Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

The annual competition consists of students preparing a written business plan, an elevator pitch, a presentation and trade show display. This year, students will compete against each other for $3,500 in prize money, including a new $250 Innovate Globally Prize, sponsored by KU Innovation Park. With the upcoming 2026 World Cup, the prize will be awarded to the student or team who can showcase a product or service that is global in scale or highlights a country or culture outside the United States.

The students’ work is judged by local entrepreneurs, teachers and community leaders. During past competitions, students have pitched businesses that offer swimming lessons, resale clothing, jewelry, baked goods, pet sitting, lawn tool rentals and more.

The 2017/2018 school year was the first year Douglas County brought this competition to the community with a goal of exposing Douglas County high school students to entrepreneurship. The annual Network Kansas YEC series culminates in a statewide championship, where the top students from each local competition face off against each other for prize money and other honors. The statewide championship is typically held in April at Kansas State University.

Douglas County’s YEC is open to students who are in grades 6 through 12 and reside in Douglas County.