The Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber celebrated a historic milestone on Thursday, February 12, as it crowned its first-ever Youth Entrepreneur during the Youth Entrepreneur Program (YEP) Finals at the Baldwin High School Auditorium. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of family, friends, community leaders, school officials, and supporters who gathered to cheer on the student finalists.

In a “Shark Tank”-style competition, student entrepreneurs presented their businesses before a panel of community judges. Participants outlined their products and services, business models, marketing strategies, and growth plans, then answered questions from the panel. Judges evaluated each student on presentation quality, preparedness, responses to questions, and the overall sustainability and long-term viability of their business.

Emerging as the inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Champion was Middle Georgia Detailing (owners, Adison Fain and Brooks Latimer), earning First Place and the $1,500 grand prize. The judges were impressed by the company’s strong business model, clear vision for growth, and confidence in delivery.

Also recognized for their outstanding work were:

• Second Place: Silas Details (owner, Kylan Silas) – $1,000

• Third Place: Harmony Handcrafts (owner, Harmony Brynteson) – $750

•  Fourth Place: Findley’s Finds (owner, Trey Flournoy) – $500

Each finalist demonstrated remarkable creativity, professionalism, and entrepreneurial drive beyond their years.

The Chamber extends special thanks to Fouts Bros, Title Sponsor of the Youth Entrepreneur Program, whose generous support helped make this inaugural year successful.

“We had an incredible time celebrating these students and announcing our first-ever Youth Entrepreneur,” said Kara Lassiter, President & CEO of the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber. “Seeing their entrepreneurial spirit on full display was truly inspiring. These students didn’t just present ideas — they presented real, sustainable businesses with vision and purpose. The future of entrepreneurship in our community is bright.”

The Youth Entrepreneur Program was created to equip local students with real-world business experience, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities. With overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees and participants alike, the Chamber is excited to continue and expand the program next year.

“We are so proud of every student who stepped onto that stage,” Lassiter added. “We look forward to watching their businesses continue to grow and succeed.”

For more information about the Youth Entrepreneur Program, please contact Kara Lassiter at 478-453-9311 or [email protected].