For the past 12 years, the 8th Grade Entrepreneurship Fair in Thomas County has been giving students the opportunity to dream big and think like business owners. Hosted at the Colby Event Center, this event is more than just a school project—it’s a real-world experience where students develop, market, and showcase their own businesses.
Kristina from NWKS Radio caught up with Vernon Hurd, Executive Director of Thomas County Economic Development, to discuss the impact of the program and how it continues to grow each year.
Turning Ideas Into Businesses
“This event started small, but as our 8th-grade classes have grown, so has the fair,” Hurd shared. This year, over 70 students participated, forming 45 different businesses, all of which were on display for the public.
The goal? To show students that entrepreneurship is a viable path—that they don’t have to just work for someone else, but can create their own opportunities.
And these businesses? They cover everything from woodworking and leatherwork to food, art, and handmade products. “People coming through never leave hungry,” Hurd joked, acknowledging the many snack-based businesses on display.
Competition & Real-World Skills
While the event is fun and engaging, it’s also a competition. Due to the large number of participants, students are divided into two divisions, with judges evaluating their businesses based on executive summaries, marketing, cost analysis, and trade show displays.
The winners from each division compete head-to-head, presenting their elevator pitch to the judges. The best pitch earns a spot in the state competition in Manhattan this April. If for any reason the winner can’t attend, the runner-up will take their place.
More Than Just Business: Building Essential Skills
Beyond the financial and marketing lessons, students gain valuable life skills, especially in public speaking and communication.
Hurd noted that many employers today struggle to find workers with strong soft skills—things like confidence, conversation skills, and the ability to present ideas. This event gives students a safe space to practice those abilities early on, preparing them for future success.
A Launchpad for Young Entrepreneurs
For these 8th graders, the Entrepreneurship Fair isn’t just a class project—it’s an eye-opening experience that introduces them to the challenges and rewards of running a business. From concept development and cost analysis to marketing and sales, they get a taste of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
As the program continues to grow, so does its impact—helping shape the next generation of business owners and innovators in Northwest Kansas.
Hear the full interview below:
Encouraging young entrepreneurs is an exciting way to foster creativity and business acumen early on. Showcasing their skills helps students gain confidence while learning essential business strategies. If you’re interested in supporting innovative projects, check source from here that provides resources that drive business development. Nurturing entrepreneurial talent at a young age lays the groundwork for future success and industry growth.