FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Meredith Rochwarg
585-272-3535 office
585-429-0562 cell
mrochwarg@yeausa.org

LOCAL MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO PITCH TO INVESTORS

Young Entrepreneurs Seek Real Funding for Startups Shark Tank Style
Rochester, NY (March 28, 2016)On Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. 18 local middle and high
school students between the ages of 11 and 18 enrolled in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)
program will take the stage at the University of Rochesters Interfaith Chapel to present their
business plans to a panel of local business leaders and a public audience. The students are dressed as
young professionals, and are ready to wow the crowd.
Based on the appeal and merit of the students plans and presentations, representatives from local
companies will determine the amount of start-up funding to allocate to each company to assist in the
launch of the business. The Investor Panel will be comprised of prominent local business leaders
from organizations including Wegmans, The Bonadio Group, Parkleigh, Harris Beach, Chase Bank,
Genesee Regional Bank, Admar Supply, Bill Grays Restaurants, Samson Fuel & Trucking, Butler/Till
Advertising, OConnell Electric, Summit Federal Credit Union, Spall Management and Rochester &
Genesee Valley Parent Magazine. Mr. Doug Emblidge of 13WHAM News will be the Emcee for the
evening.
The investors will also select one business to advance to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy
Saunders Scholars Semi-Finals Competition in Rochester, NY on May 6th, 2016, where that winning
business will compete with student businesses from across the United States for an all-expense paid
trip to Washington, DC this June to attend and compete at Americas Small Business Summit.
Prize packages at the National Saunders Scholar Competition include college scholarship awards and
business service prizes. The competition is made possible with support from Mr. E. Philip Saunders,
successful Rochester entrepreneurs and philanthropist, and The Saunders Foundation.
The event is free and open to the public, however registration is required. Street parking may be
available, and parking passes will be available for purchase at the University of Rochester
Information Booth on Wilson Boulevard for $4.00 each. Parking passes will grant access to the
Library and Inner Campus Lots. Doors will open at 6:10 p.m. No investments from the public
audience will be accepted.
For more information on the event, including photo and interview opportunities, please contact
mrochwarg@yeausa.org or 585-272-3535. To register for the event:
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ebtmlkugc0ba3421&oseq&c&ch

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a 501(C) 3 offering groundbreaking year-long classes
that teach middle and high school students how to start and run their own businesses. Throughout
the class, students develop business ideas, write business plans, conduct market research, pitch their
plans to a panel of investors for startup funds, and launch and run their own, fully formed companies
and social movements. The project-based program empowers students to take charge of their
futures.
Founded in 2004 at the University of Rochester with support from the Kauffman Foundation, YEA!
today serves thousands of students nationwide. The Young Entrepreneurs has graduated over 4,000
students who have launched more than 3,000 businesses. In 2011, the United States Chamber of
Commerce Foundation became a national sponsor and partner of the Academy to help celebrate the
spirit of enterprise among today's youth and tomorrow's future leaders.
YEA! bridges the business and educational communities to fulfill its mission of teaching more
students how to make a job, not just take a job. YEA! is made possible by The Kauffman Foundation,
the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the E. Philip Saunders Foundation. For more
information, visit yeausa.org.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to strengthening Americas long-term
competitiveness and educating the public on how the free enterprise system improves society and
the economy.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the worlds largest business federation representing the interests
of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local
chambers and industry associations.
###