Local students from Iola High School and Marmaton Valley High School demonstrated creativity, business skills, and entrepreneurial spirit at the 3rd Annual Allen County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge held Thursday at Allen Community College.
The event provided students the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to judges composed of local business leaders and community members and a chance to advance to the state competition.
Participants also showcased their business ideas during a tradeshow-style session where judges evaluated their marketing, product development, and overall business potential.
Marmaton Valley students swept the awards.
Sophia Heim won first place for her presentation, “Beyond the Gavel.”
Zafirah Fajri won second place for her presentation, “S.W.I.S.H.” Fajri also won the People’s Choice Award.
Shelby Sprague won third place with her presentation, “Agri-Edge Media.”
As first-place winner, Heim will advance to compete at the state Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge competition in Manhattan on April 28-29.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of the Allen County eCommunity, K-State Extension- Southwind District, Network Kansas, ACC, local volunteers and community judges.
“Events like the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge help students develop confidence, creativity, and real-world business skills,” said Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality agent for the Southwind Extension District. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work these students put into developing and presenting their ideas.”
For more information about the Allen County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge or future youth entrepreneurship programs, contact Clasen at amclasen@ksu.edu.
