What Is It?
The INVEST Youth Business Scholarship Program is a flexible educational opportunity to support and encourage young entrepreneurs. It’s a business idea competition as well as a real-world learning experience.
Helping Today's Youth Become Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs
Who Is It For?
The program is for seniors at all three Wythe County high schools: George Wythe, Fort Chiswell, and Rural Retreat. You do not have to be “college-bound” to participate in the program! Anyone with a realistic business or start-up idea can join.
What Do I Get?
Everyone who participates and meets the requirements of the program will get hands-on entrepreneurial experience, mentorship and professional services, and a certificate of completion that can be a great résumé booster. One student from each high school will be awarded a $2,000 flexible scholarship. The funds can be applied toward higher education, including community college, a four-year college or university, or a degree or certificate program. Alternately, the funds can be used as seed money to launch your business!
What Do I Have to Do?
Do you have a stellar business idea? Perfect! You’re already ahead of the curve.
Step one is fill out an application by clicking the “Apply Now” button. Please read the entire application packet carefully. Once your application has been reviewed, you will be notified of your acceptance into the program.
Next, you will attend a “Business 101” class. There will be two dates to choose from. You are required to attend one class session in order to continue with the program. This is where you will learn how to draft a viable business plan.
The next step is to turn in a draft of your business plan using the template provided. Our team will review your draft and provide you with detailed feedback in a one-on-one session. We will identify the area in which you could use the most help, such as marketing or finances, and pair you with an expert in that subject for some hands-on assistance.
You’ll turn in a final copy of your business plan and then… DUN DUN DUN present your business idea as a slideshow or video on Pitch Night. Certificates will be awarded to all participants who completed the program, and the scholarship grantees will be announced at each high school’s awards ceremony. Finally, a reception will be held with the three winners and their families as the guests of honor!
Timeline & Key Dates
Sponsor Information
Want to sponsor this scholarship? We would love to have you on board! Sponsoring partners contributing up to $1,000 will receive:
- Listing on this page with link to their company’s website and/or Facebook pages
- Business name listed on all print material associated with marketing this program
- Featured post on Downtown Wytheville’s Facebook page; we have more than 6,000 followers and an average boosted post reach of more than 10,000
- An invitation to the reception, where they will be recognized and thanked
Just click the “Sponsor” button to complete a simple checkout process! You may also mail a check, made payable to Downtown Wytheville with “Invest” in the memo, to:
Downtown Wytheville Incorporated
180 West Main Street, Suite 4
Wytheville, VA 24382
Next-Level Partnerships
We are happy to work with sponsoring partners at a higher contribution level to tailor a benefits package that works best for you. For example, if your company contributes $2,000, you could opt to be marketed as a school sponsor. If you would like to contribute more than $1,000 call (276) 223-3343 to discuss a custom sponsorship package!
A Very Special Thank You to Our Sponsoring Partners
