The annual Youth Entrepreneur Challenge (YEC) will take place at the Cloud County Fairgrounds Industrial Building in Concordia on February 27th, giving students in grades 7-12 the chance to develop and pitch their business ideas while competing for $2,000 in prizes. Organized by CloudCorp, the competition offers awards for first place, second place, third place, People’s Choice, and Best Marketing.

CloudCorp executive director Tim Beims sees YEC as an exciting opportunity for young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to explore business possibilities in north central Kansas.

Beginning in 2013 as an entrepreneurship fair, YEC has grown into a statewide competition, culminating in the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge at Kansas State University. In partnership with Network Kansas and K-State Research and Extension, the competition teaches students essential skills like business planning and public speaking.

Winners will advance to the state championship, showcasing their innovation and entrepreneurial talent.