The 2008 Youth Entrepreneur of the Year application materials can be downloaded below:

• Call for Applications
• Application
• Business Plan Outline
• Sample Business Plan
• Sample Balance Sheet

THE AWARD
The student selected as the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year:

• Receives an award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Banquet on June 19, 2008
• Is awarded $1,000 to be used as funds for business development/college expenses
• Is provided the opportunity to “shadow” a professional in their area of interest

The Youth Entrepreneur of the Year will have the opportunity to meet many of the region’s top decision makers and business leaders. He/she will also be invited to attend The Washington Business Hall of Fame Dinner on December 2, 2008. The winning student must be willing to respond to media requests for information in a timely manner.

The Runner Up will receive a recognition plaque and will be included in media outreach efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS
Each applicant must:

• Be currently enrolled as a student in the 9th-12th grade at an accredited school or course of study in one of the following counties:
  • Maryland - Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s
  • Virginia - Alexandria City, Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Falls Church City, Fauquier, Fredericksburg, King George, Loudoun, Manassas City, Manassas Park City, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Warren
  • Washington, DC
• Have started and currently be running their own business.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Each applicant must:

• Submit a completed application, business plan, and balance sheet to Junior Achievement postmarked by April 8, 2008. See the application page for a suggested cover page and business plan outline.
• Provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher, school staff member, or customer. Letters from family members or peers are not permitted.
• Participate in an interview with a judging panel if selected as a finalist.

Below are examples of questions that will be provided to the judging committee to evaluate entries:

• How well has the student maximized resources available to him/her?
• To what extent has the student shown an entrepreneurial drive for his/her age?
• What is the potential of the business venture?
• What is the quality of the product?
• How committed has the student been to his/her venture?
• To what degree does this student exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit?
• What challenges has the student overcome that makes his/her success unique?

An official judging committee, independent of Junior Achievement of the National Capital Area, Inc., will select both a winner and a runner-up. Junior Achievement or the official judging committee may ask for more information from applicants at any time prior to the final selections. The selection of a winner will be made by May 9, 2008.

For additional information, please contact: