HUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, hosted the annual Reno County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd using a virtual platform. Students from across Reno County high schools presented their business concepts with a written business plan, a 4-minute presentation, and a 2-minute elevator pitch to local volunteer judges – Joe Young, Jeff Eriksen, Tony Scheuler, Russell Silvey, Eric Spurgeon, and Jon Richardson.
The winning concepts were:
1st Place (winning $600): Dalton Estes and Riley Lusk, Hutchinson High School
Business name: The Sweet Treat
2nd Place (winning $500): Gabriella Voss, Haven High School
Business name: Simpler Laundry
3rd Place (winning $400): Braydon Blubaugh and Jacob Moore, Haven High School
Business name: JB Pro Sports
This is the 6th year for the competition in Reno County.
In addition to the prize money and recognition at the Reno County competition, first-place competitors Estes and Lusk of Hutchinson High School will have the opportunity to compete in the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge held at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This event will include the top young entrepreneurs from schools across the state. The other Reno County participants are invited to submit their business ideas for an at-large spot in the statewide competition.