Webb School student builds VentureLink, a high school entrepreneur network
Designed to connect student-run businesses, VentureLink is already thriving on Webb’s campus and is set to expand across Knox County high schools.
According to a survey by Junior Achievement USA, three in five American teens (60%) are more interested in starting their own business than having a traditional job. Ben Vickers is one of those students. Not only is he interested in running his own business, but he is actively helping other students start their entrepreneurial journeys.
As a high school junior, Ben Vickers has built a platform called VentureLink to connect high school student business owners with potential customers across the Knoxville area.
Vickers is a student at the Webb School of Knoxville, which is currently the primary campus promoting VentureLink. But soon, Vikcers plans to extend the initiative to all Knox County high schools.
Before diving into Vickers’ business vision, it’s worth noting the sheer scope of his accomplishments. On top of his role as VentureLink’s founder, Vickers juggles a demanding academic schedule—six advanced placement (AP) courses, varsity soccer, and a leadership role as the President of Webb’s entrepreneurship club.
“I started the entrepreneurship club as a freshman after watching my dad start a couple of businesses – and me being interested in entrepreneurship myself,” Vickers said.
The entrepreneurship club, which Vickers founded as a freshman, has flourished over the last three years. It has welcomed entrepreneurs from across the region to speak with Webb students. High-profile guest speakers have included Patricia Bible, Randy Boyd, Bill Sansom, Ross Crowley, and others.
Many of the students in the club already have businesses, ranging from babysitting and tutoring to lawn maintenance and auto detailing.
“Student businesses heavily rely on word-of-mouth and referrals to get customers,” Vickers said. “So, we helped brainstorm a solution to the problem.”
His original plan was to host a traditional job fair on Webb’s campus. However, Vickers soon realized that launching a virtual platform could significantly extend its reach beyond the Webb community.
Thus, VentureLink was born—a digital marketplace for high school entrepreneurs.
“In one of my entrepreneurship classes, two of my peers run a web design business. I partnered with them to build out the VentureLink website,” he explained.
Since its launch, VentureLink has grown to feature almost 30 student-run businesses, and the number is steadily increasing.
“The beauty of VentureLink is how scalable it is. It’s currently just at Webb, but I’m already working with other schools to bring their student businesses onboard,” Vickers said.
With one more year left before graduation, Vickers is focused on expanding the platform. He plans to pass the torch to the next President of the entrepreneurship club, ensuring the platform continues to thrive after he graduates.
In the meantime, Vickers is focused on growing the platform as he heads into his last year of high school.
If you are interested in supporting high school student businesses, check out VentureLink.
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