Subway has launched the second round of its virtual global challenge, and is encouraging entrepreneurial Australians to take part.  

Initially introduced in February, the challenge sees participants use a business simulation game to build, operate and promote their own virtual restaurant.

They are required to complete a total of six challenges, from building and creating a marketing campaign for the virtual store to creating a new and unique Subway Sub variety. 

“The Subway Global Challenge is about encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit and celebrating the Subway brand by sharing our iconic startup story, challenges and successes as a business,” said Brian Tap, chief executive of Subway Australia and New Zealand.

The competition is open to participants residing in more than 100 countries, making it the most widely distributed online competition in the world.

The process is likened to a learning experience, allowing participants to enhance their business development and entrepreneurial skills.

Three winners will be selected from thousands of entries to visit Subway’s headquarters in Connecticut, USA, where they will meet with employees from various departments – from store design to marketing, who will offer them advice about starting a Subway franchise. 

They will then visit the cities of New York and Washington to see how Subway restaurants operate first hand, and meet with officials to discuss global business and franchising topics.

The specially designed global challenge website also features an educational component, which includes a documentary and Teacher’s Guide, both of which are designed to cover the brand’s franchise building model and operations.

The challenge runs from 18 November through to 20 December.