Students from the Berkeley Institute have created a virtual and simulated company.

The business, ReLeaf Limited, which makes oils and clothing, opened in September and was created through the school’s Virtual Enterprise International course.

VEI is a US scheme that partners with schools and businesses to “create educational pathways that align career education and work-based learning with academic standards-based education”.

A spokeswoman for the company said: “Through the VEI in school programme, students are involved in all aspects of running a business — from marketing, sales and human resources to accounting, finance and IT.

“ReLeaf Limited is the first company of its kind and its employees are excited to bring this to the Bermudian public’s attention.”

The business has 28 employees and is expected to make more than $700,000 in virtual currency in its first year.

ReLeaf employees will enter into various competitions in New York in April, including Best Trade Booth, Best Marketing Plan and Best Business Plan.

The spokeswoman added: “The opening of ReLeaf is an important step in helping us to realise our potential in managing and operating our own business in the foreseeable future.”

People who wish to sponsor the students’ trip can donate to the school’s HSBC account 010353670001, or send a cheque addressed to the Berkeley Institute-VEI at 26 Berkeley Road, Pembroke, HM07. The school’s parent-teacher association is registered charity No 111.