Engaging Creative Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring creativity and curiosity in all learners through innovative and experiential learning, recently hosted the 13th annual YEScarolina State Business Plan Competition .
Stratford High School senior Kaden Parsons secured second place and $2,000 in seed money for his 3D printed outlet cover design, Kaden's Krafty Covers. Stratford University students Ayanna Godin, Nasir Howell and Devon White earned spots in the semifinal round of the competition.
The event was held on Friday, April 26th at Midland Polytechnic Institute's Beltline campus in Columbia.
More than 60 students from schools across the state came together to present their business plans, marking the culmination of an entrepreneurship lesson. These presentations aligned with South Carolina's graduation standards for financial literacy and represented their entrepreneurial aspirations.
In a format that combined “Shark Tank” and March Madness, local business experts had the opportunity to evaluate students' business plans and provide valuable feedback. The jury was comprised of prominent businessmen and women from the local community.
“We are extremely proud of all of the students who competed in this year’s state competition,” said Robin Berlinski, CEO of Engaging Creative Minds. “Each of them has shown incredible imagination, creativity and determination. The future is bright for these young entrepreneurs.”
To learn more about Engaging Creative Minds, visit engagecreativeminds.org.
