Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named four local student businesses as the winners of the annual Capital Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.
The young entrepreneurs distinguished themselves through innovative business ideas, which they will present at the national finals in New York on Oct. 10 to compete for the national champion title and cash prizes.
- First place went to Atman Patel from Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore with his business idea Story Crafter, which makes custom digital books about the customer, aiming to ignite a love of reading in all children. Patel received $1,500.
- Second place went to Keith Harris from KIPP DC College Preparatory School with his business idea Tactful Tutors, which empowers students to unlock their full potential by providing the tools and knowledge to foster and develop confidence, critical thinking, and academic excellence. Harris received $1,000.
- Runner-up was Noah Blackston from Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland, with his business idea Table Top Pizza, a unique, interactive, and memorable dining experience where customers can customize their own pizzas according to their preferences. Blackston received $250.
- Johns Williams was a runner-up from Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore, with his business idea Earbud Buddy, a tool made to extract earwax out of earbuds. Williams got $250.
“I was blown away by the caliber of student finalists this year,” said Meg Stewart, NFTE Capital Region Executive Director. “These students showcase how an original idea, with support and training, can be turned into a full-fledged business pitch. That’s what NFTE is all about, igniting a spark and giving students the tools to own their future.”
