UNT System

Student entrepreneurs display business acumen at NFTE competition

On Friday, December 15, thirty-three students, aged 11 to 18, from seven DISD schools competed at the UCD by presenting business plans as part of The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship program of North Texas. The UNT System helped coordinate NFTE and the UCD in providing space for the competition, the second year of support to this unique and innovative program.

Each competitor wrote, presented and defended a business plan based on one economic unit of sale to the judges, volunteer local businesspersons. DISD teachers and community-based organizations were trained by the NFTE to teach the students business skill sets.

Six winners from the Friday competition now advance to the next round. There, winners will be awarded seed money to launch their businesses: $500 for first place, $300 for second, $150 for third and three runners up will each receive $75.

The NFTE's mission is, “to teach entrepreneurship to young people from low-income communities to enhance their economic productivity by improving their business, academic and life skills.”

NFTE ensures that all competitors learn the essentials of entrepreneurship including supply and demand, record-keeping, marketing and sales strategy, economics of one unit, return on investment and ethical business behavior.

To find out more about the program visit the NFTE Website.

More images of the event...

Elizabeth Vega of Hulcy Middle School presents her average monthly fixed costs for her business Jewelry for All.	Houng Do of Thomas Rusk Middle School discusses her marketing mix and plan for her business, – Sweet Home.
Karen Ezell – Program Director NFTE Greater Dallas; Tremeyna Brown NFTE CET - Thomas J. Rusk Middle School; Denly Herbert NFTE CET - Florence Middle School; Aurtro Tijerina NFTE Student and owner of One Minute of My Life.	Robbie Teague NFTE CET - Hulcy Middle School; Mrs. Vega, parent of Elizabeth Vega; Elizabeth Vega owner of Jewelry For All People - Hulcy Middle School;, Indyca Jordan owner of Indy’s Design - Hulcy Middle School; and Mrs. Jordan, parent of Indyca Jordan.
Jesus Villegas from H. Grady Spruce High School fields questions from the volunteer judges.