The Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards recognize young entrepreneurs who are ready to launch a business, develop a product, or pursue professional development. We believe Whatcom and Skagit Counties will be stronger when we invest early in future business leaders. We’ll review up to 50 qualified applications and award grants or scholarships to the three we’re most inspired by.
https://highlinewa.com/
https://brandonnelson.com/
https://kentsgardenandnursery.com/
Youth Entrepreneur Awards in Northwest Washington
AWARD AMOUNTS:
(1) Youthpreneur of the Year: $5,000
(2) Youthpreneur Honorable Mentions: $2,000 each
SOURCE OF FUNDS: Highline Construction, Kent’s Garden & Nursery, and Brandon Nelson - Compass
AWARDS AVAILABLE: 3
APPLICATION DEADLINE: The open application window will run from May 1, 2025 through June 15, 2025 or close once 50 qualified applications have been received, whichever comes first.
WINNER ANNOUNCED: The award winners will be announced no later than August 15, 2025. Funds will be granted in full to the winner no later than August 31, 2025.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Both individuals and teams of two may apply. For an application to be considered, the applicant(s) must:
- Be between the ages of 16-21 at the time of application. Youth under the age of 18 require parental consent to apply.
- Have lived in Whatcom County, WA or Skagit County, WA for at least six of the past twelve months.
- Operate an existing business – OR- have an established business plan with the intention to execute on a new business or entrepreneurial idea -OR- currently be pursuing a college-level business degree or certificate.
- Consent to their story and their image or likeness being shared by program sponsors and cross-promoted in any media format.
TO APPLY: All applicants are required to complete the online application form, including:
- General information
- Short answer questions (responses max 900 characters each)
- Please describe yourself/selves. What is your background? What brings you joy?
- What does entrepreneurship mean to you and why do you want to be an entrepreneur?
- How have you displayed resilience and how do you stay motivated to succeed?
- Describe your current business, business idea, or purpose for pursuing a business education and any steps you have already taken in support of your goals.
- What inspired your business, business idea, or educational pursuit? Why do you think it will work?
- Describe any barriers to growing your business, starting your business, or financing your education and how this award money would help alleviate or resolve those barriers.
- What else sets you apart or makes your story unique? This may include special achievements or life experiences.
- 3 recommendation videos, each 1-2 minutes in length
- 2-3 minute video pitch
- 3 images
- Parental Consent (for applicants under 18 years of age)
- Media Waiver
- Grant limitations acknowledgement
Only complete applications will be considered.
Application videos may be taken on a smartphone or any digital camera and are not expected to be professionally-produced.
LIMITATION OF FUNDS: One Youthpreneur of the Year recipient or team will receive $5,000, while two Honorable Mention recipients or teams will each receive $2,000. All funds awarded shall be used to cover expenses that advance the winners’ business efforts, entrepreneurial ideas, or college-level business degrees. This may include supplies, business planning, business travel, training, IT-infrastructure, space, time, tuition, etc. Funds shall not be used for any personal expenses not related to the declared professional endeavors.
SELECTION PROCESS: The application review process will be managed by Highline Construction. All qualifying applications will be advanced for review to a panel of three reviewers, one from each program sponsor, who will work collectively to select award recipients based on the following considerations:
- Feasibility: Are the applicant’s goals clear and achievable?
- Tenacity and Perseverance: Has the applicant illustrated their ability to be tenacious and persevere through failure? Are they committed to their goals?
- Eagerness to Learn: Has the applicant committed to their learning in ways that go above and beyond their same-aged peers?
- Support Network: Do the recommendation videos give you confidence that the individual has a network of people who believe in them, are rooting for them, and will serve as mentors, advocates, counselors, and cheerleaders as the applicant pursues their goals?
- Wow-Factor: How much has the applicant inspired you to root for them?
What are you waiting for? Become a youthpreneur. Apply now.
