Empowering Future Entrepreneurs: TD Bank and Venture Valley Collaborate on Gaming Competition

In a remarkable fusion of education and entertainment, TD Bank and Venture Valley are partnering to host an exhilarating gaming competition at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in Charlotte, NC. Scheduled for October 21, 2025, from noon to 5:30 p.m. EDT at the university's Innovation Center Science Building, this event aims to enhance financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills among students through gaming.

This initiative, organized by the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship, is open to JCSU students as well as select local high school students, providing a unique platform for participants to earn cash prizes while delving into the fundamentals of budgeting, investment risks, profit-and-loss management, and much more.

Venture Valley, an award-winning multiplayer business simulation game, is central to this event. Available on PC (via Steam) and mobile platforms (iOS and Android), this free-to-play game allows players to experience the journey of entrepreneurship, starting with a simple dog-walking business and gradually advancing to more complex ventures such as drone factories and hovercraft services. Players engage in tasks that teach vital skills such as managing cash flow, balancing expenses, and making wise investment decisions.

The collaboration between TD Bank and Venture Valley symbolizes a shared commitment to foster financial confidence among youth. A recent survey of Venture Valley players highlighted that over 80% of students felt the game significantly deepened their understanding of entrepreneurship and financial literacy, while 82% expressed an increased aspiration to become entrepreneurs.

Amber Tofilon, TD Bank's Head of U.S. Sustainability, emphasized the importance of financial preparedness, stating, "At TD Bank, we understand that financial readiness is pivotal for long-term success, particularly in the small business sector. Our collaboration with Venture Valley enables us to connect with students in a technology-focused environment, empowering them to build essential skills for future financial and entrepreneurial pursuits."

Beth Harris, Director of Marketing for the Venture Valley team, echoed this sentiment. "With over 50 school events and nearly 300,000 students engaged nationwide, we've witnessed firsthand how Venture Valley cultivates confidence in money management, risk-taking, and entrepreneurial thinking. Partnering with TD Bank allows us to extend this impactful experience to JCSU students and the local high school community, making financial education both accessible and empowering."

The event holds particular significance as it marks the first time JCSU, a historically Black university (HBCU), has embraced such an initiative through its eSports and Gaming Trifecta program. John Cash, a professor involved in this program, remarked, "This opportunity not only enhances our students' business acumen in a captivating setting but also illustrates how esports and gaming can effectively bridge education and enjoyment."

Venture Valley has a proven track record of engaging students on various campuses, including prestigious institutions like MIT, Boston University, and the University of Tampa, as well as a number of high schools. Through these experiences, participants have had the chance to refine their entrepreneurial skills, compete for monetary rewards, and accumulate valuable experience in financial decision-making.

To register for the competition or find additional event details, students can visit the dedicated page or follow this link: Join the JCSU VIDEO GAME COMPETITION.

For further information about the Venture Valley game and its impactful mission, please visit venturevalleygame.com or explore their social media channels on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

This innovative partnership represents a significant step toward empowering young minds in the Charlotte area and equipping them with the financial knowledge necessary for future success.