Young Entrepreneur Program

Interested in starting and growing a business? Win up to $5,000!

The Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP) engages, educates, and empowers area high school students through  entrepreneurship. The program  runs from February through early May. 

• Free + open to all area high school students
• Find out how to turn your innovative ideas into a viable business
• Get advice and network with area mentors
• Compete to win seed money by pitching your business idea to local leaders in May
• YEP workshops will guide you through every step of developing your idea from concept to pitch
  

$5,000 – 1st place,   The Stotler Prize
$2,000 – 2nd place
$1,000 – 3rd place

About the   Stotler  Prize:

The Stotler Prize is   named after Edith Ann Stotler (1946 - 2022), who was a native of Champaign, Illinois and longtime pillar in the community. Edith worked in the banking industry and served on the board of directors for the Krannert Center and Champaign Public Library. Edith’s appreciation and support of libraries was captured with the following sentiment, “Our library is one of our city’s greatest assets. With a great legacy dating back to a gift from A.C. Burnham in 1896, the library continues to enrich life in our community. By including the library in my estate plan, I can help continue this strong tradition.”

YEP Workshops | Spring 2026

YEP meets on Mondays, from 6–7:30 pm, at the Main Library. YEP workshops will alternate with coaching sessions. A light dinner will be served.

Sign up  starting Nov    1   »
Workshops

• TBD

Pitch Competition*

• May 3

*In order to participate in the YEP Pitch Competition and be eligible for prize money, participants are encouraged to attend all Monday workshops and some of the mentoring sessions.  In order to be selected for the Pitch Competition on May 3, participants must exhibit professionalism and be prepared to deliver their pitch with accompanying slide deck.

At the 2025 Young Entrepreneur Program Pitch Competition, area high school students, showcased their business ideas.  12th grade student, Aidan Warner, won top honors and received $5,000 in seed money to grow his business.

Made possible with support from the Library Foundation.