Young Entrepreneurs: Larimer County Tournament Now Accepting Applications

Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 Young Entrepreneur Tournament, a Saturday business workshop series in Fort Collins where teens ages 12-18 build ventures and compete for startup funding.

YET is one of Larimer County's few structured youth entrepreneurship programs, pairing teens with local business leaders and over $2,000 in prize money. Since 2008, the program has served over 269 young entrepreneurs.

The program runs four Saturdays, Feb. 14–Mar. 7, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at 200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. Participants pitch their business plans on March 13, competing for startup funding.

The cohort is limited to 18 participants, and not all applicants will be selected.

"It all starts with an idea," according to program materials. Participants "discover what it takes to make your ideas a business reality in a series of fun, hands-on Saturday sessions" where they "work with experienced business leaders and build a business model you can put into action."

Past winners launched real ventures. 2023 finalists included Sunny Pouch, Cheetah Toothbrush, and Linke Games. 2024 winners were Skyward Imagery, Serotonin by Stamp, and Lunch Lab.

"YET offers individuals 12-18 an incredible opportunity," program materials state. "No idea is too small, no experience necessary."

Interested teens can apply through an online JotForm application at the Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development website. For questions, contact the CareerRise team at (970) 498-6608 or [email protected].

The Young Entrepreneur Tournament is operated by Larimer County's CareerRise program, part of the county's Economic & Workforce Development department.