As the academic year begins to wind down, the E CITY students are preparing their pitches for the E CITY Young Entrepreneur of the Year Competition. The preliminary round, in classrooms around Northeast Ohio begins in April, when entrepreneurs contend for their school’s top spot, and ultimately, the chance to move on to the final NEO-based round of competition.  If you’re interested in coaching a youth, please contact dmurray@youthopportunities.org

The finals will be held at Ernst & Young, 950 Main Ave., Cleveland OH 44113 Thursday, May 18th, 2017 and we’d love you to attend.

You can watch the three top students from the Northeast Ohio present their business plans and meet the E CITY Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Immediately following, network over delicious appetizers and take in the views of the Ernst & Young building on the Flats East Bank.

Founded by Cleveland entrepreneurs and business leaders, E CITY (Entrepreneurship: Connecting, Inspiring, and Teaching Youth) introduces teens to the process of starting a real business. The program is structured on the belief that teens have the mental toughness, street smarts, survival instincts, and creativity to be a successful entrepreneur. When shown how to channel their existing skillset, youth can build on these innate traits to achieve success in the business world.

E CITY students turn business ideas into plans, work with staff and volunteer coaches, and present their plans to a panel of volunteer judges who select the top entrepreneurs at each high school.  These students will compete at the E CITY Young Entrepreneur of the Year Competition at the Ernst & Young building on May 18, 2017.

The winner will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship from Ernst & Young, and a trip to compete in the NFTE, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, national competition. The winner of the NFTE national competition will win $10,000 towards their business venture!

ATTENDEES MUST RSVP FOR SECURITY PURPOSES! To attend and sponsor the event, please contact Marc Nathanson at (216) 566-5445 ext. 350  or Mnathanson@youthopportunities.org.