The School Based Enterprise (SBE) Certification Program was developed to provide recognition for outstanding achievement by school-based enterprises and to motivate SBEs to strive for excellence and to grow. The program will provide SBEs with standards for model school store operation.
DECA's Certification Program will provide recognition for school-based enterprises at three levels: bronze, silver, and gold. The number and type of activities a school-based enterprise completes in each of twelve categories will determine the recognition level.
School Based Enterprise entries must follow DECA’s guidelines and be submitted to DECA, Inc. by January 14, 2027, for verification of the award achievement level. Chapter advisors will receive official notification from DECA Inc. regarding the level of achievement. DECA Inc. will then submit a list to Michigan DECA of SBEs that achieve certification, along with the appropriate award certificates.
Gold Level certified SBEs may remain certified at that level for 5 years by completing the requirements for re-certification annually. Those SBEs who complete Gold Level Re-Certification will also be recognized at the ICDC. The requirements for Re-Certification are outlined on the SBE website. After five years, the SBE must complete the original certification process to be eligible for the Gold Level award.
2026-2027 UPDATES
A non-refundable $25 application fee is required for each submission to the School-based Enterprise Certification Program. Following online submission, an invoice will be automatically generated and emailed to the chapter advisor. Payment must be received to complete the Gold Certification or Gold Re-certification process. The fee supports the review of the increasing number of annual submissions, contributes to the cost of plaques and medallions awarded, and ensures program sustainability.
The evaluation form for the presentation has been updated with new evaluation levels, which provide more guidance to judges and the exemplary score sets the standard of evaluations.
MICHIGAN STATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE COMPETITION
Chapters that receive the Gold Certification or Gold Re-Certification have the option to bring 1 to 2 student manager(s) to compete at the State Conference. Teams that receive Gold Certification do not have to attend the State Conference; they can advance directly to the International Conference.
MISBE teams will present on Friday morning.
Students may compete in another competitive event, that competes on Thursday or Friday Afternoon. Refer to the SCDC Competition Schedule for the list.
The Presentation evaluation form will be the same one that will be used at the International Conference (refer to the Presentation Guidelines linked on the right side of this page).
The top teams will receive recognition at the Awards Session.
INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE COMPETITION
Chapters receiving the Gold Level Certification or Re-Certification in either the Food Operations (SBEF) or Retail Operations (SBER) will be eligible to bring an advisor and 1 to 2 student manager(s) to the International Career Development Conference.
The top SBEs will be recognized at the Grand Award Ceremony.