JA Young Entrepreneur Competition: Statewide
JA's Young Entrepreneur Competition is a competition between young entrepreneurs in the State of Wisconsin who are students between the ages of 16 and 22* that successfully turned a business idea into a reality in the form of a fully operational commercial enterprise. Four applicants will be chosen by our selection committee (the “finalists”) who will compete for a $5000 scholarship and other prizes in a taped television event in Milwaukee, WI.
*Students between the ages of 16 and 22, a legal U.S. and Wisconsin resident, and currently enrolled in your junior or senior year of high school (public, parochial, private, virtual, or homeschool), or in an undergrad, apprenticeship, or trade program. Graduate students are not eligible.
Student entrepreneurs' who have operated a business since January 2025 are eligible to apply.
Taping for the 4 finalists will take place in downtown Milwaukee on March 12th. Must be present to compete.
This year's event will run March 22nd - 26th.
The winner will be announced on Friday, March 26th.
*Students between the ages of 16 and 22, a legal U.S. and Wisconsin resident, and currently enrolled in your junior or senior year of high school (public, parochial, private, virtual, or homeschool), or in an undergrad, apprenticeship, or trade program. Graduate students are not eligible.
Student entrepreneurs' who have operated a business since January 2025 are eligible to apply.
Taping for the 4 finalists will take place in downtown Milwaukee on March 12th. Must be present to compete.
This year's event will run March 22nd - 26th.
The winner will be announced on Friday, March 26th.
Watch the 2026 Competition
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Sponsorships for these events are critical for Junior Achievement to continue providing life-changing programs to students in our community. These programs are delivered at no cost to students. You can make a difference in the lives of these students by participating in this world-class event!
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