Celebrating Colorado’s Top Youth Entrepreneurs
Make plans to join us next year for this annual business competition and fundraiser that supports financial literacy education and experiential entrepreneurship learning opportunities that reach nearly 70,000 youth every year!
Business Applications – Apply and WIN!
Are you looking to take your business to the next level? YouthBiz Star winners can earn up to $5,000! Applications for the 2023 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars Competition will open in February 2023!
Highlights from 2022 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars
PRESENTING MENTORS:
- Randy Wells, Former Managing Director, RBC Capital Markets
- Mark Cordova, Founder/President, Centennial Bolt
- Leigh Sullivan, Development Director, Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary
These business leaders will mentor the three winning young entrepreneurs for a full year, offering insights and helping them grow their businesses. This group of kids is ready!
Sponsorships are available for the 2023 event!
View details here and contact Tobin Truslow, Vice President of Development, for more information:
303-320-3245 or ttruslow@yacenter.org.
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 to the 2022 winners and finalists:
Congratulations to the 2022 Rising Business Award winner:
This year’s Rising Business Award winner is Willa Wang, owner of Willa Miette Studio.
Willa started drawing pictures of wildlife after a trip to South Africa, and received encouragement from teachers to use her art in different applications. After being disqualified from volunteering for various wildlife organizations due to her age, Willa decided to take matters into her own hands by creating her business, Willa Miette Studios, where she combines her love for art with her love for wildlife.
Willa applies her beautiful artwork to T-Shirts and tote bags. Staff judges were floored by everything Willa has accomplished in her social enterprise.
From using all sustainable materials to donating a portion of her profits to wildlife and environmental conservation organizations, Willa Miette Studios has accomplished total brand alignment in a very short time.
2022 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars Business Competition Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Pinnacle Benefactors
Awards Sponsor
Presenting Mentors
Mezzanine Partners
Foundation Circle Members
Colorado Lending Source
Davis, Graham & Stubbs
Scott Simon
Essential Investment Partners
Bankers’ Bank of the West
