SPOTLIGHT: Regional Youth

Entrepreneurship Challenge

Meet our Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Champions!

From coast to coast, our regions witnessed an explosion of innovation, and we're thrilled to announce the winners of each region:

🔸 Sasha Stoppi took first place in the Southeast Region with the portable plush toy venture, Noodlepudding.

🔸 Hannah Russell conquered the Mid-Atlantic Region with his custom shoe business idea, Plateau.

🔸 Zainabou Thiam triumphed in New England with her African-inspired natural beauty products, Sunu Body.

🔸 Emerson Oborn soared to victory in the South Region with her poultry business, Everything Chickens.

🔸 Kiaira Merrill claimed the top spot in the Midwest Region with her upcycled fashion startup, KiaKoutur.

🔸 Saket Pathak shined in the West Region with his DEI training and consulting app, InclusifyIQ.

🔸 Carter Lawson rocked the Capital Region and secured the top prize with his eco-friendly air fresheners, Odorase.

Now, our winners and finalists are gearing up for the national finals in New York City on October 3rd, where they'll compete for the National Champion title!

President's Perspective

Happy regional competition season! I've truly enjoyed presiding over our NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge series and seeing all of the fantastic businesses our learners are building in each of our 7 US regions. Their innovative ideas uniquely respond to the very real challenges and opportunities in the world around them.

While NFTE student businesses typically fall in the three categories of traditional products and services, social entrepreneurship businesses, and apps, it was especially interesting to see the ways in which NFTE learners are utilizing new technology. With all that’s been in the news lately about the new generation of AI tools, it was no surprise to discover that NFTE students are using AI in their pitch deck creation and for AI-based businesses.

We can learn a lot from these young entrepreneurs regarding the need to think creatively, recognize opportunity, and embrace new technology to solve problems in our own communities.

I encourage you to check out the recordings of all of these regional challenges to be inspired by the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs!

Join the NFTE Movement

Interested in being interviewed for Entre News, our web show? Join the ranks of Miri Rodriguez, a storyteller, brand consultant, and international keynote speaker, and share your experiences. Contact Alison Swenson, Senior Manager of Donor & Executive Communications, to schedule an interview.

Share your entrepreneurial journey with future business leaders! Teach them how to Own It, just like Jasmine Ball, Founder of Bamboo Financial Partners, and Katie Pearson Fucci, Founder of Parrotfish. Reach out to Anthony Curtis, Senior Manager of Volunteer Programs & Organizational Culture, to get involved.

Calling all NFTE alumni! Want to appear on the Start It Up podcast, just like Josh Kreuger, winner of the 2022 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge? Email Arnie Abram , Senior Manager of National Postsecondary & Alumni Programs, to secure your spot.

Be a part of our story! Bring the NFTE experience to your classroom or community today. To get started, reach out to us and make a positive impact on the lives of aspiring young entrepreneurs.

Corporate Partnership Spotlight

Congratulations to Santander, which was celebrated as the corporate honoree at our recent Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards Gala! Since 2014, Santander has been a steadfast supporter of NFTE and has generously renewed their commitment with a $1,125,000 grant for another three years! Over the years, hundreds of Santander employees have been engaged as dedicated volunteers, offering their expertise as business plan coaches, guest speakers, event hosts, and competition judges.

In fact, Maggie McDonough, Senior Associate of Community Partnerships at Santander Bank, N.A., was just named the NFTE New England Volunteer of the Year! Santander's contributions have also extended to serving as Board members, and we are delighted to welcome Sandra Rosa, Chief HR Officer at Santander Consumer USA, as the newest member of our National Board of Directors.

Thank you to Santander for your ongoing partnership, allowing NFTE to continue igniting the entrepreneurial mindset in thousands of students each year!

Upcoming Event

Join NFTE for the July 10-12, 2023, NFTEEntrepreneurial Education Summit!

RSVP Today

Attend to learn how educators can innovate in the classroom to prepare youth for pathways to success! We're emphasizing five critical E's: educator development, empowering community, equity advancement, economic impact, and entrepreneurial mindset. You can also earn certification badges and enjoy the three-day experience at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa.

NFTE in the News

Authority Magazine: Dr. JD LaRock of NFTE on five things you need to create a highly successful startup.
The Boston Globe: R.I. teen starts a new online marketplace that gives Senegal artisans a boost.
Happi: Mary Kay Awarded Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award for South Region by Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship.
Hannoversche Allgemeine (Germany): Schülerinnen und Schüler bereiten Unternehmensgründung vor.
Calenberger Online News (Germany): Schüler der Sophie-Scholl-Gesamtschule präsentieren ihre Geschäftsideen.

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