The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Series, sanctioned by Network Kansas, is a statewide program that inspires middle and high school students to develop and pitch business ideas. Local YEC events require participants to submit an executive summary, deliver a presentation, and often take part in tradeshows or elevator pitches. Students compete individually or in teams for awards, judged by local entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders. The Cheyenne County YEC aims to encourage youth to “give it a try,” fostering entrepreneurial thinking and showing that opportunities exist locally in Bird City and McDonald. The challenge helps students research, refine, and test their ideas—learning which ventures can thrive in a rural setting.
Young Entrepreneurs Showcase Innovation at YEC Competition
Cheyenne County, KS – On February 25th, 2025 at the St. Francis High School gym, the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship was on full display at this year. The Cheyenne County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) showcased students from both schools as they presented their business ideas in front of a panel of judges and a tradeshow that was open to the public. The event, designed to encourage young minds to explore business ownership, was a resounding success.
This year, 26 businesses participated, with students from Cheylin and St. Francis showcasing their entrepreneurial skills. The competition featured a diverse range of business ideas, each reflecting the creativity, dedication, and hard work of the participants. After careful deliberation, the judges awarded the top five places as follows:
1st Place: John Sabatka – S&P Precision Aerial Applications (Cheylin) 2nd Place: Cristian Silva – Silva Sports Academy (St. Francis) 3rd Place: Cooper Paugh – Sunday Boys Golf (Cheylin) 4th Place: Brynlee Reid – Circle R Clipping (Cheylin) 5th Place: Kohen Pochop – KP Waxing (Cheylin)
In addition to the main awards, several sponsorship awards were presented to recognize outstanding achievements in various business categories:
Western State Bank & FNB Bank – 2025 Perfect Pitch Award ($100.00): Silva Sports Academy – Cristian Silva Sunny Crest Farms – Financial Fortitude ($100.00): S&P Precision Aerial Applications – John Sabatka Sunny Crest Farms – Sustainable Business Achievement ($100.00): TB Mowing – Tevin Delano Nutrien Ag Solutions – 2025 Small Town Big Idea Award ($150.00): Vend N' Go – Landon Shoenberger The Bank – Start-Up Spark Award ($50.00): H & H Printing – Henzley Matthies Big Ed's Steakhouse – Farm to Table Excellence Award ($100.00): The Chill Thrill – Kira Sichler
Big Ed's Steakhouse – Tasty Innovator Award ($100.00): La Maria – Karen Hernandez Legacy Ag – Agri-Entrepreneurship Award ($150.00): Circle R Clipping – Brynlee Reid Legacy Ag – Emerging Business Achievement ($50.00): Best in Show – Hallee Antholz Outdoor Bank – Best Business Financials ($100.00): Valeria's Translating – Valeria Kramer Vazquez Nex-Generation – Best Marketing ($150.00): MOW Town – Manuel Yanez The Line Apartments & Airbnb – Judge's Choice Award ($100.00): HA Sensory – Hallee Antholz Cory Busse-Farm and Ranch Real Estate – Best in Show ($150.00): HA Sensory – Hallee Antholz
Each participant demonstrated not only a strong understanding of their business concept but also the ability to present and defend their ideas with confidence. From innovative services to niche markets, the competition showcased the immense talent and potential within the youth of our community.
The event would not have been possible without the dedicated judges and volunteers who took the time to support and mentor these young entrepreneurs. Their expertise and encouragement played a crucial role in making the YEC a meaningful and impactful experience for all involved.
A special thank you to all our sponsors who made this event possible:
“We are grateful for the support of Bird City Century II and the Cheyenne County Kansas Community Foundation for their commitment to this program and their continued investment in the future of young entrepreneurs,” said Amy Hendricks, Cheyenne County E-Community Leadership Committee.
“This competition is more than just an event – it’s an opportunity for students to develop real-world skills, gain confidence, and explore their passion for business,” said Teryn Carmichael, Cheyenne County E-Community Leadership Committee. “We are incredibly proud of each and every participant and look forward to seeing where their entrepreneurial journeys take them.”
As the competition grows each year, it continues to reinforce the importance of fostering young entrepreneurs who will one day shape the future of local and national business. Congratulations to all participants, and best of luck in your future endeavors!
Cheyenne County E-Community Hosts 15th Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Competition
Bird City, KS — March 2024 — The Cheyenne County E-Community recently hosted the much-anticipated 15th Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Competition (YEC), showcasing the innovation and business acumen of students from Cheylin and St. Francis schools.
This year’s event brought together 24 aspiring entrepreneurs, each presenting creative business ventures to a panel of judges. From baked goods and skincare products to technology services and agricultural solutions, students demonstrated determination, innovation, and a passion for entrepreneurship.
Placing Awards
1st Place – $600 | High Plains Aquaculture – Landon Hendricks 2nd Place – $500 | Schields Barkery – Ashlyn Schields 3rd Place – $400 | The Laurel – Andrea Graham 4th Place – $300 | The Magic Banana Deer Attractant – Hayden Ketzner 5th Place – $200 | Forefront Babysitting Services – Taylor McCarty
Specialty Awards
Participants Included:
Community Involvement
Judges included Christy Preston, Bailey Cooper, Ben Blecha, Sarah LaRosh, Troy Osborne, Karen Nelson, Matt McKenzie, and Rod Klepper, who provided invaluable feedback and encouragement.
Students also heard from a guest speaker from 4B Farms, who shared insights into hydroponic greenhouse farming and sustainable agriculture. Organizers expressed deep appreciation to sponsors, judges, teachers, community members, and most importantly, the students for making the event a success.
“The 2024 Cheyenne County Youth Entrepreneurship Competition not only celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of our youth but also demonstrates our community’s commitment to supporting the next generation of business leaders,” said event organizers. “With such promising talent on display, the future of entrepreneurship in Cheyenne County looks brighter than ever.”
Cheylin and St. Francis Students Turn Vision into Venture at YEC 2023
The 14th annual Youth Entrepreneurship Competition was held on February 27, 2023. This year the YEC competition included the Cheylin and St. Francis students.
A total of 37 students participated by bringing their best business ideas to pitch at the competition. Students were judged on their executive summary, a four-minute formal presentation to a panel of judges and the tradeshow exhibit.
Congratulations to the overall winners:
A big congratulations to the following:
Thank you to the sponsors that made this event possible:
We are so proud of all the kids who participated in this year’s Cheyenne County Youth Entrepreneurship Competition. YEC has been such a great experience for them to share and showcase their creativity and out of the box thinking to the other students, judges, and communities. We are looking forward to next year and watch these awesome kids bring their brilliant ideas!
Young Minds, Big Ideas: Cheylin & St. Francis Students Compete in 13th Annual YEC
The 13th annual Youth Entrepreneurship Competition was held on March 22, 2022. This year the YEC competition included the Cheylin and St. Francis students.
A total of 37 students participated by bringing their best business ideas to pitch at the competition. Students were judged on their executive summary that is submitted, a five-minute formal presentation to a panel of judges and the tradeshow exhibit.
Cheylin Students Showcase Entrepreneurial Spirit at 11th Annual E-Fair
Bird City, KS — March 9, 2020 — Under the direction of the Bird City Century II Development Foundation (BCCII), Cheylin students once again stepped into the world of business ownership during the 11th annual Entrepreneurship Fair (E-Fair).
The event, coordinated by Executive Director Teryn Carmichael with support from NetWork Kansas, gave students the opportunity to develop business plans, build prototypes, and present their ideas to a panel of judges and community members. Each student delivered a four-minute “elevator pitch” to sell their concept, followed by booth presentations displaying their research, financial planning, and marketing strategies.
Winners
As first-place winners, Dylan and Brady Ketzner earned a spot at the Kansas State Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC), scheduled for April 28 in Manhattan, KS. All other participants had the opportunity to apply for a wild card entry.
Participants
This year’s E-Fair featured 15 student-led businesses:
Building Future Leaders
“This is our eleventh annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge at Cheylin, and I am very proud of all the students who participated,” said Teryn Carmichael, BCCII Executive Director. “It has been fantastic to watch these young people think in such innovative ways, develop new ideas, and work to cultivate them into reality. The skills they gain—public speaking, business planning, and creative problem-solving—will serve them well into the future. We’re already looking forward to what next year’s students will bring.”
The E-Fair not only highlighted student creativity but also reinforced the value of entrepreneurship in strengthening rural communities.
Cheylin Hosts 10th Annual Entrepreneurship Fair
Bird City, KS — March 12, 2019 — Cheylin School celebrated its 10th annual Entrepreneurship Fair (E-Fair), an event designed to encourage entrepreneurial spirit among junior high and high school students. The competition was sponsored by the Bird City Century II Development Foundation, organized by Executive Director Teryn Carmichael with support from Administrative Assistant Collen Jensen and Amara Kniep of NetWork Kansas.
This year, 24 students participated, presenting creative business ideas through display booths and oral presentations. Each participant also prepared a written business plan. The entries were judged by Robyn Raile, Rodney Ritchey (Kansas Masonic Lodge), Anita Burton, and Amara Kniep (NetWork Kansas). Judges scored students on their professionalism, product knowledge, and presentation skills.
2019 E-Fair Winners
As first-place winners, Dylan and Brady Ketzner earned an automatic spot at the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge, to be held April 30 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. All other entrants may apply for a “wild card” spot to compete at the state level.
Guest Speakers
Each year, Century II invites business professionals to inspire students by sharing their entrepreneurial journeys. This year’s speakers included Blaine Ginther, Co-Founder and National Sales Manager of SureFire Ag Systems, along with employees Jason Berling, Albert Popp, and Justin Black, who offered insight into growing a successful business in northwest Kansas.
2019 Entries
Students presented a wide variety of businesses, including: 15 Cupcakes — Liberty Velazquez; Cookee — Dania Martinez; D&H Productions — Taos Dale & Victor Hernandez; Eagle Eye Cleaning — Tucker Burr; Froodles — Elijah Burke; Hendricks Hawaiian — Matthew Hendricks; Jesus Walking Dogs — Jesus Duran; John’s Quilting — John Serrano; Sweet Scrubs — Victoria Lopes; Tacos for Less — Pablo Bermudez; VO Augusta — Joseph Augusta; Vivian’s Empanadas — Vivian Yanez; Cookie Crumble — Connor Serrano; Ketzner Feed — Dylan & Brady Ketzner; MB Designing — Logan McCarthy & Jackson Boyson; Marcus’s Car Wash — Marcus Beltz; Mr. Yadar — Yader Munoz; PearBears Care — Paris McFarland; Premium Wood Cases — Eduardo Baca; Ricolino — Jafeth Ballesteros; Schields Footwear — Andrew McPherson; Farwash — Fernando Contreras; Pastelena Yulissa — Kenia Ponce; De la Playa a la Pradera Tour — Lucia Martorell.
The fair drew strong community attendance, giving students an opportunity not only to compete but also to present their ideas to the public.
Cheylin Hosts Ninth Annual Entrepreneurship Fair
Bird City, KS — March 1, 2018 — Cheylin School hosted its ninth annual Entrepreneurship Fair (E-Fair), coordinated by Teryn Carmichael, Executive Director of the Bird City Century II Development Foundation. The event was open to students in grades 8–12, giving them an opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial skills and innovative business ideas.
This year’s fair featured 11 student business owners:
The students, many from the Exploring Agricultural class taught by Max Keltz, prepared written business plans, created displays, and participated in interviews with a panel of judges. Keltz, who has supported the event since its beginning, noted that current students as well as returning participants were welcomed to enter their projects.
As the first-place winner, Dart earned an automatic spot in the 2018 Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge (KEC), hosted at Kansas State University Alumni Center in Manhattan. All Cheylin participants are also eligible to submit their plans for review.
Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge Key Dates
Through events like the Cheylin E-Fair, students gain real-world experience in developing, presenting, and defending their business ideas, while also fostering future opportunities for growth within the Bird City and McDonald communities.
Cheylin Students Showcase Innovation at 8th Annual Entrepreneurship Fair
Bird City, KS — March 1, 2017 — The Bird City Century II Development Foundation hosted the 8th annual Entrepreneurship Fair in the Cheylin High School gym, where 18 students from grades 7–12 presented a wide range of innovative business ideas.
The event, designed to inspire and encourage entrepreneurial thinking in the Bird City/Cheylin community, featured 18 projects judged in two categories: The Pitch and Trade Show/Booth.
During The Pitch, students gave a two-minute elevator speech introducing themselves, their business, and its goals. In the Trade Show/Booth portion, participants submitted an executive summary outlining their business description, marketing plan, competition, production, management, and financials.
Judges
Six community and regional leaders served as judges:
Guest Speaker
Students also heard from Ben Blecha, founder and CEO of HERO, a company that designs dog knee braces. Blecha shared how his work as a certified Ortho-Prosthetist and a special project with Animal Planet’s Emergency Vets led him to create innovative solutions for animals with limb injuries.
Award Winners
The top three winners, sponsored by the Bird City Century II Development Foundation, were:
As the first-place winner, Hendricks also earned the opportunity to compete in the Network Kansas Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge on April 24 at Fort Hays State University, where top student entrepreneurs from across the state will present their ventures.
Additional awards included:
Students presenting their business ideas were: Kaylynn Hendricks, Soledad Bermudez, Tyler Sabatka, Gus Hespe, Bergan Bock, Andrew Schields, Gabriela Gutierrez, Johnathan Lawson, Briana Van Dyke, Jade Ketzner, Nora Castillo, Granite Bock, Colton McCarty, Joseph Augusta, Alondra Perez, Joseph Melton, Alex Dart, and Joslyn Ketzner.
Cheylin Students Shine at Seventh Annual Entrepreneurship Fair
Bird City, KS — March 2, 2016. The day’s spring-like weather set the perfect stage for fresh ideas as 13 Cheylin students participated in the seventh annual Cheylin Entrepreneurship Fair, presenting innovative business concepts with the potential to grow in the Bird City and McDonald communities.
Students were judged on their ability to develop and present a full business plan, including executive summaries, financial projections, marketing strategies, and interactive information booths.
The event, first launched in 2010, is coordinated by the Bird City Century II Development Foundation in partnership with Cheylin Schools. Foundation Director Darci Schields credited teachers Mr. Keltz and Mrs. Jensen for their long-standing commitment:
“These two play a very instrumental part in the success of the Cheylin E-Fair, helping to ‘plant the entrepreneurial seed’ in our students to get them thinking about business opportunities—both now, and as they graduate and go out into the working world.”
2025 E-Fair Winners:
Other creative business proposals included homemade tamales, customized pizzas, trucking services, entertainment, organizational services, and farrier care.
Community Support & Inspiration
Judges included Cindy Burr (2nd Beginnings), Devin Conley (Silverwings Ag), and Simone Elder (Network Kansas). Resource partners from the Kansas Department of Commerce were also in attendance.
Guest speakers Heidi Plumb and Kale Dankenbring, owners of Fresh Seven Coffee and High Plains Moto in St. Francis, shared their entrepreneurial journey. Their advice to students:
“Set your goal, start small, and don’t be afraid of failure. Every setback is experience that can fuel future success.”
Schields emphasized that the E-Fair is about more than just competition:
“We hope our entrepreneurial efforts and education through this program not only benefit the students but also make a positive impact within our community.”
2015 marked our 6th year for hosting our local Cheylin Entrepreneurship (E-) Fair. We have had 68 participants partake in the Cheylin E-Fair over the past 6 years; with as few as 7 to as many as 18 each year. To date, a total of $6,000 has been awarded through Bird City Century II Development Foundation, and $1,200 total through sponsorship awards (Network Kansas, The Bank of Bird City and People’s State Bank of McDonald).This year, there were a total of 9 participants. The top three award winners (sponsored by Bird City Century II) were:1st place: Ivan Kemp – Kemp’s Klean Kut Lawn Service & Landscaping $500; 2nd place: Jordan Janicke – Janicke Guided Hunts $300; and 3rd place: Alexandra Hazuka – Simply Scarves $200.
The Cheylin Entrepreneurship Fair hit its fifth year to be holding a competition at the local level. Cheylin students from 7th-12th grades are always invited to participate, giving students an opportunity to create their own business; doing the research and hands-on “behind the scenes” work that it takes to be their own boss. Some students use their current jobs for their business projects, while others create their own ideas. All entries develop their business plan, financials and marketing materials which they are judged on, along with a short interview with the judges the morning of the E-Fair. This year, there were a total of 15 participants with 14 business projects entered. The top three award winners (sponsored by Bird City Century II) were:1st place: Reece Leonard, Leonard Hogs $500; 2nd place: Rachel Keltz, Smokin’ Gun Horse Training $300; and 3rd place: Alexandra Hazuka, Pawsitive Dog Training $200. The Bird City E-Community Awards (sponsored by Bird City E-Community Fund) were $100 each, they went to Ethan Moore, J&E Dirtworks and Jordan Janicke, Janicke Guided Hunts. Cougar Pellets by Elizabeth Keltz & Rusty Porubsky, received The Bank of Bird City Entrepreneurial Award for $50, and Rachel Keltz also received the People’s State Bank of McDonald Entrepreneurial Award for $50. Reece Leonard chose to compete at the Regional E-Fair (Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge) in May, where he competed against 18 students, taking 2nd place in the competition. A job well done, Reece!!!
This year’s local Entrepreneurship Fair (2013) was another successful event with seven Cheylin students entering their business ideas into the Cheylin E-Fair, and of those, five chose to participate in the Regional E-Fair in Atwood April 5th.The seven business entries included:Jacob Brubaker – Liberty League’s Latest (website business)Mary Anne Orten – Mary Anne’s PopcornReece Leonard – Leonard HogsTristan Archer – Archer’s PastriesElsaCraig Burr – Elsa’s BabysittingElizabeth Keltz – Elizabeth’s Pigs Ivan Kemp – Kemp’s Klean Kut Service (Lawn & Property Care)
The participants were judged on their business idea, business plan, marketing strategies, financial projections, booth display and knowledge of their business. 1st Place ($500) – Ivan Kemp – Kemp’s Klean Kut Service2nd Place ($300) – Elizabeth Keltz – Elizabeth’s Pigs 3rd Place ($200) – Jacob Brubaker – Liberty League’s Latest Bird City E-Community Awards – ($100 each)Jacob Brubaker for his professionalism;Mary Anne Orten for wealth producing business/selling a local product outside the area/not relying on the local economy 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Awards are given on behalf of Bird City Century II Development Foundation to help finance their current business or potential business (if they choose to pursue it), otherwise, we hope they will put it back for their college education. Ivan Kemp, Elizabeth Keltz, Reece Leonard and ElsaCraig Burr are currently pursuing their businesses while they are going to school. The Bird City E-Community Awards are given on behalf of the Bird City E-Community Fund through NetWork Kansas. These funds are set aside to help with entrepreneurial activities in our community. We very much appreciate the support of the community by attending the E-Fair, visiting with the participants and listening to our speakers. Rod Young, local entrepreneur, spoke on the history of how he got started with his businesses in Bird City (Bressler-Young Aviation and Ag Repair). He spoke of the challenges that he has faced as a business owner, his accomplishments which have allowed him to grow, and where he is now with his succession planning phase (the future years of his business’ when he’s ready to retire). With that, Rod introduced Devin Conley, his new business partner of Silverwings Ag, (aviation spraying business). Devin spoke to the students and community about what drew him to pursue the entrepreneurial path, and opportunities that he sees of running a business and living in a rural community such as Bird City. Devin graduated from Westminister University in Salt Lake City, Utah this past December.
Bird City Century II Development Foundation hosted the 3rd Annual Cheylin Entrepreneurship Fair (E-Fair) on March 13, 2012 in the HS gymnasium.There were 15 participants with a total of 13 projects from students in the 7th – 12th grades. The 13 entries included:C.J. Antholz – Antholz Trailer Clean OutMichael Barnett – Hunter’s HotelBergan Bock & Haleigh Rucker – B & H Candle MakingHeath Churchwell – Wonderful World of Corgi’sAustin Cobb – Austin’s Landscape DesignKevin Estrada – Walking the DogThomas Frisbie – Hungry HarvestersJorge Gonzalez – Jorge’s Lawn MowingElizabeth Keltz – Elizabeth’s PigsIvan Kemp – Kemp’s Klean Kut Lawn CareNakita Schneider – Nakita’s KitchenJessie Smith – Papa Charlie’s Cornmeal Crystal & Stephanie Participants have been working on their projects since January; creating their own ‘businesses’, finalizing business plans, financial projections, marketing plans, and ’designing’ their booth for the judged competition. The Foundation hosted a Kansas Small Business Development Center Business Plan Development Workshop for the participants to give them additional tools to assist them with their projects. The morning of the E-Fair, the students were judged on their overall business plans, research and marketing strategies. They also had a short five minute interview with the judges. There were some very good projects entered, so the judges had a tough job cut out for them. The following were the top winners: 1st Place – Michael Barnett, Hunter’s Hotel, $5002nd Place – Jessie Smith, Papa Charlie’s Cornmeal, $3003rd Place – Ivan Kemp, Kemp’s Klean Kut Lawn Care, $200 This year three additional awards were given from the Bird City E-Community Fund, a fund established as a revolving loan fund for startup or expanding businesses in Bird City. The winners of these awards were: Elizabeth Keltz, Elizabeth’s Pigs, $100Nakita Schneider, Nakita’s Kitchen, $100Heath Churchwell, Wonderful World of Corgi’s, $100 The speaker this year was Kody Krien, a 1992 Cheylin graduate and owner of ‘Krien Pharmacy’ in St. Francis. Kody was very personable with the students, relaying stories of his own trials and successes, and how the positive influence of his family and mentors played a large part in his journey to where he is today. Cheylin will have four participants competing in the Regional Entrepreneurship Fair in Atwood on April 5, 2012.
On Tuesday, March 15th, nine students from Cheylin schools participated in the Second Annual Cheylin Entrepreneurship Fair, hosted by Bird City Century II Development Foundation. The E-Fair is open to all Cheylin students in grades 7th-12th. This year we had a young group of participants, six 8th graders, two Freshmen and one Junior. In weeks prior, the participants created their own business idea, gathered information pertinent to their business (product research, marketing ideas, feasibility, and so on), and wrote a business plan. The morning of the E-Fair, participants had one hour to set-up their booths. At 8:30 am, the 3 judges went from booth to booth, judging the participants on their displays, their presentations as a whole and a short 5-8 minute personal interview. The students were judged on the following categories: Business Plan, Product Knowledge (Research & Development), Marketing Ideas, Product & Financial Feasibility, Commitment to Rural Economy/Lifestyle and Overall Impression of the Contestant/Product (Verbal Presentation). The nine entries were:Shawn Pochop – Porkchop FencingMary Anne Orten – Mary Anne’s Green ThumbEddie Frisbie – Trapping ServicesShayla Hubbard – Shayla’s Kiddy CareWil Orten – Wilhelm’s Custom ReloadsMichael Barnett – Get Hooked MarketingJaime Davison – Jaime’s Grocery ExpressTy Carmichael – Ty’s NW Kansas HuntsCheyenne Hewitt – Hot Shot Photo Stop Ben Blecha, an entrepreneur from Benkelman, NE, spoke to the audience about his motivation behind his entrepreneurial story. Ben was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 16, which led to the amputation of his right leg when he was in college. After finishing college and working for other employers, Ben decided to turn his career focus to something he could truly relate to, prosthetics. He received his training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Ben took a job in the Denver area before following his heart back to his hometown and starting his own business in Benkelman, “Sky Prosthetics”, where he makes the prosthetics, and his only need for travel is for the initial one-on-one consultations with his clients. Since then, he has opened an additional business, “Ace Ortho Solutions”, offering prosthetics and orthotics for animals. Ben’s personal experience and will to succeed, and his motivation for ‘small-town’ growth, are a few of his attributes that make him stand-out as an excellent role model for future entrepreneurs. Following the speaker, three scholarship awards were given out on behalf of Bird City Century II Development Foundation totaling $1,000. This year’s winners were: 1st Place – Wil Orten ($500)2nd Place – Mary Anne Orten ($300)3rd Place – Ty Carmichael ($200) All three winners have been accepted to participate in the Rawlins County REGIONAL Entrepreneurship Fair in Atwood on April 1st.
After several weeks of preparation and planning on our part…and several weeks of research, writing, more research…and more writing for 18 participants, the Cheylin Entrepreneurship Fair kicked off successfully! On February 22nd, a total of 18 participants from Cheylin, ranging from 7th – 12th grades submitted entries for the First Annual Cheylin Entrepreneurship Fair, hosted by Bird City Century II Development Foundation. Out of the 18 participants, a total of 15 entries were submitted as 2 of the projects were ’team’ projects. The main goal for hosting the Cheylin E-Fair is to encourage our youth to ‘give it a try’, and give them the support and encouragement to succeed! We want to help students realize there are endless possibilities out there for one looking to start their own business, and that “moving back” to this area, (Bird City/McDonald), can be an option! We realize not all businesses will succeed in this rural area, and it’s a part of the learning process of this Entrepreneurship project for students to research their ideas in depth to help them see what can, might, and will succeed! The students were instructed to write their own business plans, and gather information pertinent to their business idea…product research, marketing ideas, feasibility, and so on… They were also responsible for setting up their own booths pertaining to their business ideas, the morning of the E-Fair. The E-Fair was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 23rd. That morning, participants had one hour to set-up their booths. At 8:30 am, the 4 judges went from booth to booth, judging the participants on their displays, their presentations as a whole, and a short 5-minute personal interview. Following the speaker was presentation of the award winners. The 18 participants recognized for their entries included:Jacob Brubaker – Jacob’s Lawn Care ServiceAleece Rosales, Ellie Pochop, Shandy Manners – Horse Hair JewelryTy Carmichael – Bird City Bird HousesWalker Janicke – The Dirt Days (Motorcycle Track)Casey Vandike – Casey’s Lawn CareConnor Hazuka – Connor’s Mowing ServiceAdam Orten – AO Rappelling (Farm Silo Rappelling Wall)Joshua Keltz – Josh’s Pheasant FarmAustin Cobb – Austin’s Airsoft Wars (Airsoft Course)Kenan Reeh – K-R Spraying (Home and Yard Spraying)Stephanie & Craig Busse – Busse’s Bountiful Harvest Flour CompanyCaleb Keltz – Caleb’s Pellets (Biomass Pellets for Heating Homes)Health Antholz – Antholz Breakers (Horses)Lance Leonard – Leonard Soil SamplingHudson Louderbaugh – Prairie Dog Roping & Hunting Three scholarship awards were given out on behalf of Bird City Century II Development Foundation totaling $1,000, and $200 was given through Bird City E-Community, (entrepreneurial funds made available through Bird City Century II and Network Kansas). The winners of the 2010 Cheylin Entrepreneurship Fair include: 1st Place – $500 – Busse’s Bountiful Harvest Flour Company (Craig & Stephanie Busse)2nd Place – $300 – K-R Spraying (Kenan Reeh)3rd Place – $200 – Josh’s Pheasant Farm (Joshua Keltz)E-Community Award – $200 – Jacob’s Lawn Care Service (Jacob Brubaker) CONGRATULATIONS to all of the winners and a special thank you to each of the participants for their involvement!“ I’m very pleased with the quality of projects the students entered into the competition,” said Catherine Domsch, Executive Director of the Foundation. “The support from the school and community was outstanding. I’m looking forward to next year’s event!” A special recognition and thanks to our Resource Partners who were in attendance to show their support of the E-Fair. They included: Network Kansas (Wichita), Kansas Small Business Development Center (Bird City Outreach Office), Kansas Department of Commerce (Hays and Colby), Pioneer Country Development (Hill City), Colby Community College – Entrepreneurship Program (Colby), Northwest Kansas Technical College – Business Class (Goodland).
