By Aarushi Gupta | @deca.aarushi | Foothill DECA, CA
School-Based Enterprises (SBEs) give DECA members the opportunity to take business concepts beyond the classroom and put them into practice. From managing customers and finances to handling unexpected challenges, students gain firsthand experience in what it takes to operate a business. For this article, we interviewed DECA chapters across California to hear about their experiences running their SBEs and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
At Sacramento Country Day School DECA, Cavaliers & Co., a custom apparel business, has taught Brenden Yu that consistency is key. With real customers and real money involved, the team relies on clear standards to maintain quality, especially when handling large orders.
“Only with a consistent process and more hands involved can we ensure that an order of one shirt looks the same as an order for 1,000 shirts” (Brenden Yu).
At Liberty High School DECA, Bison Enterprise, a student-run print shop, has helped Amanda Hernandez, Chapter President and SBE CEO, develop skills in time management, teamwork, customer service, and financing. One of the team’s biggest challenges comes when a printer breaks down close to a deadline. Rather than letting the setback stop them, the team works together to find a solution.
“Our biggest challenge is when one of our printers breaks down... but as a team we always come up with a solution” (Amanda Hernandez).
At Entrepreneur High School DECA, Panther Den has taught Deseree Garcia that running a successful business takes teamwork and collaboration. Through daily interactions with new people, students gain firsthand experience in a real-world business environment and learn the effort it takes to keep an SBE running.
“Running a real business takes time and effort from a village of people” (Deseree Garcia).
At Mountain House High School DECA, The Stable and Mustang Printz have shown Yashica Uppuganti how much goes into running a business, from product development to attracting customers. As The Stable’s Marketing Manager, Yashica has learned how to create engaging content that captures students’ attention and turns social media engagement into interest in the business’s products.
“One of the most valuable experiences for me has been learning how to create content that catches students’ attention and turns that engagement into real interest in our products” (Yashica Uppuganti).
At Valley Christian High School DECA, Walley’s Student Store has given Hannah Li and Chloe Ding hands-on experience in the many aspects of running a business, from managing finances and marketing to researching customer preferences and selecting products. Through pop-up events at football games, the store has also expanded beyond its regular student customers to connect with the broader school community.
“Through Walley’s Student Store, we’ve gained hands-on experience navigating the realities of running a business, from managing finances and marketing to researching customer preferences and selecting products. A standout experience has been hosting successful pop-up events at football games, where we’ve expanded our reach beyond regular student customers and connected with the broader school community” (Hannah Li and Chloe Ding).
From maintaining quality during large orders to adapting when equipment fails, these students are learning that running a business requires more than just a good product. SBEs give DECA members the opportunity to solve real problems, work as a team, and experience the responsibility that comes with serving real customers.
