Youth Entrepreneur Challenge (YEC) - February 24, 2026

Judges Inquiry

Thank you for considering being a judge in this year's Youth Entrepreneur Challenge and Trade Show. Judges are asked to arrive at the Independence Civic Center, 410 N Penn, by 8:30am. Judging should be completed by 11am. Lunch and awards will begin soon after judging in complete.

Judging categories are:

Four-minute Presentation:

Judging criteria

1. Business Overview: Explains business, team and key roles, relevant experience, intended legal structure, product/service offered, location, timeline, funding needed, etc.
2. Marketing: Market research done to identify target market, plan to reach market, potential growth, competition, promotion/advertising, pricing strategy, etc.
3. Financials: Accurately projected financial requirements, cash flow, income, etc.
4. Presentation: Poise, confidence, comprehension, quality and relevance of slides, ability to answer judge questions, proper attire, captures attention, within time limits, etc.
5. Investable: The likelihood that you would invest in this business.

Executive Summary:

Judging criteria

1. Market Opportunity: Sizeable market need presented, with the ability and plan to capture it.
2. Business Model: Company has a viable plan to grow a profitable business.
3. Management Capability: Founder/team demonstrates the ability to effectively grow the company.
4. Product/Service Offering: Customer focused solution with a clear value proposition.

Tradeshow Booth:

Judging criteria

1. Business Overview: Explains business, team and key roles, relevant experience, intended legal structure, product/service offered, location, timeline, funding needed, etc.
2. Marketing: Market research done to identify target market, plan to reach market, potential growth, competition, promotion/advertising, pricing strategy, etc.
3. Presentation: Poise, confidence, comprehension, quality and relevance of slides, ability to answer judge questions, proper attire, captures attention, within time limits, etc.
4. Booth Display: Creative, neat, easy to understand, relates to the business, engages judges, etc.

Judges will complete rubric forms in an online YEC judging application called Venture Dash. Once all scores are entered, Venture Dash provides the scoring summaries that determine the winning businesses.

Please indicate below which categorie(s) you'd be willing to judge (you may 1, 2 or all 3 choices.)

Tell us if you're available to join us for catered lunch from Ane Mae's.

Some browsers may not display the form. Please feel free to call Jim Correll, 620-252-5349 or Laura Schaid, 620-205-9288 and give us your choices by phone.