12/13/2005
CONTACT: Gordon Dixon, (804) 377-3661 or Jim Brown, (615) 874-5288
Information for NFIB's 2006 Young Entrepreneur Awards Announced
RICHMOND, Va. -- Tomorrow's businessmen and businesswomen can accelerate their path to achievement and success by taking advantage of scholarships offered through Virginia's and America's largest small-business group. The Young Entrepreneur Foundation of the National Federation of Independent Business, in conjunction with NFIB/Virginia, awards $1,000 scholarships annually to high school seniors who have demonstrated entrepreneurial initiative. Seniors who have launched a small enterprise, have solid test scores and/or have been active in civic organizations such as Junior Achievement are excellent YEF candidates.
Applications will be accepted between Jan. 2, 2006, and March 15, 2006. Students can get a head start today by logging on to www.NFIB.com/YEF for more details. Applicants must be nominated by one of NFIB/Virginia's 8,000 small-business members. A list of NFIB members in particular communities who are willing to sponsor an applicant can be obtained by calling NFIB/Virginia Grassroots Coordinator Jennifer Hatten at (866) 798-4578, or by e-mailing Jennifer.Hatten@NFIB.org.
"Last year, NFIB's Young Entrepreneur Foundation helped nine Virginia high school seniors to pursue greater entrepreneurial achievement while assisting with the costs of higher education," NFIB/Virginia State Director Gordon Dixon said. "NFIB expects more scholarships will be awarded as interested students and parents learn about this valuable avenue for young people to pursue their entrepreneurial goals and achieve success."
NFIB's Young Entrepreneur Foundation program made its debut in 2003 by awarding 110 scholarships nationwide, and last year was able to offer 381 scholarships. NFIB expects to award as many as 500 scholarships in 2006 thanks to additional financial support from NFIB members and small-business leaders and corporate and foundation supporters. The major corporate sponsor is VISA USA, which donated $100,000 to the national program, which helped sponsor four $5,000 regional winners and one $10,000 Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.
