Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

The **NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge** is a nationwide business pitch competition for high school students who have developed an original business or social enterprise idea. Participants advance from local and regional NFTE programs to present their ventures to panels of judges. The competition emphasizes real-world skills: students refine their business plans, practice professional pitching, and receive feedback from entrepreneurs and business leaders. Top competitors can earn **seed funding** to launch or grow their ventures, along with ongoing **mentorship** to support their next steps. This program is a strong fit for students who are curious about **entrepreneurship**, interested in starting a business or nonprofit, or looking to solve problems in their communities through innovative ideas. It is especially valuable for those who enjoy project-based work, public speaking, and leadership. Participation can strengthen **college applications** by demonstrating initiative, creativity, and the ability to carry a complex project from concept to execution. Students can showcase tangible outcomes such as a developed business plan, competitive achievements, and mentorship experiences, all of which signal readiness for college-level work and future career paths in business, economics, or related fields. For more details about eligibility and how to get involved, visit NFTE’s website.