Chamber opens YEP program for registration

>> YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR

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 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, and 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 Sept. 1 and the registration deadline is Sept. 30.

“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.”

For questions email Kara Lassiter at klassiter@ milledgevillega. com or call at 478-453931. Visit https:// milledgevillega.com/ yep-application/ to register.

— Contributed