The Milledgeville-Baldwin County Youth Entrepreneur Program (YEP), a dynamic initiative of the CREATE (Cultivating Resilient Entrepreneurs and Transforming Economies) Committee, is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 Business Pitch Competition. This innovative program is designed to empower local high school juniors and seniors with the skills, mentorship, and experience to become tomorrow’s business leaders.

YEP is open to all Baldwin County 11th and 12th graders and features a three-round business pitch competition that provides students with the unique opportunity to:

• Share their ideas with real business leaders.

• Win cash prizes.

• Receive one-on-one mentoring.

• Gain hands-on experience as young entrepreneurs.

Through this competition, students will develop and pitch business ideas, learn from experienced mentors, and gain critical entrepreneurial experience. The program is led by the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Milledgeville Main Street/ Downtown Development Authority, Georgia Power, Georgia College, local entrepreneurs, the Baldwin County Board of Education, elected officials, and other dedicated community leaders.

Applications open September 1, 2025, and the registration deadline is September 30, 2025.

"We’re thrilled to offer students this kind of hands-on business experience," said organizers. “YEP is more than a competition – it’s a launchpad for our youth to take bold steps toward their futures as innovators and business owners.”

How to Participate:

• Who can apply: Baldwin County 11th & 12th graders

• Applications: Sign-up begins September 1, 2025 and ends September 30, 2025

• Questions? Email: Kara Lassiter at [email protected] or call at 478-453-9311

• Visit https://milledgevillega.com/yep-application/ to register

For more information, contact Kara Lassiter at the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber or visit their website.