Welcome to the Entrepreneurship Center

Rise up and make your mark with KPMG

Rise Leadership Conference (Rise) is a multiday inclusive leadership program that provides scholarship opportunities, career development, networking, and more!

Date

July 24–26, 2025

Location

KPMG Lakehouse in Lake Nona, Florida (all travel expenses are paid by KPMG)

Scholarship Opportunity

Opportunity to earn a $2,500 scholarship

Eligibility

• Identify as first-generation college student, veteran, person with disability, LGBTQ+, and/or person of color. (Applicants who identify as a member of either traditionally underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups within the professional services industry—Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander—are encouraged to apply.)
• Freshman or sophomores enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing accounting, finance, or technology‑related majors or a second‑year student enrolled in a two‑year college with the intent to pursue a four‑year degree in accounting, finance, or technology‑related majors from an accredited college/university
• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Must be authorized to work in the US without the need for employment-based sponsorship now or in the future
• Must be 18 years or older at the time of this program

First round deadline

December 10, 2024

On November 20, 2025, West Valley College welcomed two esteemed professionals—Michael Bryant, CPA, Partner at BryMar CPAs, and M. Shah, MBA, MBT, CPA, Shareholder at Stevens, Sloan & Shah CPAs—who illuminated the dynamic and rewarding field of accounting. The speakers emphasized the critical role CPAs play in helping businesses and individuals navigate their financial landscapes to achieve their goals.

Adding to the excitement of the event, Dr. Shaowen Hua from California State University, Monterey Bay’s Accounting Program shared a groundbreaking announcement: CSU Monterey Bay will launch a bachelor’s degree in accounting in Fall 2025. This new offering will make CSU Monterey Bay the third campus, out of 23 in the Cal State system, to provide a bachelor’s degree fully dedicated to accounting.

The speakers painted a vivid picture of accounting as a “people profession,” emphasizing that whether you work in audit, tax, or consulting, the core of the job is solving people’s problems. They also tackled the hot topic of artificial intelligence in the profession. While acknowledging AI's growing presence, they reassured the audience that accountants won’t be replaced—because the work requires not only intellect but also empathy and human judgment. As one speaker aptly put it, AI will allow accountants to become “the laziest smart people,” enhancing efficiency without replacing the need for skilled professionals.

To prepare for success in the field, the speakers encouraged students to broaden their horizons by taking psychology and communication classes in addition to mastering technical accounting skills. When it comes to landing a job, they advised students to create polished LinkedIn profiles, leverage school networking opportunities, and always send resumes as PDFs (and remember to triple-check for typos).

Students walked away not only inspired by the wisdom shared but also entertained by the lively personality and banter of the speakers, making the event a memorable and motivational experience for all who attended.

From November 14-16, West Valley College students attended the prestigious SURGE Expo at Stanford University, an event designed to empower student entrepreneurs as they embark on their business journeys. The expo provided invaluable opportunities to explore essential tools, hear from successful student business owners, and connect with like-minded peers to build a supportive entrepreneurial network.

The event featured dynamic workshops covering topics such as e-commerce, digital marketing, and supporting student-run businesses, equipping participants with practical skills to launch and grow their ventures. Attendees also rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on Data-thon sponsored by Google and Data Commons, where they collaborated across disciplines to tackle real-world business challenges.

In addition to the workshops and activities, students gained inspiration and insights through panel discussions with venture capitalists and founders of successful startups. The highlight of the event was the lineup of keynote speakers, including renowned marketer Seth Godin and entrepreneur Mark Cuban. Students were thrilled to engage in a 30-minute Q&A session with the Shark Tank star, gaining direct advice from one of the best in the business.

This transformative experience left students energized and equipped with the tools and connections to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Two-Year Bridge Symposium

West Valley students had the incredible opportunity to participate to the 2024 Two-Year Bridge Symposium supported by the Teachers of Accounting at Two-Year Colleges (TACTYC) and organized by the American Accounting Association with sponsorship from Deloitte , PwC and the Center for Audit Quality.

The event, held on November 8 at the PwC office in San Jose, provided valuable insights into accounting careers and the evolving landscape of the profession.

Students were delighted to hear from experienced professionals and an eloquent keynote speaker Kimberly N. Ellison-Taylor who shared her journey, challenges, and strategies for achieving career goals. A recurring theme was the importance of staying determined and leveraging the right resources to be prepared for the ever-changing global market.

The symposium also emphasized the growing demand for skilled accountants and CPAs. As businesses continue to adapt to technological advancements like AI, it was inspiring to hear that accounting will always play a crucial role in driving strategic decision-making, ensuring financial integrity, and maintaining compliance. AI might enhance our tools, but the human expertise of accountants remains irreplaceable.

See event photos.

UC Santa Cruz's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development (CIED)

Students from West Valley’s Entrepreneurship Club (E-Club) had an exciting opportunity to visit UC Santa Cruz, including the newly established Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development (CIED). During the tour, they met with CIED Director Nada Miljković and Faculty Manager Manel Camps, who shared insights into the center’s offerings, including specialized courses, certificates, and comprehensive support for aspiring entrepreneurs. Our students also connected with current CIED students and alumni, gaining valuable perspectives. Following the presentation, they enjoyed a tour of the beautiful UC Santa Cruz campus. It was a fantastic day and an inspiring experience for everyone involved!

See event photos.

Purpose

To help students explore their entrepreneurial dreams and turn them into reality.

The More You Know

Generally, if you make more than 3 sales in a 12-month period, you are required to register for a California's seller's permit and pay taxes on your taxable sales.

For more information, visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.