Spring 2026 Young Entrepreneur Tournament Application

Economic and Workforce Development is committed to providing accessibility for everyone. If you need assistance completing this form, reach out to Blake Dowling at lcewd-ada@larimer.org or via phone at 970.498.6041.

The Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development's Young Entrepreneur Tournament (YET) has been helping young people explore entrepreneurship for over 16 years! We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to build and pitch a business idea and compete for prize money in Spring of 2026!

All applicants are asked to attend a required pre-tournament orientation and ideation session on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 at 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. This session is designed to orient you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) to the program and help you create and define your business idea(s). Pizza will be served.

Applicants who are chosen to participate will attend program sessions on four consecutive Saturdays, February 14th, 21st, 28th, and March 7th, with the Final Pitch Competition on Friday, March 13th. All sessions will take place at 200 W. Oak St, Fort Collins, CO from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM with lunch provided.

YET will offer you the opportunity to learn from our facilitator while you gain the tools to start your very own business and compete with your peers for up to $2,000 in cash prizes!

The theme this year is "Circle Up, Build What's Next: when we share our gifts, opportunity multiplies."

To apply for this amazing program complete your application below.

Questions? Contact Dan Gagnon at 970-498-6085 or email CareerRise@larimer.org

Name*

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Age (as of 2/1/2026)*

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What grade are you in?*

We like to communicate with your parent(s)/guardian(s) about the work you are doing with us. Please list the contact information of one (1) of them below.

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How did you hear about The Young Entrepreneur Tournament (YET)*

What business idea(s) are you considering working on?*

The Young Entrepreneur Tournament will take place on four (4) consecutive Saturdays (February 14th, 21st, 28th, and March 7th) from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM with the final pitch event on Friday, March 13, 2026. These sessions will take place at 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO. Are you able to attend all sessions?*

Yes!No (Please explain below)

I am not able to attend all sessions because:

We will host a required Pre-Tournament Orientation and Ideation Session on February 3, 2026 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at 200 West Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO. This session will allow you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) to meet your facilitator, brainstorm business ideas, and gain more understanding of YET. This time is very valuable and helps you and your family to plan for the duration of YET. Pizza dinner is provided. Are you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) able to attend this session, and arrive on time, on February 3rd at 6:00 PM?*

YesNo

I am not able to the orientation/ideation session because:

How many people will be attending with you?

Please contact us at 970-498-6608 to make different arrangements to get the important information.

The YET will take place at 200 West Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO. Please describe your transportation plans to ensure you will be able to attend all sessions. *

2026 YET is limited to a 18 participants. Not all applicants will be selected. Please answer the following questions. Your answers will help us in our selection process.

Selections will be made after the required Orientation/Ideation session on February 3rd.

What is one of your all-time favorite things to do? When you’re doing this thing, you completely lose track of time.*

We just gave you a magic wand that has the power to create a product or service that would solve a problem or add value in the world. What would you create and how would it work? Feel free to be as creative as you’d like (remember, it’s magic).*

Imagine you’re a chef at a fancy restaurant. Someone orders your signature dish, but when they taste it they’re not impressed. They say it’s missing something. How would you respond?*

If you could ask any business owner (big or small) a question, who would it be and what would you want to know?*

Do you still have questions about the Young Entrepreneur Tournament? Please reach out to Dan Gagnon at 970-498-6085 or email CareerRise@larimer.org

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The Spring 2026 Young Entrepreneur Tournament is now accepting applications!