Cheyenne County E-Community

Entrepreneurship is about turning great ideas into reality—developing a plan, taking responsibility, and bringing it to life. The Bird City Century II Foundation proudly serves as an E-Community, helping build a strong local business environment by connecting startups and small businesses with people and programs that offer guidance, education, and resources—often at little or no cost. In partnership with Network Kansas, the Cheyenne County E-Community is dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs, providing the tools and encouragement they need to start, grow, and thrive right here at home.

Cheyenne County Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Overview

The first Cheylin Entrepreneurship Fair, launched in 2010, encouraged students to think creatively, take risks, and explore business development. Key partners included Network Kansas, the Kansas Small Business Development Center, Colby Community College, the Kansas Department of Commerce, BCCII, and the BCCII E-Community Fund. The fair later evolved into the Cheyenne County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Series, sanctioned by Network Kansas, a statewide program that empowers middle and high school students to develop and pitch business ideas. Participants submit an executive summary, present their concept, and take part in tradeshows or elevator pitches, competing for awards judged by local entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders. The challenge helps students research, refine, and test their ideas while discovering that Cheyenne County offers rewarding opportunities to live, work, and grow.