The Oregon Coast Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its inaugural Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP), which culminated in a live pitch contest on Wednesday, May 15.
Held at the new auditorium in Oregon State University’s Gladys Valley Building in Newport, the event featured five high school finalists presenting their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges and a captivated audience of over 100 community members.
First Place: Judah Tysman, from Waldport High School, won first place and a $3,000 package for his impressive taxidermy business pitch.
Second Place: Grayson Cook, from South Beach Christian School, secured second place, earning a $1,500 prize for his mobile dog-grooming business plan, and an additional $500 for being the audience’s choice winner.
Third Place: Merin Wallace, from Toledo High School, took third place and a $1,000 prize for her business, “Bits & Bobs,” which specializes in fantasy-themed items that she manufactures and sells.
Fourth Place: Colin Kimberly, from Newport High School, received a $500 prize package for his plan to use resin 3D printers to create made-to-order items for tourists and locals.
Fifth Place: Kaylani Kittel, from South Beach Christian School, won $500 for her business, a subscription-based plan to sell kits and supplies to runners and fitness enthusiasts.
Connor Brown, a Newport High School student, was not one of the presenters on stage, but at his booth he impressed attendees with his business, Timber Edge, a finish-carpentry operation. Brown is planning to participate in the college’s upcoming Pre-Apprenticeship for Construction Trades (PACT) program, which begins Sept. 6, and is also planning to earn his contractor’s license through a Construction Contractors Board test course offered by the SBDC. (Learn more about the PACT at oregoncoast.edu/pact).
A Program Built on Innovation and Passion
The Youth Entrepreneurship Program, which began in January of this year, provided students with a unique opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship. Participants learned about idea generation, business planning, marketing strategies, and more, culminating in the development and presentation of their own business plans.
Kelliane Parker, the SBDC’s lead business advisor and the founder of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, said she was deeply moved by her students’ growth through the program and their achievements.
“We’re so proud of all our students,” she said. “And we look forward to bringing this program back next year — and the year after that. We are excited to have established a program, thanks to the support of so many community partners and friends, that will help us support and celebrate Lincoln County’s entrepreneurial youth for years to come.”
Parker added that the program would not have been possible without the support of the Lincoln County School District, the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County, Northwest Oregon Works, and Oregon Coast Community College.
Join the Next Youth Entrepreneurship Class
Inspired by the success stories of young entrepreneurs like Ben Pasternak, who created the popular mobile game “Impossible Rush” at 15, and Mark Zuckerberg, who co-founded Facebook at 19, the SBDC encourages high school students with a passion for innovation to enroll in the next Youth Entrepreneurship Program. Plans are being drafted now and will be announced later this summer. Watch the SBDC’s web page, oregoncoast.edu/sbdc, and its Instagram (@orcoastsbdc) for details.
