Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge offers hands-on experience, cash prizes

Douglas County is accepting applications for the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, a competition where students pitch their business ideas. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 20, at The Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center, 2920 Haskell Ave., in Lawrence. The community is invited to attend.

The competition is open to Douglas County students in grades 6-12. Participants will prepare a written summary, deliver a business pitch and create a trade show display. Students will compete for $3,500 in prize money, including a new $250 Innovate Globally Prize, sponsored by KU Innovation Park. With the upcoming 2026 World Cup, the prize will be awarded to the student or team who can showcase a product or service that is global in scale or highlights a country or culture outside the United States.

Entries will be judged by local entrepreneurs, teachers and community leaders. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23.

This is the eighth year for the Douglas County event. In past competitions, students have pitched businesses offering swimming lessons, resale clothing, jewelry, baked goods, pet sitting, lawn tool rentals and more.

The first-place winner will advance to the state competition, where they will have the opportunity to win more prize money and recognition.

Last year, nine students representing seven businesses competed. The winners were Daniel and Lawrence Dao, of Lawrence Virtual School. Their business, “Don’t Panic AI Tutors,” offered tutoring and workshops to help students build skills for a tech-driven future.

“The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge gives students a real opportunity to explore their ideas, build confidence and see what it takes to bring a business to life,” said Jill Jolicoeur, assistant county administrator and event coordinator. “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.”

The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is hosted by Douglas County, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and K-State Extension Douglas County and sponsored by Network Kansas and KU Innovation Park.

For more information or to register, visit: https://dgcoks.gov/yec.