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Youth Entrepreneur Challenge (YEC) - February 24, 2026

For 9 years, Montgomery County eCommunity has sponsored the local YEC competition sanctioned by Network Kansas for Montgomery County and surrounding area youth.  

Public invited to the YEC trade show, Feb. 24, 2026, 9AM to 1PM, Independence Civic Center, 410 N Penn. 


Youth within these area school districts, as well as home school and private school youth are invited to participate.

  • Altoona-Midway
  • Caney Valley
  • Coffeyville
  • Independence
  • Cherryvale
  • Neodesha
  • Fredonia

Entrees can be an existing business or business concept.

To view requirements and register, 

Click here to go to our YEC Registration/Event page.

Entry deadline is February 17, 2026

Help Spread the Word

Choose one or more versions of our flyer to download to share with other teachers, mentors, and youth advocates.

About Your Business Plan

Starting a business plan can feel overwhelming — and that’s completely normal.
The Youth Entrepreneur Challenge Business Plan Canvas is designed to make it easier by breaking your idea into simple, manageable pieces. Instead of worrying about writing a formal business plan right away, you’ll focus on thinking through your idea, one section at a time. Everything you put on the canvas can later be turned into a traditional business plan if needed.

How to use the Business Plan Canvas:

  • Download the fillable PDF canvas template by clicking here.

  • Fill in each box with your best answers — bullet points and short responses are encouraged.

  • Save the file to your own device or workspace.

  • Need help? If you have questions or want help turning your canvas into a full business plan, contact Jim Correll at jimc@ibrcenter.org or 620-252-5349.

There are no “right” or “wrong” answers — the goal is simply to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page.

Sponsorships Available

Please help us support these young people in their personal development through the magic of entrepreneurship.

  • Platinum, $250
  • Gold, $150
  • Silver, $100
  • Bronze, $75

OR

Contact Jim Correll, Jimc@ibrcenter.org or 620-252-5349.


Previous competitions

"Innovative Business Resource Center" (IBRC) is a Kansas Not-for-Profit organization and a 501(c)3 organization. Montgomery County, Kansas.

IBRC is the local partner organization for Montgomery County E-Community, a Network Kansas initiative.

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