Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
During the 2025-2026 academic year, eCommunities can host their own local entrepreneurship competitions and be part of the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Series by submitting a sanction application. Students will have the chance to win cash prizes and earn a spot at the state championship.
YEC is a great opportunity for young aspiring entrepreneurs to learn how to operate a successful business and make long-lasting connections with business mentors.
— Riley, YEC Participant
2025- 2026 YEC Details
2025-2026 dates coming soon!
VentureDash
VentureDash is a one-stop-shop for hosting a successful YEC Series event. In VentureDash you can access guidelines, best practices, and resources in addition to a full scoring system for your local event. Any organization wanting to run an entrepreneurship, business, or any other kind of competition may use VentureDash. Contact us to learn more about VentureDash.
Important Dates
📌 November 14, 2025
- Deadline for YEC Series online sanction applications due to Network Kansas
📌 March 24, 2026
- Local event deadline
- YEC winner submission deadline
- Wildcard submission deadline
📌 April 3, 2026
- Wildcard winners announced
📌 April 28, 2026
- YEC State Championship Welcome Reception, Design Challenge, and Trade show
📌 April 29, 2026
- YEC State Championship held at K-State University Student Union
Images from YEC State 2025 in Manhattan, KS
Strategic Partners