2026

Youth Entrepreneurship Program

&
Competition

Cohort 3 Applications Now Open!

12-Week program begins February 2nd, 2026!

Turn Your Ideas Into Impact

Empowering the Next Generation of Changemakers

Are you a young person who is frustrated with certain community or societal issues?

Are you ready to be a part of the change?

Join a 12-week entrepreneurial journey where young leaders (ages 14–21) research world issues, design real solutions, and pitch their business ideas for cash prizes and national recognition.

Have you ever thought about being an entrepreneur? Or a leader of change?

Let this 12 week program guide you to:

• Dive Deep into a Real World Problem

• Create Innovative Change

• Make Real Impact

Ideas by Youth invites young innovators to step into a transformative experience unlike any other. Over 12 powerful weeks, participants identify a global or community issue, conduct deep research, and develop a business idea, a product or service, designed to make a real difference.

The program culminates in a Shark Tank–style pitch competition judged by business professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

Start your Path to Strengthening your Leadership Abilities, Vision and Sense of Purpose.

How The Program Works

1. Research & Discovery:
Explore issues that matter — climate change, equity, mental health, economic justice, and
more.

2. Create & Prototype:
Work in teams, collaborate with mentors, and design business solutions that address your chosen issue.

3. Pitch & Elevate:
Present your final idea in a live competition with judges and an audience cheering you on.

Hands-On, Purpose-Driven Learning

Entrepreneurial Training: Learn business planning, prototyping, financial thinking, branding, and communication.

Mentorship Network: Receive guidance from industry professionals and community leaders.

Shark Tank–Style Competition: Pitch your idea for a chance to win cash prizes.

Visibility & Recognition: Your ideas get seen — and heard — by people who believe in youth innovation.

Pitch for Your Chance to Win

1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a cash prize for their business idea!

All winners will also receive 6 months of Mentorship with business leaders to implement your business idea.

This is your moment to shine, grow, and be celebrated.

This mentorship experience ensures that young entrepreneurs are not just pitching ideas —
they’re learning how to build, grow, and lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Eligibility Requirements:

- Ages 14–21
-Curious, motivated, and eager to learn and work with others

- Ability to join weekly sessions Monday & Wednesday from 6PM-8PM EST for 12 weeks

- A world issue that you're passionate about changing and why

- Able to participate in group work and presentations

- Start up idea must be an idea-stage company

The Competition

The Big Pitch: A Showcase of Young Innovation

At the end of the program, youth teams step onto the virtual stage to pitch their business ideas before a panel of professionals.

Each team receives 10 minutes to present, supported by their
research, business plan, and prototype.

Judges evaluate pitches using a detailed scoring rubric to ensure fairness and clarity.

This is a confidence-building, high-energy event that spotlights youth brilliance.

Post- Competition

Beyond the Pitch: Bringing Ideas to Life

Winning teams don't just walk away with a prize--- they step into a 6-month mentorship experience with a business professional, corporate partner or entrepreneurial leader.

Mentorship includes:

Developing business strategy
Prototyping and product refinement
Branding and marketing guidance
Customer discovery and outreach
Financial and operational planning
Support toward launching or scaling their idea

This is where ideas turn into action — and where young entrepreneurs grow into leaders.

Joanna Zhu, Japan: 2022 Student Participant

“My overall experience was great. I learned a lot of things on how to build a start up. The mentors are really helpful and give a lot of resources to help us get started. It was great meeting with my partner, collaborating and working on our idea together. I've always been interested in business and entrepreneurship so this opportunity just gives me a feel on how it is to become an entrepreneur. This is my first project on my entrepreneurship path and it will always inspire me to continue to make more in the future. ”

Be the Change

Vedant Mohan, New Jersey: 2022 Youth Entrepreneurship Student

“I recommend this program to my peers because it helps break down many stereotypes. It would give them a new entrepreneurial perspective on life. It could become their future career if they are genuinely interested in it. It will teach them to communicate better with others. It can also help them with their presentation skills and apprenticeship by providing advice from mentors.”

Become Empowered

Jasotha Keesara, Syracuse, NY: 2022 Youth Entrepreneurship Student

“This was a beneficial program for me, because usually I have commitment issues, so this really pushed me to, like, be on top of things and make sure that I'm dedicated throughout the entire process. I also gained many valuable personal characteristics, as it taught me perseverance. It taught me self-discipline because I knew I had to work for an hour to achieve it. Then, everyone would say that good things are hard and never easy. But I think it was really worth it.”

Apply NOW!

Join now- Because Your Voice Has Power

Entrepreneurship is more than business — it’s about believing in your potential, your creativity,
and your ability to spark change.

Participants gain:

1. Leadership and communication skills 2. Real-world problem-solving tools
3. Confidence in their voice and vision
4. A community of peers and mentors who uplift them
5. A powerful experience they can use for college, career, and life

Apply Now!

Application Criteria

To be considered, applicants must:
Explain why they are interested in entrepreneurship
Identify a world issue they care about
Demonstrate commitment to completing the full program
Submit a complete online application

Submit Application Here

Apply to Join the 2026 Youth Entrepreneurship Program

Want to learn more about us?

Visit our website at www.ideasbyyouth.org

Apply to the 12-week program

Carmen Mejia, Student Participant

“Ever since this program, our business, TLC artistry, has established a clear-cut budget and business plan for our first 6 months. This includes project ideas, wholesale distributors and prototypes.”

Jada Williams, Student Participant

“Entrepreneurship program taught me time management, problem solving and communication. It supports you through a process that might be hard and really help you, which is what a lot of kids my age need right now.”

Robert Landau Founder of The Guardian Project

"I have witnessed the critical importance of providing students with opportunities to solve authentic problems and develop agency over their own learning. Ideas by Youth does this exceptionally well."

2026 12-Week Program

Program will take place from February 2nd through May 7th!

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Create Change Here