To inspire Humboldt County high school students to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

What We Do

The Young Entrepreneurs Business Challenge is a written business plan competition sponsored by the Humboldt County Office of Education Rising Stars Foundation. Students compete by writing a business plan for a business they are interested in starting in Humboldt County. Each year the judges grant up to three $5,000 awards for startup capital. Award money is distributed by the North Coast Small Business Development Center. The North Coast SBDC also provides business consulting services to the winners.

In addition to writing a business plan, all competitors will develop their public speaking skills by giving an elevator pitch presentation in front of a panel of judges made up of local business professionals. Finalist teams give an additional formal presentation.

Site coordinators at Humboldt County high schools provide educational resources and work with students on their entrepreneurial ventures. Mentors from related businesses are brought in to work with students as needed.