Great Bend Economic Development and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce announce the return of the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) for Barton County students in grades 7-12. This unique competition empowers middle and high school students to develop and pitch business ideas while competing for $2,500 in cash prizes. The 5th Annual YEC will take place on March 5, at the Great Bend Events Center.
This year, Network Kansas and K-State Research and Extension have joined as partners, bringing additional resources and expertise to help students succeed. Network Kansas holds regional and state Youth Entrepreneurship Challenges as part of its mission to develop entrepreneurship ecosystems throughout Kansas. Great Bend Economic Development and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce partner in this challenge as both organizations are tasked with strengthening the area’s workforce for the business community, and in this case, that means nurturing the next generation’s entrepreneurs.
To make this event a success, we are seeking participants and community support in the following roles:
• Student Participants: Middle and high school students with a passion for entrepreneurship. Compete individually or in teams of up to three to create a business plan, showcase your ideas at a tradeshow, and deliver a 4-minute pitch to judges.
• Business Mentors: Guide students as they develop and refine their business ideas, offering invaluable insights and real-world feedback before presenting at the challenge.
• Judges: Evaluate business plans and tradeshow presentations, providing encouragement and constructive input while ensuring a fair competition.
• Sponsors: Support this impactful program through financial contributions to help subsidize the event.
Student Participants will develop a business plan (3-page maximum for state level), create an engaging tradeshow display, and present their ideas to judges during the event. Participants seeking a business mentor are encouraged to reach out as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to connect and collaborate before the Feb. 26th registration deadline. Gain hands-on experience, develop critical skills, and network with peers and community leaders in a dynamic, supportive environment. The tradeshow also allows students to interact with the public, who will vote for the People’s Choice award.
All business plans and registration must be submitted on the Venture Dash portal by Feb. 26. Resources such as templates, samples, and best practices, along with a link to the portal and past winners’ interviews can be found at www.gbedinc.com/yec.
Prize Breakdown:
• First Place: $1,000 (plus the opportunity to compete in the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge at the state level).
• Second Place: $750
• Third Place: $500
• People’s Choice: $250 (determined by tradeshow attendees).
“We believe in the power of education and entrepreneurship to shape the future of our community,” said Lee Ann June, Communications Director at Great Bend Economic Development. “This challenge provides students with the perfect platform to explore their creativity, gain business skills, and connect with community leaders. We’re calling on mentors, judges, and sponsors to join us in making this year’s event the best yet!”
Don’t miss your chance to inspire the next generation of Barton County entrepreneurs. Learn more and sign up at www.gbedinc.com/yec, or contact Lee Ann June, Communications Director at Great Bend Economic Development.
