By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Last spring, more than $2,300 was handed out to area high school students as reward money for the Barton County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC). State-wide, more than 1,000 students from 61 schools competed for more than $75,000 in prizes. Great Bend Economic Development Communications Director Lee Ann June said the third annual challenge will again give area students the opportunity to promote a business idea.
"You're creating a business plan for an idea or a product that fills in a gap, that's something new and exciting you can get going," she said. "Hopefully, with the help of the funds you would win, (they) can take you to that next level."
Ellinwood's Kiley Stevenson has won first place locally in each of the first two years of Barton County competition. Last year, she won $1,000 for her business, Kiley's Creations. The challenge requires students to prepare a summary, a four-minute presentation, and a tradeshow presentation for their business idea. They are judged by local entrepreneurs, teachers, and other community members. Winning entries at the local level advance to a state-wide competition.
The third annual YEC will take place at the Great Bend Event Center on March 8. A total of $2,500 will be awarded to the top-four competitors. The audience will be allowed to vote for two competitors, who will receive $250.
"They have access to business mentors that can help them formulate the business plan, poke through any issues or potential problems, or things that might come up during judging," June said. "They have the potential to win some cash, and hopefully get to the next phase in their business plan."
Early-bird registration for participants begins on Jan. 20, 2023, and a final deadline for registration is Feb. 22. Deadline for judges to register is Feb. 3. The competition is free and does not require an application, only registration. For more information on the upcoming challenge, CLICK HERE.