Presented by CoBank

Plan to join us on Thursday, October 4, 2018 for Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars, an annual business competition and gala which highlights the important work Young Americans is doing to bring financial literacy education and experiential entrepreneurship learning opportunities to over 64,000 youth every year.

• Seawell Grand Ballroom, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
• Reception and Young Entrepreneur Trade Show 5:30pm
• Dinner & Awards Ceremony 6:30pm-8:30pm

Business attire requested.

Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities start at just $2,500!  For more information, download our sponsorship brochure or contact Betsy Sklar, Vice President of Development: bsklar@yacenter.org or 303-320-3245.

Business Applications – Apply and WIN!

Are you looking to take your business to the next level?  YouthBiz Star winners can earn up to $1,000!  Click here for more information.

Distinguished YouthBiz Stars Mentors

Young Americans is honored to have the support of many esteemed leaders of the business community who recognize and encourage the next generation of business owners in Colorado through this event.  Past Mentors include:

• Michael Barkin, Vail Resorts
• Matthew Burkett, The Flyfisher Group
• Linda Enstrom, Enstrom’s Candy
• John Hickenlooper, Governor
• Traci Lounsbury, Workplace ELEMENTS
• John Malone, Liberty Media
• Curt Richardson, OtterBox
• Maureen Tarrant Fitzgerald, Presbyterian/St. Luke’s
• Kent Thiry, DaVita

Interested in doing your part to give back and grow Colorado’s business talent?  Learn more about becoming a Presenting Mentor here.  Thank you for your interest in inspiring the next generation!

Congratulations 2017 YouthBiz Stars!

Young Americans Center for Financial Education hosted the 2017 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars youth business competition awards ceremony and gala on October 5 at the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the DCPA.  This event, sponsored by CoBank, marked 16 years of recognizing outstanding young entrepreneurs in Colorado.

Three winning businesses received $1,000 and a pairing with a Presenting Mentor, a leader from the Denver business community committed to encouraging the next generation of business owners in Colorado:

Cover Your Collar

Shae Maiorana, age 11

Watch Shae meet her Presenting Mentor Michael Barkin

Lily’s Little Buddies

Lily and Noal Blessing, ages 14 and 12

Watch Lily and Noal meet their Presenting Mentor Matthew Burkett

Sweet Bee Sisters

Lily, Chloe, and Sophie Warren, ages 17, 15, and 13

Watch Lily, Chloe, and Sophie meeting their Presenting Mentor Traci Lounsbury

Two finalists in each age category were also recognized:

6-11 years old:

• The Lucky Penny – Liam Lennon (11)
• The Scented Penguin – Owen Lennon (11)

12-15 years old:

• Bakeology – Rain Adams (14)
• Smax Sticks – Sam (15) and Max (12) Craig

16-21 years old:

• AB Art & Photography – Allison Burt (17)
• Elevation Creations – Brenden Coney (17)

2018 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars Business Competition Sponsors

Margaret Kelly, former CEO Re/Max

Bahman Shafa, President, Focus Property Group

Scott Wylie, Chairman and CEO, First Western Trust