During the 2024 tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition, five of the nine teams that presented in the live presentation round were from the Greater Hazleton Area. To celebrate this accomplishment, we sat down with Corey Buchman, one of our area’s participants, to learn more about him and his business plan project.

For those who may not know you, tell us who you are, what school you’re representing, and why you’re participating in this year’s competition.

My name is Corey Buchman, and I am from MMI Preparatory School. I originally heard about the Business Plan Competition when I was trying to figure out how I could turn my idea into an actual business. I realized this was an opportunity to expand upon my idea much more than before and begin to build the foundations for creating this business.

How does it feel to represent the community of Hazleton?

I am glad to be representing my community and begin to give back to the local area.

Can you describe the journey of reaching this point in the competition?

When I heard about the Business Plan Competition, I already had an idea, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to expand upon this idea. I already had a document with a plan for my business and concepts like the market and outreach, but it wasn't very detailed, so my first step was expanding on that. Then, through frequent meetings with my mentors, I ironed out the many details of my business: Presify. The day before the submission was due, I had all the information and data I needed, but I realized I could improve the look of my business plan through PowerPoint. A friend helped me with the designs and improved the aesthetics.

What significance does this opportunity hold for you?

This opportunity is one of the first steps in my journey into business, which will mean the world to my future career. Both the skills I am learning while creating the business plan and the details of my business are truly helping me understand what it's like to be an entrepreneur.

What advice would you give to fellow students interested in joining the High School Business Plan Competition next year?

If you have an idea for a business—it could literally be anything—join the Business Plan Competition and explore it to the fullest!

For more information about tecBRIDGE’s High School Business Plan Competition, contact Jocelyn Sterenchock at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..