Great Bend Middle School students, Sydney Bailey and Callie Umphres, have earned finalist slots in the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge (KEC). Organized by the NetWork Kansas Entrepreneurship (E)-Community Partnership, the competition serves as a significant platform for promoting entrepreneurial skills among students.
Bailey and Umphres, were chosen as finalists due to their innovative business idea. They will soon present their business concept to a panel of accomplished judges. According to their mentor, Ms. Donna Krug, both students exhibit exceptional entrepreneurial talents.
Besides the KEC competition, other organizations like Kansas State University and Kansas 4-H support the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC). The YEC particularly focuses on stimulating enterprising activities among middle and high school students.
Participation in the KEC can be garnered by winning a YEC contest or through the selection of a wildcard entry.
Kansas students secure entrepreneurship challenge spots
The selected students participate in several business workshops and networking sessions aimed at enhancing their business skills.
These budding entrepreneurs will also have the chance to present their business proposals to a panel of expert investors and entrepreneurs for valuable feedback. The KEC ultimately offers a prominent platform for these competitors to connect with potential mentors, investors, and experts in their chosen fields.
Gathered from over 1,159 Kansas students, this year’s YEC series marks an uptick in entrepreneurial interest among youths. Amara Kniep, the director of the (E)-Community Partnership, is optimistic about the program’s growth and its role in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among young Kansans.
The YEC series enables participating students to engage in local-level entrepreneurship contests, with finalists proceeding to the KEC state championship for more review. The winning participants gain not just recognition but also invaluable advice in their entrepreneurial journey.
Entrepreneurs showcased a broad spectrum of business concepts, from “Aerial View” by Umphres and Bailey, to “Made in Minutes” by Hailie Mick. The event culminated with “Artful Apparel” by Audrey Cobb winning the Most Impactful Venture Award, with all students receiving insightful feedback on their business plans.
