Black Dollar Magazine

BLACK DOLLAR MAGAZINE

For Black entrepreneurs, creatives, decision-makers and executives

Sign up for FREE BDM newsletter
     

St. Louis student Kiaira Merrill takes top spot at Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship's Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

Kiaira Merrill of Missouri's Saint Louis Science Center took home a $1,500 prize for KiaKoutur, a business that collaboratively upcycles used clothing to help recycle the Earth's resources.

St. Louis student Kiaira Merrill takes top spot at Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship's Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Kiaira Merrill of Missouri’s Saint Louis Science Center won the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship's 2023 Midwest Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. Malachi Davis and Ivan Walker of Illinois' Thornton Township High School took second place, and Lacey Muñoz-Swedberg of Wisconsin’s Beloit Memorial High School came in third. The finalists will pitch in New York on Oct. 3. NFTE PHOTO

Global entrepreneurship education non-profit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has announced three cash prizes for student entrepreneurs, including two from the Black community.

Kiaira Merrill of Missouri's Saint Louis Science Center took home a $1,500 prize for KiaKoutur, a business that collaboratively upcycles used clothing to help recycle the Earth's resources.

Meanwhile, Malachi Davis and Ivan Walker of Illinois' Thornton Township High School earned $1,000 for their business, Nokki — an idea for an alternative sweetener that does not spike blood sugar.

“We are so proud of these brilliant young minds and in awe of their commitment to entrepreneurship and making a difference in this world,” Dr. J.D. LaRock, CEO of NFTE, said in a statement. “Through their creativity and original ideas, our students demonstrate the power of their generation to transform their communities. When young people are given a platform to sharpen their skills and rise to their full potential, our economy and society thrive.”

The competition was presented by Ernst & Young. The NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is also supported by Horizon Therapeutics, Ingredion, Slalom, GSTV, and the Citi Foundation.

Lacey Muñoz-Swedberg of Wisconsin's Beloit Memorial High School placed third for her business, StudyLair. It provides a place for Beloit School District students to go year-round for tutoring, homework help, or to interact with other students. She won $500.

The young entrepreneurs will be presenting at the national finals in New York on Oct. 3 to compete for additional cash prizes.