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Grow Hays, in partnership with Network Kansas, Fort Hays State University’s Entrepreneurial Department, Midwest Energy, Sunflower Electric, Nex-Tech, Thomas More Prep-Marian, and Hays High School USD 489, proudly hosted the 2025 Ellis County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) on the campus of Fort Hays State University.
The annual event showcases the next generation of Ellis County business owners, giving students the opportunity to develop and present business ideas through written business plans, professional presentations, and a trade show exhibit. This year’s competition highlighted outstanding creativity and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
2025 YEC Winners
- 1st Place – $1,000Triple M Lawns – Mattias Marintzer
- 2nd Place – $500 Pristine Exteriors – Karter Myers
- 3rd Place – $300 Dusk to Dawn – Faith Schmeidler
Special Award Winners
- Midwest Energy Best Trade Show Award – $200Learn by Alyssa – Alyssa Church
- Sunflower Electric People’s Choice Award – $200Golden Bit Cookies – Derek Becker and Brayden Gilmore
- Nex-Tech Most Likely to Launch Award – $200Dusk to Dawn – Faith Schmeidler
- FHSU Entrepreneur of the Year – $500 Scholarship Hipp & Hem – Emily Hipp
Grow Hays extends sincere thanks to all participating students, educators, volunteers, and sponsors who made the 2025 competition possible. Events like the YEC continue to strengthen the entrepreneurial pipeline in Ellis County, encouraging youth to develop real-world business skills and pursue innovative ideas.
For more information about youth entrepreneurship programs or opportunities to get involved, contact Grow Hays at [email protected] or visit www.growhays.com.