Grow Ellsworth County, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, and in coordination with USD 327, hosted the Second Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Feb. 20 at the Ellsworth Jr./ Sr. High School.

Nine individuals and seven teams presented their business concepts with a written business plan, a 2-minute “elevator pitch,” a 4-6 minute presentation, and an exhibit to judges for a chance to win cash prizes.

Students in grades 7-12 were eligible to participate in the competition.

The winning concepts were: 1st Prize: Layton Leiker with Leiker Lures 2nd Prize: Donley Business Ventures, LLC with Thaddeus, Cruz and Owen Donley 3rd Prize: Josie Kueser with Elkhorn Silver Best Trade Show: Jodi Donley with Jodi’s Sweet Treats Best Marketing: Paxton Huseman with Paxtons’ Flags People’s Choice: Tucker Holt with Holt’s Small Engine Repair Best Ag Business (sponsored by Ellsworth County Kansas Farm Bureau): Layton Leiker Students received prize money totaling $3350 courtesy of Network Kansas, Ellsworth County Kansas Farm Bureau and Grow Ellsworth County.

“This year’s competition was filled with students full of passion, energy and confidence,” said Stacie Schmidt, event coordinator and Executive Director of Grow Ellsworth County. “It is an amazing experience to watch them blossom and learn lifelong useful skills. We had a wide age range of participants this year, which is encouraging for the future of this competition. I am proud of each one of them,” In addition to prizes and recognition, the first-place finisher has the opportunity to compete in the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

This event will include the top young entrepreneurs from across the state. All students are also eligible to earn a spot at the state contest by entering the Kansas YEC wild card competition.

The students’ performances were judged by local entrepreneurs and public sector partners.

Students were provided mentors for support throughout the process.