Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars Competition
Do you make something amazing? Do you offer a standout service? This could be your year to shine!
Each year, the Young Americans Center invites Colorado’s most inspiring young business owners—ages 6 to 21—to apply for our Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars competition. Through a simple online application, youth entrepreneurs share their business story, goals, and impact.
A panel of independent judges then selects one winner and two finalists in each age category.
Winners can earn up to $5,000, and finalists can receive up to $500 in prize money.
But the real magic? Winners are also paired with a top Colorado business leader for a year of mentorship, guidance, and growth.
Shine a spotlight on your business—this is your moment!
Why should you apply?
The application process is super simple — and our YouthBiz team is here to cheer you on the whole way! If you can say YES! to these questions, you’re ready to jump in:
Do you know what your business does (your big idea!)?
Do you have a photo that shows off your product or service?
Have you had at least one customer who’s tried or bought what you offer?
That’s it!
From brand-new CEOs to seasoned kidpreneurs, every level of entrepreneur is encouraged to apply. There’s nothing to lose — and a whole lot of possibility to gain. Let your business shine!
This could be you!
3 Age Categories: 6-11, 12-15, 16-21
$10,000 in cash prizes!
Feedback from judges!
2025 Winners and Finalists
Winner:
Charlie Parent – Churn It Charlie
Finalists:
Weston Kauffmann – K Kubed
Faith Williams – Sow a Seed with Faith’s Beads
Winner:
Rajeev Bharadwaj – RJV Digital
Finalists:
Marcus Centeno – Great Snake LLC
Emily Chen – Hiro’s Jewelry
Mila Korah – Neighborhood Blooms
Watch a replay of the 2025 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars Gala
Questions?
Why should I apply?
Even if you don’t take home a top prize, entering Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars gives your business a serious boost. Here’s why every young entrepreneur wins just by applying:
You’ll level up your business plan.
The application helps you think through your goals, strategy, and next steps — like a mini CEO coaching session!
You’ll get real feedback from real business pros.
Our judges share insights that can help you grow faster and smarter.
You’ll score free access to the Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars Gala!
Meet other youth entrepreneurs, connect with adult business leaders, and build your network — all at no cost to you.
Spotlight isn’t just a competition… it’s a launchpad.
How do I apply?
Young Americans uses a startup judging platform called Submit to collect and review applications for the competition. You’ll just need to create a username and password to get started.
Be sure to watch for any required fields and have the ability to download and upload forms as you complete your application. It’s simple, secure, and designed to guide you every step of the way!
What are you looking for in an entry?
Young Americans wants to learn all about you and your business venture! We see an incredible range of product-based and service-based businesses every year, and we encourage you to apply no matter where you are in your entrepreneur journey.
Our judges look at many factors — including age, experience, growth, creativity, development, and the viability of your idea. Every story matters.
When you apply, make sure you share your business and your entrepreneurial journey clearly, confidently, and completely. This is your chance to shine and show what makes your venture unique!
What information do I need to complete in the application?
Here’s what you’ll need to complete your Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars application:
- A description of your business — what you do and why it matters
- 1–4 photos of your product or of you in action providing your service
- A short video about you and your business (required for older age categories)
- Your business goals — what you’re working toward
- A description of your target customers — who you’re trying to reach
- Where you currently sell your product or service and where you hope to sell in the future
- Your business expenses from the past year
- Your business sales from the past year
- Information about your competition and what makes you stand out
- Parent/guardian contact information
Gather these items ahead of time, and you’ll breeze through your application with confidence!
I have a business partner; how do we apply?
You can apply as an individual or as a business team. If you have a business partner, you’re welcome to share your login information so you can fill out the application together.
All applications are judged within their age category, and teams should enter the category based on the age of the oldest team member (as of June 12, 2026).
Can someone help me with the application?
The Young Americans team is here to support you!
If you’d like help, you can set up a meeting with Carrie Williams at 303-320-3243 or cwilliams@yacenter.org.
You’re also welcome to ask another trusted adult for advice as you work through the application — just remember to complete most of it as a business team. After all, no one knows your business better than you do!
If I don’t win this year, can I apply again?
Yes! Absolutely. Many of our past winners reached the top by applying the valuable feedback they received from judges in previous years. Growth is part of the journey!
You may apply as long as you are 6–21 years old and have not won in the past. Finalists are welcome to keep reapplying year after year until they take home the top prize.
Keep improving, keep creating — and keep shooting for the spotlight!
When is the Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars Gala?
This year’s event will be held Thursday, October 15, 2026.
