Even if you don’t win, entering the Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition is a huge advantage for your business.  Here’s why:

• The application process helps you outline your business goals and strategy.
• You’ll receive valuable judging feedback on your business.
• You’ll be able to network with youth and adult business leaders at the Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars Gala – for free!

“The whole [YouthBiz Stars] experience has far exceeded our expectations with each new opportunity that comes Jasey’s way. I wish there were more organizations like yours as so many kids would benefit from the type of education and opportunities you provide.”

–Coy Chanders, father of 2014 Winner, Jasey Chanders

Young Americans uses a startup judging platform called Submit to accept, screen and evaluate applicants for the competition. You will need to create a user name and password. Pay attention to required fields. Also be prepared to download and upload forms.

Young Americans wants to know all about you and your business venture. We receive a wide variety of product-and service- based entries and we encourage you to apply no matter where you are with your business. Age, experience, growth, creativity, development, and idea viability are all taken into consideration. Be sure to tell the judges all about your business and your journey in entrepreneurship succinctly, yet thoroughly.

Here is what you need to complete your application:

• Description of your business
• 1-4 images of your product or you performing your services
• For older age categories, a brief video about you and your business
• Some of your business goals
• A description of your target customers
• Where you sell your product/service now and where you’d like to sell in the future
• Business expenses from past year
• Business sales from past year
• Competition and your competitive advantage
• Parent contact information

You may apply as an individual or business team. If you have a business partner,  you’re more than welcome to share your log-in information with them to help with filling out the application. All applications in your age category will be judged together. Please use the age (as of June 12, 2021) of the oldest team member to determine which age category to enter.

Young Americans staff is here to help!  Set up a meeting by contacting Maite Wantwadi: 303-320-3213 or mwantwadi@yacenter.org.  You may also ask a different adult for help or advice with the application, but try to complete most of it as a business. No one knows more about your business than you do!

Yes! Some of our winners made it to the top by applying the feedback they received from the judges in previous years’ applications. You may apply as long as you are 6-21 years old and have not won in the past. Finalists can re-apply until they win.

This year’s event will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024. Click here for event details.