Entrepreneur

What is the Business Plan Competition?

YEScarolina hosts in-school competitions and a state business plan competition. Students have the opportunity to participate in a series of business plan competitions as the capstone project of their entrepreneurship class. Students build their business plans over the course of their class. Once completed, they present their ideas to local businessmen and women serving as judges. The top students are eligible to win seed money ranging from $100 to $3,000 throughout the course of the competitions to help fund the creation of their businesses.

How it works:

The business plan competition represents middle and high school entrepreneurship classes from across the state. All student competitors who have placed first or second in a class business plan competition are eligible to compete on the state level hosted in Columbia, South Carolina. The YEScarolina Annual Business Plan Competition hosts 50 to 60 top youth entrepreneurs with three rounds of competition. The final round of competition showcases the best and brightest ideas in the state and each student has an opportunity to present their business plan for a chance to win seed money to launch their venture.

Meet the winners of the 2025 YEScarolina State Business Plan Competition

Congratulations to our winners! Thank you to the outstanding entrepreneurship teachers that made this happen for your students. We appreciate all your hard work, dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm! WOOHOO!

1st Place $3,000

Natalie Schulz | R.D. Anderson Applied Technology Center
Teacher: Kelly Kiser
Perfume Passport

2nd Place $2,000

Jack Israels | Wando High School
Teacher: Sharon Ansley
Jetstream Travel LLC

3rd Place $1,000

Lizzie Nelson | R.D. Anderson Applied Technology Center
Teacher: Kelly Kiser
Subtle Scents

4th Place $500

Owen Erb | R.D. Anderson Applied Technology Center
Teacher: Kelly Kiser
Cash Caddy

5th Place $500

Oscar Magellan | R.D. Anderson Applied Technology Center
Teacher: Kelly Kiser
Spartanburg Ignite

2023 Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to David Frailix of Wando High School for winning the 2023 YEScarolina State Entrepreneurship Teacher of the Year Award! He received a $1,000 check and a plaque for this prestigious recognition. We celebrate your success and CONGRATULATIONS!

competition

2023 State Business Plan Competition

Get ready and save the date for our 12th Annual State Business Plan Competition to be held in Columbia, SC!

Brookland Baptist Youth and Teen Center
1066 Sunset Blvd.
West Columbia, SC
Directions

Friday, April 21st, 2023 8am-5pm

Featuring keynote speaker and award-winning baker and entrepreneur, Carrie Morey of Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

Download Flyer Download Agenda

Teacher Submissions

One-stop shop for registration and paperwork submissions, for teachers and competing students.

The deadline to submit is Friday, March 31, 2023.

Judges Needed!

We are seeking judges to partake in this exciting event! Judging slots are about a 2 hour commitment. It is an incredible opportunity to share your expertise and your business knowledge with high school students as they navigate their entrepreneurial journey. Register below!