2026 State Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC)

State YEC is sponsored by Kansas State University Extension in partnership with the Kansas State University Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship and the Network Kansas Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Series to promote entrepreneurship and small business development in Kansas.  The competition is for student created, managed, and owned ventures. It is a premier entrepreneurship competition in the state of Kansas.

For more information visit the YEC State Website.  

YEC State will occur over two days this year, we are excited to continue to grow the YEC Series alongside our partners to continue to provide the premier youth entrepreneurship competition in Kansas! 

March 24th - Submission deadline for YEC Winners (here) and Wildcards (https://goventuredash.com/competitions/772)
April 3rd - Wildcard winners announced
April 27th - Mock Board Room questions are released
April 28th - Design Challenge, Welcome Reception, and Tradeshow
April 29th - YEC State at Kansas State University
*Each entity or individual will be required to provide a W-9 and photo release form before receiving any prizes!

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in an optional Tradeshow that will take place the evening of April 28th at the K-State Alumni Center.

KEC Prep Course in preparation for the event. Each student selected to compete at the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge who has successfully completed and turned in the exercises will receive a Certificate of Completion and an additional $50 in prize money.