High School Students Shine as SolarMax Technology Hosts Mayor’s Entrepreneurial Challenge

Investing their time, talent and financial resources to help inspire Riverside’s next generation of entrepreneurs, Inland Empire leaders – led by Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey – convened at SolarMax Technology recently to launch the city’s first ever Mayor’s Entrepreneurial Challenge. Although the three-day event culminated with cash prizes and special recognition for the top high school teams, the big winner was the region.

Riverside Poly High School captured first place in the judged competition, followed closely by Ramona High School and Hillcrest High School, respectively. Nearly 100 students from Riverside schools participated in the business bootcamp organized by the Advancement Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission and vision are to educate students about business financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

“This event called on some of our brightest young people to really demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset and solid business sense,” Mayor Bailey said. “Their work in such a challenging environment makes me think we’ll be hearing from them again when the business ventures they create begin generating jobs in our community.”

As part of the format, teams must elect a CEO, establish a business plan, make quarterly financial decisions based on previous quarter’s financial statements, and adjust to changing industry and competitor dynamics. Organizers modeled the Mayor’s Entrepreneurial Challenge after the Advancement Academy’s flagship California Business Venture program that takes place each year at California State University – San Marcos.

After seeing the program in action and its impact on students, Mayor Bailey was inspired to bring the concept to Riverside. Electronic components manufacturer Bourns, Inc., along with SolarMax, other local businesses, and the University of California – Riverside embraced the idea. Gordon Bourns, Chairman and CEO of the family owned company, not only spoke to students prior to the start of competition, but engaged with them throughout each day of the competition. He came away so impressed by their dedication and effort, he increased his contribution to the winners’ prize fund.

UCR School of Business Dean Yunzeng Wang shared that enthusiasm. “From young minds comes fresh, innovative ways of looking at the world,” said Mr. Wang. “Their inspiration and imagination will power our collective future.”

SolarMax Executive Vice President Ching Liu, whose LED subsidiary supports the innovative SolarMax University program that prepares high school students for career opportunities in renewable energy, said corporate support for education in the Inland Empire remains one of the region’s hallmarks.

“We’re committed to building an economic bridge to the future,” said Ms. Liu. “That foundation begins with formal education, but programs like the Mayor’s Entrepreneurial Challenge create learning and growth opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. We’re delighted to partner with the City of Riverside and other community stakeholders in bringing those opportunities here.”

About SolarMax Technology, Inc.

Founded in 2008, SolarMax Technology specializes in residential solar systems. The Riverside, California-based company continues to be one of the fastest growing companies in its space, having installed more than 5,500 systems since inception. It employs a workforce of 164 professionals across its Southern California base of operations, which also includes offices in Diamond Bar, Temecula, and San Diego.

Contacts:

SolarMax Technology, Inc.
Michael Shepherd
949-798-5595
press@solarmaxtech.com

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