Post updated at 5:18 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22:
A local competition that offers a platform for youth to pitch their business ideas and earn cash prizes will soon return.
Entry is free to participate in the 2026 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, open to students in sixth through 12th grades who reside in Douglas County, according to a news release. Individuals or teams prepare a written business plan, elevator pitch, presentation and trade show display.
A panel of local entrepreneurs, teachers and community leaders will score their work. First place earns $1,250; second place, $1,000; third place, $500; and fourth place, $500. The teacher of the first-place winner also earns $250.
The $250 Innovate Globally Prize is a new award funded by the University of Kansas Innovation Park and inspired by the World Cup games coming to the Kansas City area in spring 2026. Judges will select one student or team who showcases a product or service that is global in scale or highlights a nation besides the United States.
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Jill Jolicoeur, assistant county administrator and event coordinator, said the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge provides authentic experience and builds confidence.
“Every year, we’re impressed by the creativity and determination these young entrepreneurs bring to the table. It’s inspiring to watch them discover their potential and share their vision with the community,” Jolicoeur said in the release.
Students in past years have pitched businesses that offered swimming lessons, resale clothing, jewelry, baked goods, pet-sitting, lawn tool rentals and more, according to the release.
Originally intended to expose Douglas County high schoolers to entrepreneurship, the county launched the challenge in the 2017-18 academic year. Daniel Dao and Lawrence Dao, brothers and both Lawrence Virtual School students, won first place in 2025 for their Artificial Intelligence tutoring business.
The top students from each local competition will advance to the statewide competition, typically held in April at Kansas State University.
Applications for the 2026 Douglas County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge are due Friday, Feb. 6, and are available via goventuredash.com.
The competition will take place the morning of Friday, Feb. 20 at the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center, 2920 Haskell Ave. in Lawrence.
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