Charleston-based nonprofit, Engaging Creative Minds, hosts 13th annual YEScarolina State Business Plan Competition

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Charleston, SC – Engaging Creative Minds, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to sparking creativity and curiosity in all learners through innovative and experiential learning, recently held the 13th annual YEScarolina State Business Plan Competition. The event took place on Friday, April 26th, at Midlands Technical College- Beltline Campus in Columbia, South Carolina.

Over 60 students from schools statewide gathered to present business plans, marking the culmination of their entrepreneurship class. These presentations, aligned with South Carolina’s graduation standards for financial literacy, showcased their entrepreneurial ambitions.

In a format that combines “Shark Tank” and March Madness, local business professionals had the opportunity to evaluate the students’ business plans and provide valuable feedback. The panel of judges consisted of prominent businessmen and women from the local community.

The top five winners of the competition are:

Davis Stubbs from RD Anderson ATC, whose venture “Stubbs’ Cookies” claimed first place, earning $3,000 in seed money.

Kaden Parsons from Stratford High School, whose business “Kaden’s Krafty Covers” secured second place, winning $2,000 in seed money.

Sydney Rich from Crescent High School, whose enterprise “Crazy Crochet” clinched third place, receiving $1,000 in seed money.

Robert White, representing “Guy with a Ladder,” and John McCully, representing “Fision,” both from East Cooper CAS, claimed fourth and fifth place respectively, each receiving $500 in seed money.

“We are incredibly proud of all the students who made it to this year’s state competition,” said Robin Berlinsky, CEO of Engaging Creative Minds. “Each one of them showed incredible imagination, creativity, and determination. The future is bright for these young entrepreneurs.”

Engaging Creative Minds extends its gratitude to all the judges, sponsors, and supporters who made the competition possible.

For more information about Engaging Creative Minds and its programs, visit www.engagingcreativeminds.org.