HAYS, Kan. – The future of entrepreneurship in Western Kansas was on full display as students from across the region gathered for the inaugural Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Western Kansas Wildcard Competition. Held April 7 at Gross Memorial Coliseum on the campus of Fort Hays State University, the event featured 41 junior high and high school entrepreneurs representing 30 student-run businesses.
Students competed for five wildcard spots to advance to the YEC State Competition in Manhattan on April 28. Participants were evaluated across three areas: mock board room presentations, written business plans, and video business pitches. Judges from across the region assessed each business, ultimately selecting the top five to move on.
This year’s competition showcased a wide range of ventures, from agriculture drone services to apparel brands and outdoor recreation businesses, reflecting both the creativity and practicality of Kansas youth.
The event extended beyond competition. A two-hour public trade show invited community members, family, and friends to engage directly with the students and their businesses. Participants also toured campus, including a stop at Hansen Hall, a residential learning community focused on developing future entrepreneurs, where they connected with FHSU students and faculty.
The day concluded with a keynote from local entrepreneur Kris Munsch, who challenged students to see themselves as the next generation of business leaders in rural Kansas.
Wildcard Winners
Five standout businesses were selected as Wildcard Winners, each earning advancement to the state competition, along with a $1,000 scholarship to FHSU and a $1,000 cash prize:
- Clear Skies LLC by Isaac Schultz (Sponsored by Midwest Energy)
- Dusk to Dawn Farm Sitting by Faith Schmeidler (Sponsored by Sunflower Electric)
- Hippie Haven Apparel by Alanna Schroeter (Sponsored by ITC)
- The Basket Boutique by Alibbea Mong (Sponsored by FHSU Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship)
- Hipp & Hem by Emily Hipp (Sponsored by FHSU Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship)
Special Award Winners
In addition to the Wildcard selections, three businesses were recognized for excellence in key areas. Each received a $1,000 cash award:
- Best Trade Show Award: B & C Protein by BreAnna Eveleigh and Caylob Puga (Sponsored by Midwest Energy)
- People’s Choice Award: T&P Premier Fishing Guides by Trayce Joslyn and Parker Sullivan (Sponsored by WKREDA)
- Ready to Launch Award: Learn with Alyssa by Alyssa Church (Sponsored by FHSU Foundation)
Building the Future of Rural Kansas
The YEC Western Kansas Wildcard is more than a competition. It is a platform designed to help young people see what is possible in their own communities and to connect them with the people and resources that can help bring those ideas to life.
“We were truly impressed with the students we met and the business ideas they had developed,” said Ben Schears, Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development at FHSU. “Our hope now is to build lasting connections with these students and encourage them to launch businesses right here in rural Kansas.”
Programs like YEC play a critical role in developing real-world skills in business planning, financial management, marketing, and communication. Just as importantly, they help students understand that opportunity does not have to exist somewhere else. It can be built right here.
About the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is a statewide initiative launched by Network Kansas to inspire and support the next generation of young entrepreneurs through hands-on experience in starting and growing a business.
The Western Kansas Wildcard Competition, launched by the Fort Hays State University Entrepreneurship program, ensures that students from rural communities have access to opportunities to compete, connect, and succeed.
This event was made possible through the support of Grow Hays, Network Kansas, K-State Extension, and numerous FHSU and community volunteers whose efforts brought the competition to life.
Winner Photos
