The purpose of Business World^® (BW) is to prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s business leaders. The program accomplishes this in two ways. First, it provides Wisconsin high school students with an opportunity to better understand what it takes to succeed in business. Second, the program provides teachers, at all levels, with the opportunity to connect what is taught in the classroom with what is needed in the workforce.

BW was founded in 1982 when a small group of business leaders saw the need to bridge the gap between the world of education and the world of work. After finding out that over half of high school students could not answer basic economics questions and two-thirds of Wisconsin teachers rated their own understanding of economics as fair or poor, they realized something needed to be done. So, BW was initiated.

Now in its 29th year, BW is still confronting problems crucial to the state's vitality. Many of Wisconsin’s best and brightest students are leaving Wisconsin. BW shows them what Wisconsin companies have to offer. There is a labor shortage in this state. BW shows students and teachers the careers that are available.

BW is designed to give students and teachers a better understanding of the economy and how business operates. BW provides participants with the opportunity to learn about the free enterprise system directly from business professionals through hands-on activities, company tours and insightful discussions. BW is supported through the efforts of hundreds of volunteer advisors, speakers and corporate contributors.