NEW ORLEANS, LA – March 1, 2019 – i.Invest is pleased to announce that the 2019 national youth business competition is now accepting applications. Young entrepreneurs between the ages of 13 – 19, with a demonstrable product or service, can showcase their innovative ideas in a real-world business competition designed for aspiring leaders. Starting today, youth from across the country can apply to participate in a six-month web-based program that includes three rounds of scoring, virtual group coaching, and one-on-one mentoring from industry and academic leaders belonging to organizations such as, Coca-Cola United, Microsoft, USDA, and University of Maryland. Now in its’ fourth year, i.Invest has attracted young business leaders from across the United States. Competing teams can win a share of $10,000 in cash and in-kind prizes, as well as receive numerical scores and written feedback from experienced professionals who volunteer their time to help young entrepreneurs build scalable businesses. Past winners have gone on to raise over $250,000 in pre-seed funding, create jobs, enroll in the best business schools in the nation, and earn recognition from media outlets across the country. The 2018 top winner, Pulse Wearables, the creators of a medical device that allows people struggling with heart disease to monitor their heart-rate levels, joined past winners, PrepUP and Beacon Health, in earning the title of i.Invest Youth Business of the Year. “Our goal is to attract students who have learned the fundamentals of business development and are eager to test their business model. We believe age doesn’t limit the innovator; instead, it is a key factor in what makes them creative and ambitious,” said Michelle Jackson, the competition’s executive director. “We have developed a platform that allows youth from all walks of life to show off their innovative business ideas, connect with their peers from across the country, learn from experienced professionals and win money to help them grow their business. Whether the product is urban gear or a mobile app, we welcome young leaders to participate in this year’s competition.” To qualify for round 1 scoring, applicants must submit a concept profile, executive summary and pitch video via the Reviewr online application platform by May 1st. The application fee is $29. Scholarships are available for students from economically underserved communities through LifeSkills Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for youth and youth entrepreneurs. All application submissions, mentoring, and scoring are done virtually. Applicants must have access to a PC, tablet or smartphone to participate. To apply, go to www.i-investcompetition.com. To become a sponsor or to learn more about the program, email [email protected]. This year’s cash prizes are sponsored by ASI Federal Credit Union – New Orleans, Premier Pediatrics of Houston, VentureWalk, and PR Solutions LLC. To see a complete list of prizes visit the website.
