By SALINA POST
Grow Ellsworth County, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, and in coordination with USD 327, hosted the 3rd Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) on Monday at the Ellsworth Junior Senior High School.
Five individuals presented their business concepts with a written business plan, a 2-minute “elevator pitch”, a 4-6 minute presentation, and an exhibit to judges for a chance to win cash prizes. Students in grades 7-12 are eligible to participate in this elective experience.
Stacie Schmidt, event coordinator and executive director of Grow Ellsworth County said she was impressed by the students skills and presentations.
“This year’s competition was another demonstration of the quality of amazing students and competitors we have every year. Our top two winners were repeat contenders, validating the concept that improvement happens every year and we encourage students to re-compete every year, making enhancements and edits from our judge’s feedback," Schmidt said.
The winning concepts are:
First Prize: Josie Kueser with Elkhorn Silver (10th grade)
Second Prize: Tucker Holt with Holt’s Small Engine Repair (8th grade)
Third Prize: Leah Howard with Barks ‘N Bows (9th grade)
Best Trade Show: Logan Clark with LCC Confections
Best Marketing: Darren Kempke with Kempke Farms
People’s Choice: Logan Clark with LCC Confections
Best Ag Business (sponsored by Ellsworth County Kansas Farm Bureau): Leah Howard
Students received prize money totaling $3300.
In addition to prizes and recognition, the first-place finisher has the opportunity to compete in the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This event will include the top young entrepreneurs from across the state. All students are also eligible to earn a spot at the state contest by entering the Kansas YEC wild card competition.
"This year we had competitors from 7th grade to senior, and we are impressed with every single one of them. They are an impressive group of students and future business leaders," Schmidt said.
The students’ performances were judged by twelve local entrepreneurs and public sector partners. Students were provided mentors for support throughout the process. Photos of all stuuednts can be found at www.growellsworthcounty.com/yec.