The next generation of entrepreneurs took center stage on March 4 at the Youth Entrepreneur Challenge (YEC) held at the Great Bend Event Center, where five student-run businesses presented their ideas to a panel of judges and members of the community.
The Youth Entrepreneur Challenge is a statewide competition that encourages high school students to develop real-world business concepts, build business plans, and pitch their ideas to industry professionals. Participants gain valuable experience in entrepreneurship, communication, and problem-solving while competing for the opportunity to advance to the state competition.
This year’s local competition featured five impressive student ventures, each demonstrating creativity, ambition, and strong business potential.
Taking home First Place and the Grand Prize was Zoey Bogner with her business Talk that Talk. Zoey’s venture offers professional voice-over services for a variety of media, including radio and television commercials, audiobooks, video games, and other audio productions. With a clear niche and growing demand for voice talent across multiple industries, her business stood out to judges for its creativity and scalability. Zoey will now advance to represent the community at the state Youth Entrepreneur Challenge competition.
Second Place was awarded to Bennett Jacobs and Callie Umphres for their business Ice on Wheels, a mobile snow cone stand designed to serve customers at events, sporting tournaments, and community gatherings. Their business plan also includes a seasonal expansion that would offer hot chocolate and apple cider during colder months. In addition to placing second, Ice on Wheels also earned the People’s Choice Award, voted on by event attendees.
Third Place went to Amelia’s Custom Art Keychains, a business that turns her artistic talent into personalized keepsakes. Amelia hand-draws custom artwork that is turned into unique keychains, showcasing her creativity and attention to detail.
Additional competitors included:
· K&K Creations, offering custom shirts, stickers, and personalized merchandise.
· PK Podcast, a podcast created for preacher’s kids that shares stories and provides insight into the unique experiences of growing up in traveling ministry families.
“I have done the youth entrepreneurship challenge for three years,” Zoey Bogner said. “Competing in YEC has given me so much confidence. I now feel confident going up and talking to people at events and in the community. I have so much passion, and I love what I do. I hope more youth get involved in (YEC) and it continues to grow and shape Barton County.”
The event highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of local youth and the importance of supporting the next generation of business leaders.
Zoey Bogner will go on to represent the community at the Kansas State Youth Entrepreneur Challenge, where she will compete against top student entrepreneurs from across the state.