About this Journey to Nationals
#RoadtoNationals
In 2006, Abigail Lewis of Derby, Kansas, became NFTE’s first National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge champion. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes have been awarded to diverse young entrepreneurs, many from under-resourced communities, since then.
Each year, our Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase Series starts with pitch competitions at the local classroom or camp level, which begins the student journey on the #RoadtoNationals.
#NFTEChampion
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Each competition round is judged by expert panels that include business leaders and successful entrepreneurs who volunteer their time to support NFTE entrepreneurs.
It’s a natural start to developing a professional network and connecting with mentors. NFTE’s continuum of services for students who become NFTE alumni includes an annual Founders Forum to support alumni with launch-ready or operational businesses.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase
The NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase is a multi-day international event that unites local, regional, U.S. national, and global pitch challenges into one cohesive experience. The Showcase gives young innovators the opportunity to develop their ideas, compete on a world stage, and connect with peers, educators, and industry professionals from more than 20 countries. Beyond competition, students participate in workshops, coaching sessions, a Learning Lab, and networking experiences designed to build real-world skills.
World Series of Innovation
NFTE’s World Series of Innovation (WSI) is a free online competition for anyone around the world ages 5-24. It invites young people to get involved in solving some of the biggest challenges humanity faces today and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Whether you’re going solo or teaming up with friends, WSI welcomes all innovators to take on a challenge and make a real-world impact.
Founders Forum
The Founders Forum Program is a virtual incubator designed to support viable startups run by NFTE alumni. Held in the winter/spring months each year, the program offers alumni an opportunity to further develop their businesses in several key areas such as sales, capacity building, financial projections, and refining their business models. Additionally, participants will have the chance to prepare for investment, expand their professional network, and directly connect with potential investors in a culminating pitch competition.
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