SPOTLIGHT: From the NFTE Classroom to the Real World

Road to Nationals: 2023 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

The new school year is ramping up and so are preparations for the 2023 NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge on Tuesday, October 3!


Join us at the final round of the competition, where the top three student businesses will pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of VIP judges, all vying for a chance to win a share of $18,000 in prizes!


As September marks National Self-Care Awareness Month, some NFTE students competing at Nationals plan to pitch business ideas that remind us of how to prioritize health and well-being, especially in today's fast-paced world. Below are some examples.


  • Mentor Fitness by Misbah Sifate - a tech solution service that enables users to receive personalized workout routines from certified mentors and physical trainers.


  • Clear Minds Together by Marli Schalkham - a mental health app that connects individuals with similar mental health profiles, allowing them to communicate and support each other.


  • Nokki by Malachi Davis and Ivan Walker - an alternative sugar that doesn't spike blood sugar or insulin for people who want a healthier option, either due to health conditions or a desire for a healthier lifestyle.


Check out challengers' elevator pitch videos to get a sneak peek at these and the other 43 student businesses set to compete at Nationals next week.


Don't forget to tune in to witness the future of entrepreneurship as you watch the top finalists pitch live on YouTube on October 3 at 7:30 pm EDT.

President's Perspective

For 36 years, NFTE has been at the forefront of youth entrepreneurship education in the United States, and our commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders remains unwavering.


This past year we took bold steps to expand our reach, leaving a lasting impact on students around the world and in postsecondary institutions. We have evolved from our classic mission and have stepped more fully into our existence as a global organization that reaches learners of all ages.


In the 2022-2023 school year, NFTE reached 54,000 students across the globe through meaningful interactions with over 4,000 dedicated volunteers. Our influence extended even further as our World Series of Innovation competition engaged 4,000 participants from 59 different countries. We also made significant progress in our postsecondary partnerships, reaching 10 partners with our engaging entrepreneurship programming.


We're not stopping there. We are setting our sights even higher for the 2023-2024 school year. NFTE's goal is to impact the lives of 60,000 students around the world, giving them invaluable interactions with over 5,000 volunteers. Additionally, we plan to expand our reach into postsecondary by engaging with

15 partners and continuing to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world entrepreneurship.


At NFTE, we hold a steadfast belief that if we can ignite the entrepreneurial mindset in the next generation of diverse entrepreneurial leaders, we have the power to change the world. The journey ahead is filled with limitless possibilities, and I am incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for your continued support and dedication to our cause. Together, we are transforming the lives of learners and shaping a brighter future.

World Series of Innovation

NFTE's World Series of Innovation (WSI), presented by Aramco and MetLife Foundation, is back! On September 13, NFTE launched the annual World Series of Innovation, a global competition that encourages young people to tackle humanity's biggest challenges by advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In the previous year, more than 3,800 students from 59 countries participated in this worldwide challenge! And this year, we are taking it to the next level!


The 2023 WSI features six challenges with a strong equity focus, encouraging the next generation of innovators to come up with fresh approaches to address pressing economic, social, and environmental issues.


If you are between 11 and 24 years old, submit your biggest and boldest ideas by December 10 for a chance to win cash prizes!

Explore Challenges

Corporate Partnership Spotlight

Santander and NFTE Team Up for the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

On September 26, the NFTE team partnered with Santander to host a virtual experience for NFTE students to learn and hear from Hispanic or Latino/a Santander professionals in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Not only did the event ignite the entrepreneurial mindset in NFTE learners, it provided exposure and connections to unique career pathways and celebrated the rich culture and diverse journeys of Hispanic professionals.


During a panel discussion, volunteer panelists shared their personal stories, experiences, and insights about their own heritage. During the speed networking session, over 160 students had the opportunity to connect with more than 50 volunteers. This session allowed students to share their own stories, build new relationships, and create lasting connections with the Santander team.


This event demonstrated Santander's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we are proud to be partners in service with an organization that values and celebrates the cultural tapestry of its employees.

Upcoming Events

October 3 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

Watch the Livestream

November 16 World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

Reserve Your Seat

Forty-six finalist businesses from NFTE's regional challenges around the country will compete October 3 in New York City. The 18th annual NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, presented by the Citi Foundation and EY, is NFTE's highest-profile business plan pitch competition of the year! It culminates with the top 3 young finalists competing in front of an invited audience and VIP panel of judges for their share of $18,000 in prizes.

A day after the 2023 UN Global Goals Conversation, NFTE will also host its second annual World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge! NFTE students from around the world will compete in the November 16 business plan pitch competition. Winners from global partner organizations and the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge winner will gather in New York to vie for the $5,000 first-place prize. Two runners-up will receive $1,000 each. 

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