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Teen Entrepreneurs' Business Plan Competition
Save the Date
We're currently considering dates for mid to late May 2027
(Project ECHO considers dates of AP exams, proms, finals, end of year
events and other important dates that may impact student participation.)
Hosted at
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Carson, California
WHAT IS THE BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION ABOUT?
You have an idea, a product or service that will set the world on fire. Yet even with a great idea, entrepreneurs need to have a well-developed business description, marketing research, defined strategy and a thorough financial framework. Imagine you're on Shark Tank - how will you get the attention of the judges? You need more than an idea...
you need a solid business plan.
Project ECHO’s High School Entrepreneurs’ Business Plan Competition simulates the real-world process of entrepreneurs soliciting start-up funds from investors. On competition day, teams present their start-ups to a panel of judges who will collectively evaluate the quality of the written business plans, along with the presentations.
Cash start-up funds (that can be applied toward college) are awarded to the top three teams in each competition category. This year, the categories are Products, Services, and Social Enterprise. Remember, in every competition, not everyone can win, but as every successful entrepreneur knows, failure is an inevitable part of the road to success. This competition aims to not only crown the winners but to also help build a generation of successful business and community leaders who are willing to take risks.
WANT TO ENROLL IN THE COMPETITION?
Schools can sign up their business or entrepreneurship class or club through the Launching ECHO program.
Individuals under 19 who are currently in high school can independently register their business team without going through their school.
Once registered, the on-boarding process will begin with an informational session with our program staff who'll share detailed information on how best to prepare for the competition.
Still have questions? Schedule an informational meeting with our program staff to have all of your questions answered.
CHECK OUT THE 2026 PROGRAM
The 2026 Business Plan Competition was Amazing!
With thanks to our event host and sponsors
The 2026 Hybrid Competition was a Success!
Project ECHO proudly hosted its 2026 Teen Entrepreneurs’ Business Plan Competition at California State University, Dominguez Hills, bringing together student entrepreneurs locally and from across the country.
Nearly 400 students participated in Project ECHO’s Launching ECHO entrepreneurship program during the year, developing the skills and business concepts that prepared them for competition.
On Competition Day, 43 start-up business teams competed, 28 in person and 15 virtually via Zoom, demonstrating Project ECHO’s growing reach and providing students from across the country the opportunity to participate alongside their Southern California peers.
To ensure a fair and rigorous evaluation, Project ECHO engaged an incredible network of business professionals. 58 volunteer judges reviewed and scored written business plans, while 25 executive-level volunteers joined us in person to evaluate student presentations and provide valuable feedback.
Gene Eidelman, CEO and Founder of Azure Printed Homes, delivered an inspiring keynote address, sharing firsthand insight into entrepreneurship and what it takes to build and scale an innovative company.
Middle School & High School Winning Teams!
The day culminated with 16 teams earning top honors across the Middle School and High School divisions. Three middle school teams and 13 high school teams were recognized, with six of the winning teams competing virtually via Zoom ( 2 middle school teams and 4 high school teams).
Winning teams received cash start-up funding ranging from $250 to $2,000, providing seed capital to help students continue developing their ideas, or for college expenses.
Project ECHO continues to grow its impact and reach, connecting young entrepreneurs with business professionals, mentors, and opportunities that help them build confidence, develop real-world skills, and prepare for college, career, and beyond.
Teams with the highest combined scores from their written business plans and their presentations were deemed the winners!
2025 Overall Winning Team & First Place in Social Entrepreneurship
CauseConnect
Click the image below to watch their winning pitch!
2025 First Place in Services Category
TimeWise
Click the image below to watch their winning pitch!
2025 First Place in Products Category
Bliss Bathrobes
Click the image below to watch their winning pitch!
Congratulations to the
Jeff Weigel Road Warrior Award Winners!
