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. Judging categories are:

Four-minute Presentation:

Time Requirement: 8:30 to 11:00 (Presentations start at 9 and may go until 11, depending on the number of businesses.)

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:

Time Requirement: Judging can be done anytime between 9:00 and 11:00

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:

Time Requirement: Judging starts at 9:00 and will likely end between 11:00 and 12:00 depending on the number of businesses.

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.