By Jennifer Theurer
The Republic County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is open to students from 6th to 12th grade that have a business idea they would like to explore further.
The challenge has been going for many years, according to Molly Potuzak-Springer, executive director of the Belleville Chamber & Main Street, and the success of it is seen throughout the county.
“We’ve had some of these entrepreneurs that have done this challenge in the past actually have their own businesses in Republic County now,” she said.
Last year’s challenge saw 40 entrants and Springer expects about the same number for this year and registrations are still open. The challenge format gives students a chance to present their idea to multiple audiences.
“They have to complete a business plan and that will be judged ahead of time. The day of, they get to do a five-minute kind of Shark Tank interview with three judges and then they also get to do a trade show,” Springer said.
Springer hopes the challenge gives students confidence and learn new skills like communication, critical thinking, and creativity.
