Youth Entrepreneurship Competition returns April 17 

Pictured from left: Back row: Jaylee Nienhuser, Lilee Wieser, and Cecilia Perrenoud; Front row: Kennedy Hobson, Cali Haas and Josette McConnell.

(Press release)

SIDNEY– The third annual Youth Entrepreneurship Competition will take place on Friday, April 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sidney High School.

Community members, business leaders, parents, and supporters are encouraged to stop by, ask questions, and show students that Sidney and Cheyenne County support the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

The competition first launched in 2023 as a partnership between Cheyenne County E3 and Sidney Public Schools, with Ashley Fehinger leading the high school entrepreneurship class that drives the project. The previous two years have drawn strong community turnout and powerful student ideas, from apps to pet treats, online services to retail concepts, and helped young people build confidence beyond the classroom. 

The Competition’s success is established in the classroom partnership between Cheyenne County E3 and SHS instructor Ashley Fehinger, whose instruction guides students through every step of business development, from ideation and market research to financial forecasting, branding, and professional presentation. Fehinger helps connect academic learning with applied entrepreneurial experience, empowering students with practical skills that extend beyond the competition setting. 

The high-energy, tradeshow-style event showcases innovative business ideas developed by local students. High school students have worked through a three-phase entrepreneurial challenge to bring their concepts to life, and this year the competition expands with the addition of additional Cheyenne County schools and a middle school division. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore student business booths and product demonstrations, learn how entrepreneurship is being taught across Cheyenne County schools, engage directly with students about their ideas, and cast votes to help determine prize winners. 

High school students will compete for more than $5,000 in prizes and middle school students will compete for $350 in prizes. Community members play an important role in the event and your presence and vote help recognize the students innovation and hard work. 

The Youth Entrepreneurship Competition is a celebration of creativity, problem-solving, and a reminder of the talent growing up in Cheyenne County. This event creates connections between schools, businesses, families, and civic leaders while giving students an opportunity to showcase their talent. 

For complete event details, schedules, and student spotlights, follow Cheyenne County E3 on Facebook @CheyenneCountyE3 or contact Alisha Juelfs at [email protected].