Young entrepreneurs shine in 'EnTEENpreneur Challenge'

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Western Massachusetts' next generation of business leaders put their creativity and entrepreneurial savvy to the test during the Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) EnTEENpreneur Challenge.

Held April 15 at the UMass Henry M. Thomas III Center in Springfield, the event featured 23 students from six area high schools pitching original business ideas to a panel of local entrepreneurs.

Teams set up trade show-style booths and delivered rapid-fire 90-second presentations to judges, vying for top honors and prize money.

Taking home first place was a team from Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy for their startup, Eternal Love Bouquets, which aims to ship handmade, mixed-media bouquets nationwide. The team earned $500 for their concept and presentation.

“It’s always fun to see the fresh ideas our young people come up with,” said Amie Miarecki, president of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts. “We’re proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see what comes of it.”

Second place and a $375 prize went to a team from Tantasqua Regional High School, whose business, True Warrior, pitched hooded sweatshirts with a mission—donating a portion of proceeds to support veterans’ organizations.

Another team from Putnam took third place and $250 with Purely Smooth, a proposal for an affordable, small-batch smoothie company focused on health and accessibility.

The challenge judges, representing a range of business backgrounds, included:

• Jayne Astacio Melendez, Pioneer Valley EforAll
• Mychal Connolly Jr., The Realistic CEO podcast
• Mychal Connolly Sr., Stand Out Truck and Marketing & Cupcakes
• Wesley Days, UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center
• Samalid Hogan, CEO, Greylock Management Consulting
• Terrell Joyner, financial advisor, Charter Oak Financial, and founder of The Consulting Web

In the weeks leading up to the competition, students engaged in Junior Achievement’s JA Company Program and JA Be Entrepreneurial curriculum, gaining practical insight into business planning, startup funding, and innovation. The experience aimed to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset through hands-on learning and mentorship.

Beyond the top awards, students were recognized in categories such as Best Trade Show, Most Innovative Product, and Best Team. Special awards presented by Mychal Connolly Jr. included honors for Best Salesperson, Resilience, Kind-Heartedness, Best Solo Presentation, and the Linda and Bill Wylie Award.