New Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow

Breaking the cycle of poverty by empowering students across Georgia to develop innovative solutions, strengthen entrepreneurial skills, and demonstrate leadership in addressing real-world challenges.

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Our Impact

  • 75+ high school students engaged

  • 40 hours/week of business, finance, and marketing seminars

  • $8,000 raised for youth startup seed funding

  • Partnerships with 4 Atlanta-area schools/programs

  • 14 student-run startups currently being developed

Competition Timeline

  • September 21st – Video Submission Opens

  • January 30th – Video Submission Deadline

  • February 8th – Top 15 groups selected to pitch in NEST Summit

  • February 9th – Certificates awarded for non–top 15 participants

  • March 14th – NEST Summit Live Pitch Event

Why us?

  • Accessibility: Free to enter, open to all Atlanta high school students. Other competitions are often limited or require high entry fees.

  • Equity: Welcomes students from all backgrounds, including underprivileged communities. Other competitions may favor students with more resources or connections.

  • Support: Provides mentorship and guidance throughout the process. Other competitions offer limited mentorship or support.

  • Awards: Offers up to $2,000 in seed funding per group and recognition from real investors. Other competitions have smaller prizes or no direct funding.

  • School Requirements: No school chapter or prior affiliation needed. Other competitions often require an established school chapter or club.

  • Judges: Evaluated by experienced and knowledgeable judges, providing valuable feedback and insights. Other competitions may not have as high-quality or engaged judges.

  • Teaching: NEST offers a series of both online and in-person seminars covering topics like marketing, financials, pitch structure, product development, etc. Students who register for the competition will receive invitations to join these seminars.