By Clay Kraby

The North Dakota Business Challenge program is currently accepting registrations for its 2011 program to be held June 26 – July 1 at Dickinson State University and historic Medora. Business Challenge is a week-long business program for high school students in grades 9-12, including 2011 graduates. Participants learn valuable skills in business, leadership, communication, and gain insight into career choices. Registration is available online at www.GoBusinessChallenge.com and is only $125 until June 22nd.

Business Challenge aims to provide participants with a better appreciation and understanding of business and entrepreneurship while earning credit towards graduation. Students tour industry sites, run their own business through a computer simulation, learn to write a marketing plan and create effective presentations, and meet some of North Dakota’s most influential people.

In addition to gaining a better knowledge of North Dakota’s economy, its opportunities, and obtain insight into career choices in the state participants also experience college life and strengthen scholarship applications.

Over 250 businesses, organizations, and individuals provide sponsorships, financial support, and in kind donations each year to enable students to attend the program with minimal costs. Business Challenge is a program of the North Dakota business community, Dickinson State University, and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. For more information or to register for this year’s program, visit www.GoBusinessChallenge.com or call 1-800-279-4295, Ext. 2515.

By Clayton Kraby

Ray Ann Kilen, Regional Director of the ND Small Business Development Center and CEO of Innovative Environmental Consultants, Inc, has been named the SBA’s 2011 North Dakota Women in Business Champion of the Year. This annual award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to support the advancement of women’s business ownership. Kilen was selected after a statewide competition. The regional SBDC office is located in the Strom Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. As a Certified Women Business Owner, Kilen knows first-hand the unique challenges and opportunities that women business owners face.

As the Southwest Regional Director for the North Dakota Small Business Development Center, Kilen shares her business experiences to assist other business owners with business plans, financial plan development targeted to result in higher return on financing with lenders, DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise designations, and registrations with state and federal contracting programs to increase market opportunities.

A firm believer in the importance and effectiveness of networking, her efforts have resulted in many collaborative opportunities for women-owned businesses including community projects such as Ladies Night Out and the MasterMinds Women Business Ownership Network – a program designed to improve business performance through educational programming and networking opportunities.
Outside of regular business duties, Kilen participates in and presents at many events including Marketplace for Kids, Business Challenge, American Association of University Women events, and other venues where young women are introduced to business ownership.

In recognition of the small business community’s contribution to the American economy and society, the President of the United States designates one week each year as National Small Business Week. This year it is May 16-20, 2011. Leading up to that week, the U.S. Small Business Administration presents awards honoring the nation’s entrepreneurs and small business champions.