Published: Apr 8, 2025
Marion County’s Top Young Entrepreneurs Shine at 11th Annual Youth Business Plan Competition
Ocala, FL – The 11th Annual Youth Business Plan Competition, held on April 3, 2025, at the Power Plant Business Incubator, celebrated the exceptional entrepreneurial talent of Marion County’s high school students. The event, organized by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), provided an exciting opportunity for local students to pitch their innovative business ideas to a panel of esteemed judges and potential investors.
Finalists from North Marion High School, Vanguard High School, Ocali Charter High School, West Port High School, and Belleview High School presented their creative business plans, each competing for top honors in front of an audience that included local business leaders, investors, and community members.
The competition's winners were:
- 1st Place – You Leave, We Feed! from Belleview High School. This business offers specialized animal care for horses, cattle, and small pets when owners are away, ensuring peace of mind for Marion County's livestock owners.
- 2nd Place – Sweet Sensory Fidgets and Apparel from Ocali Charter High School. This business provides customizable sensory solutions and stylish apparel for neurodivergent children, blending functionality with fashion.
- 3rd Place – Axis Computer Repairs and Modifications, LLC from North Marion High School. This business focuses on tech solutions, specializing in computer repairs and custom modifications for gamers and tech enthusiasts.
Freddie Morris, Director of Entrepreneurship Services at the Ocala Metro CEP, chaired the event and commented on the students’ impressive efforts. “It’s been an honor to chair this event and witness the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of Marion County’s youth,” Morris said. “Seeing these students put their ideas into action demonstrates the future of business leadership right here in our community.”
A Focus on Real-World Experience
For many of the students, the competition was a chance to gain valuable real-world experience. Local business leaders were quick to highlight the importance of these opportunities.
“I’m amazed by the brilliant ideas these students have developed,” said Joel Raney, Owner of Raney’s LLC. “It’s inspiring to see such innovation from high school students. These young entrepreneurs are shaping the future of business, and it’s clear that they are well on their way to success.”
Kenneth Colen, President of Colen Built Development, also praised the event’s impact. “Even if they didn’t make it to the final round, the real-world experience these students gain is invaluable,” Colen noted. “This competition not only hones their business skills but also helps them build confidence for the future.”
Heather Shubirg, Chief Growth Officer at Ocala Metro CEP, emphasized that the competition is about more than just the prizes. “This competition is about more than winning—it’s about creating opportunities for students to dream big and develop skills for the future,” she said. “We’re not just preparing them for success today, but for a lifetime of entrepreneurship and leadership.”
Support for the Next Generation
The Youth Business Plan Competition would not have been possible without the generous support of local sponsors, including Raney's, Colen Built Development, and Campus USA Credit Union. Their support allowed students to realize their entrepreneurial dreams and gave them the resources they needed to succeed. Additionally, Sonic provided food for the event, ensuring that attendees were well-fed during the competition.
Looking to the Future
The event marked a significant milestone in the development of Marion County’s future business leaders. The creativity and hard work demonstrated by the students ensured that the community’s future remains bright. The competition was not only an opportunity for these students to showcase their skills but also a reminder that the next generation of business innovators is ready to make an impact.
About the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership
The Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) was created to be a one-stop hub for the community’s business attraction, creation and retention efforts. The CEP’s mission is to be the catalyst for a prosperous community. The 2020 ACCE National Chamber of the Year, the CEP has directly impacted the announced creation of more than 14,000+ new jobs and more than $2.3 billion in capital investment over the last decade.
For more information, visit: OcalaCEP.com.
Media Contact: Arin Conrad, Director of Communications & Marketing
Office: 352-629-8051 ext. 118 | E-mail: Communications@OcalaCEP.com