A week that will change your life.
Washington Business Week takes over college campuses each summer placing students in a dynamic simulation where they act as industry professionals, launch a company, sharpen their communication skills, and solve real-world challenges.
Student led companies race against the clock to develop a world-changing idea and pitch it to potential investors at the end-of-week competition. Guided by a mentor from a local business, students learn to work as a team, explore careers, and build a network with professionals and future leaders.
Each day, students and their companies dive into a real-world business simulation in the career pathway they’ve chosen. Students make strategic decisions as a team and participate in interactive projects alongside other companies. Business leaders from around the state share their experiences and challenges and provide valuable insight and direction as they mentor the teams.
Hear when dates are announced!
Find a career.
Gain skills.
Build your resume.
Have fun.
Students learn skills at WBW…
Gain skills in leadership, public speaking, teamwork, critical thinking, networking, finance, entreprenuership, marketing, and more.
Students make valuable connections…
Meet today’s business leaders as instructors and mentors, while making lifelong friendships with the leaders of tomorrow.
Experience college, earn credit…
Through our university level business simulation and instructor time on a college campus, you’ll get two college credits.
What You'll Do:
Form a Company
Join a group of 8 - 12 students from across the state and the world to compete in a business simulation and launch a new product.
Hear from speakers
Ranging from C-Level Executives, Successful Grads, and College Professors, students learn skills from experts.
Work with other students
In your company you'll work as the executive team of a organization, selecting a CEO, CMO, CFO, and other roles to run a business simulation, while producing a new venture, marketing a new product, and confronting the real ethical, strategic, and operational challenges leaders face.
Meet professionals
You'll meet professionals from mamny industries and career paths, mentored by a local business leader, you'll network with dozens of adults who are eager to share their career journeys and knowledge.
Have fun with everyone
While we mean business, it's also still summer camp. You'll play games, attend a dance, and have free time to connect with all the students at WBW.
Present your work
At the end of the week, you'll present the work of your company to business leaders, through a simulated investor meeting and shark-tank style investor pitch.
Who is Washington Business Week for?
WBW is open to all high school students, if you're entering high school this summer, or just graduated, we'd love to have you join us!
Business Week is great for students on any career pathway, whether you want to go into management, law, art, science, or welding you'll learn skills that will help you get ahead in your career!
More than 75,000 students have attended Washington Business Week. Our alumni include C-level executives at public companies, scientists, bankers, doctors, justices on the Washington Supreme Court, and many other professionals throughout the world.
How long is Washington Business Week?
WBW has two types of programs. Day programs run from Monday through Friday from 8am - 6pm. Residential (sleepaway/overnight programs) run from Sunday to Friday.
What does it cost?
Washington Business Week is subsidized by the Washington business community to teach young people the skills they need for their careers. Business Week programs range from $600 - $1,200 to attend, but most of our students recieve scholarships, you can find out more on our Scholarships page.
Tell me more about the college credit?
Students earn two credits from Renton Technical College (RTC) for attending the program. These elective credits are broadly transferable, meaning even if you don't attend RTC you can often use those credits at your college or university.
Students can earn two credits each time they attend WBW, however international students are not eligible to earn credit.
Our College Credit page has more information on earning credit at WBW.
What's the refund policy?
You can recieve a full refund until 7 days before the program starts. Cancelations later than 7 days are non-refundable. Spots are limited, so it's best to register immediately.
What language is Business Week in?
Washington Business Week is pleased to be able to offer our camp to students from around the world. We welcome you to camp and we are thrilled you have decided to join us. All our students bring a unique perspective, and we are excited to hear yours. This is a fast-paced environment in which students learn and grow together quickly. To successfully participate in this program, you must be fully proficient in English. The WBW program is not designed for non-English speakers. WBW programs are designed to challenge the knowledge and skills you already have with the English language.
I learned so much about teamwork, leadership, and professionalism. Washington Business Week was my first time in a leadership position (as the CEO of the company). I learned what it meant to lead a team. At University of Washington, we have team projects in every class. Everything I learned directly applies to what I do now.
– Emmeline Vu, WBW alumna and University of Washington Student