News Summary
The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) recently announced the winners of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, showcasing innovative business ideas from local students. Six winners, including the top three who received cash prizes, will present their projects at national finals in New York. Celebrating student creativity, the event also honored outstanding teachers and emphasized the significance of entrepreneurial education in shaping future leaders.
Philadelphia, PA – The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has announced the winners of its annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, highlighting the innovative business ideas of six local student entrepreneurs. This year’s competition recognized the remarkable efforts of students, who will have the opportunity to present their business concepts at the national finals in New York on October 8, 2025. The selected winners will compete for the prestigious title of National Champion, as well as cash prizes.
Among the six winners, the top three received substantial cash prizes aimed at promoting their entrepreneurial ventures. The first-place winner took home $1,500, followed by the second-place winner who received $1,000, and the third-place winner was awarded $500. Additionally, three runners-up were recognized, each receiving a prize of $250 for their creative business proposals.
The competition featured a panel of esteemed judges who evaluated the student pitches based on originality and feasibility. The judging panel included notable figures such as Charlize León Mata, an NFTE alumna currently studying at Yale University, Marissa Y. Mack, the Director of Commercial Bank at Webster Bank, Stephen Puntillo, the EY Americas Corporate Responsibility Leader, and Bharanidharan Rajakumar, the CEO of Transfr.
Mary Wang, the NFTE Mid-Atlantic Lead Program Associate, expressed inspiration by the eagerness and ingenuity displayed by the students. Her remarks emphasized the crucial role that teachers play in supporting and nurturing the entrepreneurial ambitions of their students. The event also took the opportunity to honor educators for their contributions, recognizing Previous Ojeda as the Emerging Teacher of the Year, Lorena Izzo as the Veteran Teacher of the Year, Marsha Corelien as the Volunteer of the Year, and Valley National Bank as the Corporate Volunteer of the Year.
The NFTE Mid-Atlantic Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and Santander Bank, with additional support from companies like PayPal and Zuora. This initiative aligns with NFTE’s mission to provide high-quality entrepreneurship education to students from diverse demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Founded in 1987, NFTE is a global nonprofit organization that has educated over a million students through a combination of in-person and online programs, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in young individuals. NFTE aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the business world, promoting the importance of entrepreneurship as a pathway to opportunity and economic empowerment.
The recognition of these young entrepreneurs reflects a growing trend in educational programs that prioritize innovation and practical business skills. As students gear up for the national finals, their experiences at the Mid-Atlantic Challenge provide both a platform for their ideas and a testament to the importance of entrepreneurial education in shaping future leaders.
With the support and guidance from NFTE and its partners, these student entrepreneurs have a promising opportunity ahead of them. As they prepare for the upcoming competition in New York, they represent the future of entrepreneurship and creativity in the business landscape.
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Additional Resources
- GlobeNewswire: NYC Student Wins NFTE Mid-Atlantic Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
- Business Insider: Ben Hawes, side hustle coach
- CBS News: NYC Entrepreneurs Guide
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Google Search: Youth Entrepreneurship
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