The Lansing Youth Startup Challenge on April 29th gave middle and high school aged entrepreneurs the chance to stretch their startup legs and show off their ideas. From a smoothie business headed by 12-year-olds to sports and hunting apparel, the ideas were hot and money was won.
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) has been working to make Lansing a hub for all startup activity and that effort got a push in 2013 when they received a grant to begin an entrepreneurship curriculum for High School Students. Teachers and after school groups began teaching entrepreneurship as a skill, and last year’s first annual Youth Startup Challenge was the culmination of their effort.
The idea has spread and counties across the state are introducing programs and pitch competitions to the youth in their area. The goal, according to Sara Parkinson of LEAP is to create a natural order of events occurring throughout the year, teaching students how to pitch and development and allowing those that are serious to tap into local resources. “We’re working to beef up the entrepreneur ecosystem.”
And, judging by the participation and ideas presented at the Youth Startup Challenge, students are taking full advantage of the opportunities being offered to them. This year, The Hatching joined the mix and allowed students the chance to pitch to win funding.
The Hatching Tweet-Cap
Keeping the fire and drive of women hunters alive- Huntress Heaven #youthstartup @LeapInc pic.twitter.com/hb2iOs4brY
— Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
Safe and Sweet is an allergen free bakery @LeapInc #youthstartup pic.twitter.com/6nCtJtD9Ui — Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
Re-Carnation is a smarter, greener, simpler way to garden #youthstartup @LeapInc pic.twitter.com/74u8t4784Q
— Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
Abby’s Apparel buys, transforms and sells clothes #youthstartup @LeapInc pic.twitter.com/ctIKd0LNNp — Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
SHE designs comfortable, breathable basketball shorts for young women #youthstartup @LeapInc pic.twitter.com/IdAD7BQ9Kr
— Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
Ireland’s Football Camp is a training facility/camp for youth interested in football #youthstartup @LeapInc pic.twitter.com/HMCIDJdIXJ — Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
A Ray of Sunshine brings a little light into people’s lives by offering cleaning and a surprise meal #youthstartup pic.twitter.com/q3CJ9ty1SK
— Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
Feedback from the judges #youthstartup @LeapInc In this case, it’s ok to judge pic.twitter.com/EoUEfodj7D — Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
Re-Carnation takes home all the Glory #youthstartup @LeapInc
— Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
3rd place is Huntress Heaven #youthstartup pic.twitter.com/iZBtMqZsRF — Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
2nd is a Ray of Sunshine #youthstartup
— Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
Re-Carnation is the winner! #youthstartup @LeapInc pic.twitter.com/vrSnQMUVcQ — Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015 Besides the Hatching, business plans and table displays were judged during the day and prior to the event.
Huntress Heaven wins 1st place Business Plan #youthstartup pic.twitter.com/RWTokSVuyO — Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
Huntress Heaven was definitely the big winner taking home $1750 in prizes but other winners included:
- Leslie School District- Best District Representation
- ZenRitmo Cajons- 2nd Place Overall
- Re-Carnation- 1st Place Table Pitch
- Diamond Shine Home Cleaning- 2nd Place Table Pitch
- Abby’s Apparel- 3rd Place Business Plan
There were many more wonderful ideas and many more winners. Lansing and LEAP have high hopes for the startup community and this challenge is the first step in making sure entrepreneurs get the support they need to grow their businesses.
Congrats to all the winners of the #youthstartup challenge! #Lansing is proud! @LeapInc
— Startup Lansing (@StartupLansing) April 29, 2015
