Great Bend Economic Development and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce announce the return of the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) for Barton County students in grades 7-12. This unique competition empowers students to develop and pitch business ideas while competing for $2,500 in cash prizes. YEC will occur on March 5, at the Great Bend Events Center. The trade show and competition are open to the public at noon. Prizes are announced immediately following the judging at about 1:30 p.m.

This year, Network Kansas and K-State Research and Extension have joined as partners, providing additional resources for student success. Student participants developed business plans (3-page maximum for state level), created a tradeshow display, and present their ideas to judges. The tradeshow also allows students to interact with the public for the People’s Choice award.