Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

We are proud to launch the Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards, a new entrepreneurship program in Whatcom County offering startup funding for teens and young adults in WA who dream of owning a business. The Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards will provide $5,000 to one Youthpreneur of the Year and two $2,000 Honorable Mention awards.

This program is the brainchild of Highline Construction’s founder and owner, Trevor Swezey. “I started my first company, Lawn & Order, at the age of 15. All I had was ambition and my dad’s lawnmower, but it was a start,” says Swezey. Fast forward 24 years and Swezey’s current company has 26 employees and is scheduled to see $10 million in annual revenue. “It’s taken a lot of hard work, but I finally have a business that is able to offer meaningful employment and living wages for over two dozen wonderful people. When you look at the ripple effect that has on their families, it’s really powerful. Creating this program is a way to extend that impact further. Maybe we can help another kid with ambition who just needs start-up money for a lawn mower or whatever else it may be. I hope one day the Youthpreneurs we honor will be running their own multi-million-dollar companies, creating meaningful local jobs right here in NW Washington.”

How This Youth Entrepreneur Award Helps Teens Start Businesses in Washington

The Youthpreneurs of NW Washington initiative is one of the few business grant opportunities for young adults in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Whether it's seed funding for a lawn care business or help pursuing a business degree, this startup funding for teens in WA aims to remove barriers for youth ready to lead.

Meet the Sponsors

Isaac Burrous, owner of Kent’s Garden & Nursery, and Brandon Nelson of Compass Realty were quick to sign on as co-sponsors of the program. “The three of us meet weekly to run, mountain bike, hike, or swim. We talk business wins and losses and learn from one another’s journeys. Friends who can inspire me and keep me accountable like they do are like gold. These guys are incredible, and I’m so excited to launch this program with them,” says Swezey.

Burrous grew up in an extremely rural area where opportunities for financial success were far out of reach. “During my junior year of high school, one of my teachers literally gifted me a car so I could commute to work and save up enough money to pursue opportunities that would allow me to make something of myself,” recounts Burrous. “Decades later, and I am blessed to say I have. This program is my chance to pay that forward. There are kids out there who need help, just like I did.”

How to Apply

Local youth can apply to the program to seek business start-up funding or to support a business degree or other professional development. The program is intentionally broad to encourage creativity while also helping kids and young adults consider their options.

“As a realtor and an endurance athlete,” says Nelson, “I can tell you it’s important to have a vision and stay focused and to keep trying even when things seem impossible. I love spending time with Trevor and Isaac because we all have that in common. It’s going to be a lot of fun to select three young adults who already have that figured out.”

“We’re all dads. We care about kids and want all kids to succeed. The launch of Youthpreneurs of NW Washington is a celebration of that commitment to the next generation,” says Swezey.

Eligibility and Deadline

This youth entrepreneur program in NW Washington is open to aspiring business owners ages 16 to 21 from Whatcom and Skagit Counties. The open application window will run through June 15, 2025 or will close once 50 qualified applications have been received, whichever comes first.

Interested in applying for one of the top youth entrepreneur awards in Bellingham and the greater Whatcom area? Visit YouthpreneursNW.com to learn how to receive business grants for young adults in Skagit and Whatcom Counties before June 15, 2025.

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