresh energy and vision to EC while continuing the Crawford family's commitment to youth entrepreneurship. Peyton and Jack Crawford will remain as advisors, ensuring continuity and mentorship.
March 15, 2018, Recognition
Jackson Crawford and Jack Crawford, the father-son founders of the Entrepreneurs Club, received a Resolution from the Mayor of Sacramento for their dedication to expanding entrepreneurship education to underserved youth in Del Paso Heights. The recognition honors their work bridging educational equity through hands-on business programs.