For many budding entrepreneurs, the hardest part of getting started isn't coming up with an idea; it's knowing how to turn an idea into a real business.
This topic was the focus of a fast-paced video game tournament in October held on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina.
TD Bank supported the competition at JCSU, a longstanding, private Historically Black College and University in North Carolina, along with the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship, to bring the popular Venture Valley video game to all university students and some local high schoolers. Almost 100 participants gained an understanding of budgeting, profit-and-loss management and business strategy while growing and expanding their own virtual companies in a race against others to see who could earn the most profits.
The free, multiplayer game challenges youth to launch and scale businesses from dog-walking start-ups to high-tech drone factories, all while navigating cash flow crunches, investment dilemmas, and fierce competition. The goal was to meet students where they already are — in this case, inside a virtual world where businesses carry real meaning. For students, the competition wasn't just about potentially winning a cash prize – it was also an opportunity to learn business strategy in a way that felt more like fun than homework.
For five hours, JCSU's Innovation Center Science Building transformed into a competitive arena where players raced to build the most profitable virtual empire. By the end, $5,000 in prizes had been awarded, along with something even more valuable: a new understanding of how money and business work in the real world.
Additionally, the students were able to speak with TD Bank colleagues who offered career guidance, shared details on internships at the bank, and answered questions about starting a business.
“Financial education is foundational for lifelong success. We believe every student deserves access to the tools to be financially confident. It was such a privilege to help bring this knowledge to these future leaders in an authentic and engaging way,” said Amber Tofilon, Head of U.S. Sustainability at TD Bank. “It was so rewarding to see students having fun while learning about what it takes to be successful as entrepreneurs.”
'It was a great experience — 10 out of 10'
The $1,000 first-place prize went to JCSU senior Austin Luangvitham, a computer science major. Cameron Curtis, another JCSU student, and Cory Smith, a high school student, placed second and third, winning $500 and $300, respectively. In addition, all participants received a gift for taking part in the event.
“It was a great environment, great experience — 10 out of 10. Gaming is a good way to learn about everything in general, but specifically entrepreneurship and financial literacy, because it allows you to play with money in a way that you can’t really do in the real world,” Austin said.
“I learned a lot about entrepreneurship and different business terms I wasn’t familiar with before, so it’s been a very good experience getting to learn different stuff while also having fun playing the game,” said Cameron, a senior computer science major. “It feels very good to see stuff like this happening at a smaller school, especially an HBCU,” he said, adding that using a video game to further financial education “can hopefully push people down the pathway of learning more about business, entrepreneurship, and eventually starting their own business.”
They're not alone. A recent survey of Venture Valley players found that more than 80% of students thought the game enhanced their understanding of entrepreneurship and financial education. And 82% reported that the game inspired them to envision themselves as entrepreneurs.
Other universities have hosted Venture Valley competitions, but as the first HBCU to participate, JCSU was able to spotlight the university’s innovative approach to learning and demonstrate "how esports and gaming can bridge education and entertainment," said John Cash, an esports and gaming instructor at the school.
Cash also noted that the tournament aligns with the mission of JCSU’s Esports and Gaming program which connects innovative pedagogy, next-gen entrepreneurship, and interactive professional development approaches.
"When students see classroom concepts play out in real time, it sticks,” said Cash. “That’s how learning becomes transformational.”
TD Bank’s commitment to student financial access and education
The bank's commitment to financial access, education, and engagement stretches well beyond a single event. TD Bank offers many free resources for youth, adults, business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Through relationships with a variety of schools, including but not limited to Delaware State, Howard, Rutgers, Villanova and Michigan State Universities, as well as others, the bank is also providing workforce readiness workshops and recruiting top talent, helping create pathways to meaningful career opportunities.
Building deep community roots is central to the mission of TD Bank, according to Amber.
“Financial access and inclusion are critical components of the work we do at TD Bank, and we’re committed to finding new channels that can deliver that information in a way that resonates,” Amber said. “Singleton Foundation’s Venture Valley game competition allows students to expand their practical knowledge in a virtual setting that teaches real-world financial and entrepreneurial skills in a risk-free, gamified setting.”
“This partnership shows what’s possible when education, access, and innovation come together,” said Beth Harris, General Manager of Venture Valley at the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship. “At JCSU, we saw students realize they can understand money, strategy, and business on their own terms, and that moment of confidence is exactly why working with partners like TD Bank and educational institutions matters.”
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