By Quinn O’Hara

17 businesses designed by Clay County high school students have recently participated in the 2024 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.

The program, sponsored by NetWork Kansas, the Clay Center Rotary Club, and several local businesses, aims to encourage Clay County youth to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and start new businesses in Clay County.

Grow Clay County organized the event. Their Director, Natalie Muruato, said the participants have been preparing since the end of their winter break.

Boston Craig won 1st Place and the People’s Choice Award in the competition with her macrame business, Simply Knots & Co., securing herself a total of $1,250 in prize money. Muruato said Craig’s business stood out in the crowd.

Other winners of the competition were Isaac Holte, creator of Holte Mechanics, in 2nd Place, Kasey Ohlde and Garyn Ryals, creators of GK Fabrication, in 3rd Place, and Kylie Pfizenmaier and Kelly Martin, creators of Kreative Kakes, with the Innovator Award.