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July 24, Denver– A forerunner in providing youth entrepreneurship programming and resources for young people, Young Americans Center for Financial Education has named this year’s top youth businesses in Colorado. The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 17 at Young Americans Center in Cherry Creek at the Meet the Stars Party.
An independent panel of judges evaluated applications of youth, ages 6-21, before selecting this year’s nine finalists:
The future is bright for young business owners honored at the Meet the Stars Party, July 17.
6-11 years old:
- HER Design Store – Hannah Reyes (age 11)
- The Lucky Penny – Liam Lennon (age 11*)
- The Scented Penguin – Owen Lennon (age 11*)
12-15 years old
- Gabe’s Bazaar – Gabriel Nagel (age 13)
- Laney’s Lipcare – Delaney Ryan (age 14)
- Rudspice – Emily Rudnick (age 15)
16-21 years old
- Elevation Creations – Brenden Coney (age 18)
- Luke Aden Photography – Luke Aden (age 18)
- Yard Boyz – Jack Fleming (age 18)
In addition to announcing these finalists, Meet the Stars recognized the remarkable achievements of all applicants into this year’s business competition. Special guest Jeff Dolan, Vice President of External Affairs in the Mountain West Region for Comcast, was particularly impressed. After recounting his own experience as a father whose daughters regularly sell lemonade, Jeff noted, “The innovation that entrepreneurs provide is why Comcast supports YouthBiz. We are proud to nurture this spirit in young people.” A long-time partner of Young Americans Center, Comcast recently awarded YouthBiz a grant to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship in the YouthBiz Lab.
Finalists will be honored at the 17thannual Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars awards and gala, sponsored by CoBank, held at the Seawell Grand Ballroom on Thursday, October 4. The event will also name a winning business in each of three age categories that receives a $1,000 cash award and a pairing with an esteemed business leader as a mentor.
*Business owner’s age at time of application
