About BC

The mission of Business Challenge is to provide a learning experience that demonstrates the value of business to students and to help educators teach entrepreneurship.  Business Challenge was founded in 1977 by Dr. Albert Watrel, Dickinson State University (DSU) President 1977-1994 to create a business and entrepreneurial awareness program that focuses on promoting the entrepreneurship spirit and value of free enterprise.  He enlisted Harold Schafer, founder of the Gold Seal Company, and the Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce for funding support, and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction for curriculum and credit support.  North Dakota was the second state in the nation to develop this type of educational program.  Since its conception, the North Dakota program has added two additional credited high school tracks, dual university credits, and graduate educator credits.  This program idea has spread to over 19 states, and the countries of Australia and New Zealand.

For 35 years we have been committed to bridging business and education resources to provide high school students, university students and educators with a better appreciation and understanding of business, entrepreneurship and opportunities in North Dakota. The program instills a belief in our youth that they can make a prosperous and happy life in North Dakota. In view of the out migration problem faced in North Dakota, Business Challenge is an opportunity for students to clearly convey the benefits of entrepreneurial business while communication the advantages within the state.

The success of the Business Challenge program is credited largely to our sponsors, who lend their names, time, talent, and financial support to this program. Business Challenge is a program of the North Dakota business community, Dickinson State University, and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.