National Youth Leadership Forum Business Innovation
Join NYLF Business Innovation to develop critical business skills, take part in a startup challenge, and gain insights from industry experts.
NYLF Business Innovation is a dynamic eight-day program held at prestigious university campuses such as Yale and UC Berkeley Clark Kerr Campus. This program is designed for future entrepreneurs and business leaders, providing hands-on experiences, startup simulations, and the chance to compete in the 8 Days to Startup Challenge.
Program Overview
At NYLF Business Innovation, high school students from across the country gather for an immersive experience in entrepreneurship. Held on campuses like Yale University and UC Berkeley Clark Kerr Campus, students will learn how to develop ideas into startup businesses. The program features interactive workshops and guest speakers who are leaders in business. The highlight of the program is the 8 Days to Startup Challenge, where students form teams to compete in a simulated business competition. By the end of the week, students will present their business plans to a panel of professionals, gaining invaluable feedback and practical knowledge.
NYLF Business Innovation is operated independently of Yale University and is not sponsored or endorsed by the University. The views expressed in connection with the program are not the official positions, statements of advice nor opinions of Yale University and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Yale or any such views or statements.
2025 Sample Schedule
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Day One:
Program Welcome and OrientationWelcome to NYLF Business Innovation
Seminar: Defining Business and Innovation in the 21st Century
College Success Workshop: Goal Setting 101
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Day Two:
Ideation and Product DevelopmentSimulation Part I: Product Ideation, Research, and Development
Business Information Sessions: The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Personal Mission, Vision, and Action Plan
Activity: Constructing a Business Model
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Day Three:
Innovation and FeedbackSimulation Part II: Product Creation and Market Research
Business Information Sessions: Crowdsourcing to Capture Market Feedback
Guest Speaker: Defining Your Target Market
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Day Five:
Business in ActionField Excursion: Explore Host City
Crowdsourcing -
Day Six:
Art of the PivotIncorporating Feedback and Pivot
College Campus Tour and Collegiate Culture Workshop
Preparing for Pitch -
Day Seven:
Jump-Starting Your BusinessSimulation Part V: Pitch Presentation
Business Information Sessions: Building a Pathway to Success
Simulation Part VI: Final Pitch Rounds -
Day Eight:
Looking ForwardSimulation Final: Lessons Learned
Program Wrap-Up and Debrief: Innovating for Tomorrow Today
Program Departure
This sample schedule is provided as an example of the overall quality and scope of the experience offered and is not intended to represent a specific schedule for 2025. The specific 2025 schedule, locations, speakers, and site visits may be modified.
Start your Entrepreneurial Journey
Join NYLF Business Innovation to develop critical business skills and discover the Business field prior to heading to college.
What's Included?
All curriculum and instructions
Program activities
Site visits and events
Overnight housing
Program materials
At least two meals a day
Local transportation during program
Certificate of Completion
Cost of two college credits
Now I Know
Hear directly from NYLF Business Innovation alumni about what they now know after attending the program and how it has helped inspire them to pursue their passion.
Prepare for Success in Business
NYLF Business Innovation is not just about learning business principles—it’s about applying them in real-world settings. The program combines interactive workshops, expert guest speakers, and team-based competitions to help you launch your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re interested in starting your own company or becoming a leader at a successful business, this program gives you the skills and confidence you need.
Entrepreneurial Leadership
Develop the leadership skills necessary to guide teams, drive innovation, and make strategic decisions.
Business Innovation Simulation
Participate in the 8 Days to Startup Challenge, where you'll work in teams to develop a business idea, test it in the market, and pitch it to investors.
College Preparation
Get insights on what it takes to succeed in college and beyond, with tips on admissions, balancing academics and entrepreneurship, and building your network.
Highlights from NYLF Business Innovation
Explore program highlights, student testimonials, and success stories from previous NYLF Business Innovation sessions.