Core Programs
Seven Programs. One Complete Entrepreneurial Education.
The Young Entrepreneurs Initiative is built around seven interconnected programs that take students from idea to achievement — through clubs, challenges, competitions, celebrations, recognition, exhibitions, and networking.
The Heart of YEI
Young Entrepreneurs Club
The Young Entrepreneurs Club is where it all begins. Schools establish YEC chapters where students come together throughout the year to explore entrepreneurship through teamwork, creativity, leadership, and real-world action.
Club Activities
- Student-led club meetings
- Team-based entrepreneurial activities
- Real-world entrepreneurial projects
- Leadership development
- Guest entrepreneur interactions
- Business visits and networking
- Ongoing engagement throughout the school year
Project Types
- Starting a small business
- Developing a new product
- Creating a service
- Launching a startup idea
- Building prototypes
- Testing ideas with real customers
- Presenting results and lessons learned
The Signature YEI Experience
Entrepreneurship Project Challenge
The Entrepreneurship Project Challenge is the core learning experience of YEI. Students learn entrepreneurship by creating and completing real-world projects — not by studying business concepts in the abstract.
Showcase. Compete. Achieve.
Young Entrepreneurs Championship
The Championship gives students the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial achievements and compete in a positive, educational environment across multiple levels.
Competition Levels
- School Level
- District Level
- State Level
- National Level (Future)
Recognition Categories
- Best Business Idea
- Best Startup Project
- Best Innovation
- Best Product or Service
- Best Team
- Best Presentation
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Summit Highlights
- Student project exhibitions
- Championship finals
- Entrepreneur keynote speakers
- Panel discussions
- Networking opportunities
- Sponsor exhibitions
- Awards ceremony
- Recognition of outstanding schools, teachers, mentors, and students
An Annual Celebration of Innovation
Young Entrepreneurs Summit
The Young Entrepreneurs Summit is an annual celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and student achievement — bringing together students, educators, mentors, and business leaders.
Building a Portfolio of Achievement
Recognition & Certification
YEI recognizes student achievement through certificates, awards, and leadership recognition. Students build a portfolio of projects, experiences, and accomplishments that strengthen future opportunities.
Certificates & Awards
- Young Entrepreneurs Club Member Certificate
- Entrepreneurship Project Completion Certificate
- Young Entrepreneurs Project Challenge Certificate
- Championship Participant Certificate
- Championship Winner Certificate
- Young Entrepreneurs Leadership Certificate
- Young Entrepreneurs Innovation Certificate
- Outstanding Team Award
- Outstanding Mentor Award
- Outstanding School Club Award
Expo Highlights
- Student business booths
- Product and innovation showcase
- Business demonstrations
- Networking with business leaders
- Community and sponsor exhibits
- Student recognition and awards
- Public exhibition
Exhibit. Demonstrate. Connect.
Young Entrepreneurs Expo
The Young Entrepreneurs Expo is an annual exhibition where students showcase their businesses, products, services, and entrepreneurial projects to the community.
Network Activities
- Business networking events
- Guest entrepreneur sessions
- Mentor networking
- Business discussion forums
- Leadership and communication workshops
- Cross-school networking opportunities
- Virtual networking events
Connect. Learn. Lead.
Young Entrepreneurs Business Network
The Young Entrepreneurs Business Network provides students with opportunities to build professional relationships, develop networking skills, and connect with the local business community.
Ready to Bring These Programs to Your School?
Partner with YEI to establish a Young Entrepreneurs Club and give your students access to all seven programs.