Start-Up Young America's
2009 Young Entrepreneur Day winners:

Winner!
Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009
Destiny Scott, age 9
Company: “Your Destiny Recycled”

Destiny’s business has it all; a smart, environmentally friendly product that is as fashionable as it is useful.  A fully developed marketing strategy complete with a Website where customers can place orders online.  In addition to her handmade coaster sets made from recycled denim, she sold small stuffed animals which were part of her company’s fundraising effort to benefit the SPCA, a Tampa-based, non-profit organization that provides shelter and adoption services for pets. Destiny’s booth was also very well thought out.  She displayed business cards, product information, and a basket to collect customer e-mails so that she can keep them informed about new products which she plans to introduce throughout the year.  Destiny earned just under $37, gave $10 to charity, and continued to receive online sales via her web site after the event. Destiny learned the value of making long term investments, the benefit of keeping good accounting records, the importance of giving back to the community and crediting those who helped her be successful.

First Runner Up!
Entrepreneur: Alexandra Sikoryak 
Company: “Yaya’s Craftapalooza”

Alexandra submitted the most professional and polished business plan complete with an impactful cover sheet which conveyed the look and feel of her business brand. She provided detailed financial statements and a flawlessly typed essay.  Not only was it beautifully presented, she clearly learned valuable and unexpected lessons from her experience this year.  Last year, Alexandra introduced us to Yaya’s Craftapalooza and no one could forget her fun products, such as colorful homemade Play-Doh.  Alexandra kept the same company name leveraging the positive brand name she had already established. This year Alexandra offered a variety of new fun products; handmade string bracelets, book marks, and cookies sold in packages of three. Just before the event she got the flu and was not able to personally attend so she hired her brother to sell for her and learned what it’s like train, manage, and pay an employee. The extra overhead cost her $10, but she still managed to squeak out a profit!!

Second Runner Up!
Entrepreneur: Devan McKenzie
Company: “A Brush with Joy”

Devan’s business earned $66.01 in profit which was the most profit earned out of all the award submissions that we received.  We congratulate Devan on her financially successful business idea which was to use her artistic talents to produce original paintings. Each of her pieces was one-of-kind which created a demand in the marketplace.  To manage this, Devan came prepared to accept commissioned orders from her patrons.

Congratulations to the winners and to all of the 2009 Young Entrepreneurs! We hope to see everyone next year as we already have new and exciting things planned for 2010! It will be bigger and better than ever. See you next summer!