Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge provides learning opportunity, chance to win prize money

Douglas County is seeking applications for this year’s Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge!

The competition - open to students in grades 6 through 12 - consists of preparing a written business plan, an executive summary, an elevator speech, formal presentation and trade show presentation. Students compete for $3,000 in prize money. The students’ work is judged by local entrepreneurs, teachers and community leaders. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, Nov. 18.

This will be the sixth year for the Douglas County event. During past competitions, students have pitched businesses that offer swimming lessons, resale clothing, jewelry, baked goods, taxidermy and pet sitting.

Douglas County supports the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) program in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership. Douglas County is one of many communities across Kansas to host an event designed to give students a hands-on entrepreneurship experience. 

Douglas County’s first-place winner will get the opportunity to compete in a statewide competition and earn more prize money and honors.

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, Nov. 18. More information or to register, visit: https://goventuredash.com/competitions/307. If you have questions, email: Assistant County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur at jjolicoeur@dgcoks.gov.