Baylor University Seeks Nominations for Youth Entrepreneur Award

Winner receives $2,000 and connections via Baylor’s business network

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Media contact: Eric M. Eckert, (254) 710-1964

WACO, Texas (Dec. 7, 2016) – Do you know a high school student who is a budding – or maybe already successful – entrepreneur?

Baylor University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise is seeking outstanding young entrepreneurs to honor and recognize as part of its second annual Baylor Youth Entrepreneur Award program. Students currently in high school who are running new ventures may be nominated to receive recognition. Nominations close Jan. 4, 2017.

“We at Baylor are very excited to identify and formally recognize some of the most promising young entrepreneurs in the country,” said Kendall Artz, Ph.D., chair of the entrepreneur and corporate innovation department in the Hankamer School of Business. “It is a wonderful opportunity for high school entrepreneurs to network, explore options to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams at Baylor and to receive financial support for their ventures.”

Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place. The first-place winner receives $2,000, one connection made through Baylor's business network, five "credits" of hourly time that can be used for mentorship from personnel in Baylor's Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Young Entrepreneur of the Year trophy.

Requirements for the award include:

• Must be a high school student at time of application
• Must have established a business that currently generates revenue (or has clear sight to revenue within three months of application date)
• Student must be main owner-operator of business
• Can be located anywhere in continental United States, or online
• Must be nominated by January 4, 2017
• Must submit company information by February 10, 2017
• Must be able to attend live awards event on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 on Baylor's campus in Waco, Texas

Students must submit information about their company to Baylor. That information will then be reviewed by judges. Several finalists will be chosen and invited to attend a special event on Baylor's campus where the winners will be announced and prize money will be awarded.
Award winners for 2016 included: First Place, Grant Frerking of Metro Atlanta Pine Straw and Mulch, LLC; Second Place, Jenna Bethany of Jazzie’s by Jenna; and Third Place, Jason Gilcrease of Edge Outdoor Apparel.

More information and nominations forms can be found on the Baylor Youth Entrepreneur Award website.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT HANKAMER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business provides a rigorous academic experience, consisting of classroom and hands-on learning, guided by Christian commitment and a global perspective. Recognized nationally for several programs, including Entrepreneurship and Accounting, the school offers 24 undergraduate and 13 graduate areas of study. Visit www.baylor.edu/business and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/Baylor_Business.