Teen Entrepreneurs' Business Plan Competition

Save the Date
Sunday, May 16, 2027 (tentatively scheduled)
Project ECHO considers dates of AP exams, proms, finals, end of year
events, graduation 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.

Explore the 2026 Event Program

Reach Out!

The 2026 Hybrid Business Plan Competition was Amazing!

Project ECHO’s 2026 Teen Entrepreneurs’ Business Plan Competition brought young entrepreneurs together at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and virtually from across the country, for an exciting day of innovation, competition, and connection.

Nearly 400 students participated in Project ECHO’s entrepreneurship program this year, developing real-world business skills and preparing to pitch their ideas to experienced business professionals. The year culminated with our Shark Tank-style competition, where 43 student start-up teams competed and 16 Middle School and High School teams earned top honors and cash awards.

From inspiring student pitches and valuable feedback from our volunteer judges to a keynote from Gene Eidelman, Founder and CEO of Azure Printed Homes, it was a memorable celebration of the next generation of entrepreneurs.

See the students, stories, winners, and impact in our 2026 Event Highlights Newsletter!