Follow @nftealumni on social for more updates! ‌ ‌

Alumni News & Opportunities

Win a Full Tuition Scholarship from University of Vermont by Competing in an Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition

Do you dream of starting a business and making a positive impact on the world? Or maybe you already have! The Vermont Pitch Challenge gives high school entrepreneurs from across the globe the chance to pitch innovative businesses that make a difference in their communities. Along the way, you’ll learn from top experts about how to write a business plan, create a compelling pitch, and achieve your goals–all while competing for cash prizes and scholarships to the University of Vermont. Applications Due: February 15, 2024.

Scholarship & Cash Awards for Top 5 Winners!

Full Scholarship to the University of Vermont

$5,000 Check

$1,000 Check

Learn More

2 Minute Drill featuring NFTE competitors and NFTE alumna Jasmine Lawrenece as a judge.

Big dreams lead to big opportunities, and our NFTE alumni are proof of that! Catch our entrepreneurs featured on the latest episode of David Meltzer's 2 Minute Drill show. These alumni - Jevon Howell, James Umoeka, Josh Kreuger, Christopher Avolio, and Rachel Holmes - are putting their pitching skills to the test, competing for over $50,000 in cash and prizes. A huge shoutout to NFTE alumna Jasmine Lawrence for serving as a judge alongside Ben Newman and Teddi Mellencamp. Your expertise and guidance are shaping the future of entrepreneurship! In just two minutes, they'll deliver their most convincing pitches ever! The pressure is on, and the stakes are high. Tune in to the full episode here to witness these incredible entrepreneurs in action.

Looks Like Real Deserts, Smells like Real Deserts!

Last month, NFTE alumna Jasstina had the exciting opportunity to represent her brand, Jazz Esscents Candle Co., at the Pennsylvania's Nazareth Fall Festival! The festival was a vibrant event that brought together the community with a Halloween parade and featured around 45 vendors. Jasstina showcased her latest dessert candle creations at the festival and received an overwhelming response from attendees. Her unique candles, inspired by desserts, captivated the festival-goers, and she sold a significant number of candles. Not only did Jasstina make impressive sales, but she also made valuable business connections during the event.

Jasstina Featherstone, the founder of Jazz Esscents Candle Co., embarked on her entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 15 as an NFTE Alumni. Her dedication and business acumen led her to be recognized as a Top 25 Young CEO. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Jasstina relaunched her business and focused on creating dessert candles that offer aromatherapy benefits, providing therapeutic experiences to her customers. Through continuous learning and skill development, Jasstina has witnessed remarkable growth in her business. Her success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the power of determination and creativity.