NFTE National Challenge 2019: Quarter Finals

Help a young person start their entrepreneurial journey to a better future. NFTE activates the entrepreneurial mindset and builds startup skills in youth from under-resourced communities to ensure their success and to create a more vibrant society. We rely on volunteers from the business and entrepreneurial community to bring real-world insights and expertise to the classroom experience. 

Every NFTE student develops a unique business opportunity pitch during the program.  Through the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, students demonstrate mastery of the entrepreneurial mindset – the way entrepreneurs approach and overcome challenges.  By presenting their plans in competition, students practice their public-speaking skills, gain professional advice from competition judges, and receive public recognition, including earning capital to invest in their business and/or their education.

On Wednesday, October 16, 2019, approximately 24 finalists who won regional competitions across the US in the spring and summer will compete in the NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in New York City. 
 

NFTE National Challenge: Quarter Finals
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Sheraton New York Times Square
811 7th Avenue (@ W 53rd Street)
New York, NY 10019
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
 

NFTE judging panels are composed of a mix of investors and industry experts, including venture capitalists, angel investors, investment bankers, seasoned entrepreneurs, and business professionals of all kinds.  We seek a good balance of men and women that mirror and model the demographic diversity of our young entrepreneurs. As an Opportunity Pitch Judge, you will have the important role of determining which student business offers the most innovative solution to a real-world problem and demonstrates a strong entrepreneurial mindset. You will also have the opportunity to provide constructive feedback to the student businesses on their business ideas and presentation skills. 

Each quarter- and semi-final judging panel will see 4 - 5 student businesses present their plans, accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation.  Judges will evaluate and score the presentations using NFTE’s rubric and will deliberate before selecting finalists to continue. Judges for the final round of competition will review and score only the top three finalists, to select one overall winner.