NEW ORLEANS, LA – March 1, 2020 – i.Invest is pleased to announce that the 2020 national youth business competition is now accepting applications. Young business leaders between the ages of 13 – 19, with a demonstrable product or service, can showcase their innovative ideas in a real-world business competition designed for aspiring entrepreneurs. Starting today, youth from across the country, and now Canada, can apply to participate in a six-month web-based program that includes three rounds of scoring, virtual group coaching, and one-on-one mentoring from industry and academic leaders from organizations like Coca-Cola UNITED Bottling, DXC Technology, USDA, and Danone.
Now in its’ fifth year, i.Invest has attracted young business leaders from across the country. Competing teams can win a share of $10,000 in cash and in-kind prizes, as well as receive numerical scores and written feedback from experienced professionals who volunteer their time to help entrepreneurs build scalable businesses. Past winners have gone on to raise over $400,000 in pre-seed funding, launch successful ventures, create jobs, enroll in the best business schools in the nation, and earn recognition from media outlets across the country. The 2019 top winner, Studiously, a company created by a 17-year-old entrepreneur from Texas, is developing an EdTech learning platform that harnesses cutting-edge artificial intelligence to enable students to understand rather than memorize information. Studiously joined past winners Pulse Wearables, PrepUP and Beacon Health, in earning the title of i.Invest Youth Business of the Year.
“i.Invest is a testing ground for young leaders with new or existing business models that need to be fine-tuned then successfully launched. Our platform provides real-world advice and guidance while allowing youth to network with proven professionals and peers,” said Michelle Jackson, the competition’s executive director. “The creativity and sheer innovation we see each year is proof that the next generation of entrepreneurs will transform how we live, work, play and interact with one another.”
To qualify for round 1 scoring, applicants must submit a concept profile, executive summary and pitch video via the Reviewr online application platform by May 1st. The application fee is $29. Fee waivers are available for students from economically underserved communities through LifeSkills Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for youth and youth entrepreneurs.
All application submissions, mentoring, and scoring are done virtually. Applicants must have access to a PC, tablet or smartphone to participate. To apply, go to www.i-investcompetition.com. To become a sponsor, judge or to learn more about the program, email info@i-investcompetition.com.
POC: marketing@prsolutionsllc.org