Ellsworth KS – 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 February 19, 2024 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.
The winning concepts were:
1st Prize: Josie Kueser with Elkhorn Silver (10th grade)
2nd Prize: Tucker Holt with Holt’s Small Engine Repair (8th grade)
3rd 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.
“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. 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,” said Stacie Schmidt, event coordinator and Executive Director of Grow Ellsworth County.
