STUDENTS COMPETE FOR CASH PRIZES AT THE FORD COUNTY YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITION

Dodge City KS – Seventeen students presented their business concepts on Wednesday, March 11th, 2020 at the Fourth Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Competition (YEC). YEC is hosted by the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation and was held at the Dodge City Community College. Students were scored on their executive summary and four-minute presentation by a panel of local judges. This local entrepreneurship competition is part of the YEC series by NetWork Kansas. The winner of the local competition will go on to compete at the state competition on April 28th at Kansas State University. 

Lauren Seachris won first place and $1,500 with her business Laurens Treats. Lauren who is a young entrepreneur actually does this as a business. She sells her homemade pet treats and toys online and at regional trade shows. Second place winner, Camila Gonzalez won $1,000 with her business Garage Lodge and Ty Vilaysing with Ace Detailing won third place and $500. Camila’s business Garage Lodge is a business concept she thought of when she was young. Garage Lodge is a garage located on interstate exits which provide a secure place for people to sleep in their vehicles for a low rate. “Garage Lodge ensures sleep to all people on the move because; your rest is our only quest” is the mission of Garage Lodge. Ty’s business concept Ace Detailing provides mobile auto detailing and focuses on providing the convenience of coming to the customer. 

The goal of the competition is to expose students to entrepreneurship. “All the students did an excellent job presenting their business ideas.” said Mollea Wainscott, Special Projects Coordinator for the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation. “It is really amazing to see our youth think like entrepreneurs, they put a lot of time and work into their business plans.” This event was sponsored by SMH Consulting and Chris Boys – American Family Insurance.  Many community members support this event by sponsoring, judging, presenting and mentoring the students. 

For more information contact Mollea Wainscott with the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, at 620-371-3869 or housing@dodgedev.org.