Dewey Business Ventures (DBPC), a competition conceptualized and organized by members of The Dewey Schools’ Business & Entrepreneurship Club, recently concluded its grand finale with resounding success. Beyond being an academic platform, DBPC stands as a hub for bold ideas and entrepreneurial passion among Dewey students.
Nguyen Phan Nhat Anh, President of the Business & Entrepreneurship Club, shared that within just a month, the competition attracted 40 high school contestants divided into 10 teams. After a highly competitive preliminary round, five outstanding teams advanced to the finals. Tackling the theme “Developing a startup plan to address societal issues in Vietnam, focusing on maximizing profitability and ensuring sustainability,” the finalists showcased boundless creativity and talent.
The final stage was electrifying, featuring sharp, persuasive presentations that left a lasting impression on both the judges and the audience. Each team delivered unique solutions, demonstrating keen business acumen and a profound entrepreneurial spirit. From the idea of producing paper boxes from sugarcane pulp to recycling defective branded clothing into affordable products, and even a technology platform connecting users with mentors for CV creation and career counseling, all projects were meticulously developed with a community-driven and sustainability-focused approach.
Dewey Business Ventures not only inspired and ignited entrepreneurial aspirations but also equipped TDSers with practical skills such as market research, business planning and strategy, critical thinking, and effective teamwork. A standout feature of the competition was the series of in-depth workshops led by the esteemed panel of judges—Dewey parents who are seasoned entrepreneurs with over a decade of experience, as well as university lecturers specializing in business administration from renowned institutions in Vietnam.
As the school’s pioneering business-focused club, the Business & Entrepreneurship Club has introduced a fresh wave of innovation for TDSers. The success of Dewey Business Ventures is a testament to the club members’ autonomy and their ethos of “breaking the mold to carve their own path.” From ideation and planning to securing sponsorships and orchestrating every stage of the competition, the students took full ownership of the event. Behind the spotlight and the stellar performances of the teams was the tireless effort of club members managing everything from audio-visual support to seamless event coordination.
Despite facing numerous challenges—from the initial uncertainty of “first times” to balancing academic schedules and handling unexpected issues—the TDSers persevered with determination and a “can-do” spirit. These experiences not only helped them grow but also underscored their confidence and resilience.
The competition received enthusiastic support from the Dewey Parent Association (DPA) and the school community. The encouragement from teachers, expert feedback from the judges, and unwavering support from parents all contributed to the event’s success. Mr. Dang Minh Quang, Vice President of the Dewey Parent Association and a judge at the competition, remarked, “Having mentored and advised startups for many competitions, I was truly impressed by the sharp business mindset of Dewey students. Although they are still in high school and their ideas are in the early stages, their eagerness to learn, serious investment in their projects, and dedication are commendable. I especially admire the club members for initiating and organizing such a meaningful competition.”
Dewey Business Ventures transcends the scope of a traditional competition, serving as a launchpad for the entrepreneurial dreams of TDSers. It embodies the spirit of exploration, the courage to embrace failure, and the resilience to face challenges head-on. See you at DBPC 2025, where the seeds of innovation will continue to grow and flourish!
