NFTE Chicago Metro
The NFTE Chicago Metro program office supports NFTE educators in public, private and charter schools in Chicago as well as in locations across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Nebraska. NFTE Chicago also develops programs in partnership with community-based organizations throughout the Midwest.
For program inquiries, contact Scott Nasatir, Senior Regional Director, Midwest.
For cause marketing or corporate partnership inquiries, contact Jane Walsh, Senior Vice President, Advancement.
Midwest Region Advisory Board
Pramit Mehta, Chair
Partner, Assurance Services
EY
Mike Carpenter
Staff Designer
ZenBusiness
Maxine Clark
Founder, Build-a-Bear Workshop
Chief Inspirator, The Delmar DivINe
Siddique Hameed
Vice President
Software Development Engineering
Mastercard
Carla Jackson
Head of Middle School/Director of Entrepreneurship
Emmanuel Christian Academy
Mike Jortberg
Global Salesforce Practice Sales Director
Slalom
Chris Moore
Partner
EY
Venu Raghavan
VP Strategy & Development
Wasson Enterprise
Gary VonderHaar
CTO
Mastercard
Gary Weintraub
Director of Sales
Stasher
Brian Williams
Senator
District 14, St. Louis
Kevin Wilson
Director
SBDC University of Missouri
News & Press
NFTE Global Coaching Session
Empowering Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs: Join NFTE's Global Coaching Session on December 5th!
American Student Assistance Announces the Appointment of Three New Board Members
American Student Assistance ® (ASA), a national nonprofit changing the way kids learn about careers and navigate a path to postsecondary education and career success, today announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors.
New Study Explores Value of Postsecondary Entrepreneurship Education Curriculum
Today's global career market values innovation and problem solving. Can Start It Up! help meet that demand?
17-year-old Raneem Al Suwaidani from the United States wins World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Congratulations to 2023 World Champion Raneem Al Suwaidani of Rhode Island. The 2023 National Champion competed alongside last year's National Champion Josh Kreuger of St. Louis to represent the United States in NFTE’s second annual World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in New York City. Al Suwaidani, the 17-year-old founder of Lilypad,
U.S. President Recognizes NFTE’s Declaration of Nov. 17 as Youth Entrepreneurship Day
Nov. 17, 2023, has been officially declared Youth Entrepreneurship Day. NFTE successfully sought and received a Presidential letter from the Biden Administration as well as proclamations from Dallas; Miami-Dade County, Florida; Massachusetts; New York City; and Washington, D.C. The observance celebrates young entrepreneurs' accomplishments and inspires others to pursue their
Raneem Al Suwaidani of The Met School in Rhode Island Wins NFTE’s National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Raneem Al Suwaidani of The Met School in Providence, RI, is this year's NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge champion. She won $10,000 with her business Lilypad, a food truck rental opportunity for BIPOC entrepreneurs. The runners-up were Ashley Cruz Suarez of Los Angeles, founder of Re-Fit, and Sarai Umansor Morales
NFTE’s October 3 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Cheer on 46 competing businesses by attending this year's NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge on October 3 in New York! Young entrepreneurs from around the country will pitch innovative ideas to VIP judges. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 and a coaching session with The People's Shark Daymond John,
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship launches competition for Sustainable Development Goals Innovations
Young people aged 11 to 24 can now register for the annual World Series of Innovation NEW YORK, NY (Sept. 18, 2023) – Interested in solving some of the biggest challenges facing humanity? Starting today, young people aged 11 to 24 can compete for cash prizes in the annual World
Education Nonprofit NFTE Launches Global SDG-focused Innovation Challenges, Winners Receive Cash Prizes
The world's youth, ages 11 to 24, can compete for up to $1,500 in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship's annual World Series of Innovation. The online challenges address health and well-being, skills for success, connected cities, biodiversity, the subscription economy, and inclusive AI. Sign up at innovation.nfte.com.
St. Louis Student Wins Midwest Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Competition
Well done to the winners of NFTE’s annual Midwest Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. Kiaira Merrill of Missouri’s Saint Louis Science Center and founder of KiaKoutur is the winner. Second place went to Malachi Davis and Ivan Walker with Nokki, and in third place was Lacey Muñoz-Swedberg with StudyLair.
Miami-Dade Student Wins Southeast Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Competition
Congratulations to the winners of NFTE's annual Southeast Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. First place goes to Sasha Stoppi with Noodlepudding, second place to Sarai Umansor Morales with Fiery, and third place to Demi McKinley with Piwich Pro.
NFTE Honors Adrienne Palmer, Cody Chang, Maxine Clark, and Santander Bank
Did you miss NFTE's May 11 Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards Gala honoring alumnus Cody Chang of Product Gym, Maxine Clark of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Santander Bank, and advisory board member Adrienne Palmer? Donate in their honor at nfte.com/fuelafuture.
NFTE Announces Winners of $12,000 in Founders Forum Showcase Prizes
Founders of three viable businesses presented their best investment pitches on March 15, contending for a portion of a $12,000 capital investment pool. NFTE Founders Forum Showcase finalist Christopher Avolio, founder of Huldit, bested the competition to win $7,000 toward purchasing inventory.
NFTE Board Members: Celebrating Women’s History Month
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Board member Pam Habner shares, "The most important career advice to women is to 'stay on the highway.' At different points in your career, you can move between the fast and slow lanes to balance your whole life. Citi CEO Jane Fraser speaks openly about
Statement from NFTE’s CEO
NFTE educators are the backbone of our model. Hardworking NFTE teachers go above and beyond to build the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs – which is why we feel strongly about investing in educator support.
Invest For Kids Announces $200,000 Grant to Support NFTE Midwest’s Aspiring Entrepreneurs
NFTE, a global nonprofit that has been activating the entrepreneurial mindset in young people since 1987, today announced it has received a $200,000 grant from Invest For Kids in Chicago.
NFTE CEO J.D. LaRock Appointed to Education Commission of the States
Dr. J.D. LaRock, President & CEO of global nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, has been appointed to the Education Commission of the States.
How Can Our City Keep its Promise to Future Generations?
Beyond these powerful internal conversations, EY US continues to strive for social equity and economic growth in the Minneapolis community. EY Minneapolis Office Managing Partner Michael J. O’Leary said: “We also have many people in our office that have gotten energized around various mentoring programs for underrepresented youth — some
Beloit-based Student Competes Nationally to Create Affordable Eye Care
Jaidyn Cox, an 18-year-old Beloit native who is blind in his right eye, says paying for custom frames was out of the question for him. So he went about creating a solution, Refractical. Cox’s startup 3D prints glasses frames for less than $10. He hopes to one day sell them
Youth Ages 13-24 Can Compete in the World Series of Innovation to Win $1,500
Now through December 11, young people ages 13 to 24 can compete for prizes ranging from $300-$1,500 in the annual NFTE World Series of Innovation. No previous connection to NFTE is required. Eligible teams and individuals around the world can sign up at innovation.nfte.com.
Solve Global Challenges Facing Humanity, Win Cash Prizes
A new season of NFTE's World Series of Innovation launched today, with a whole new set of innovation challenges focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Any young person ages 13 to 24 is eligible to compete. Registration opens September 15 and entries are due by December 11.
Inc. Magazine and Summer Discovery Announce New Program with NFTE Curriculum
Business media leader Inc. Magazine has partnered with Summer Discovery to offer a unique entrepreneurship experience for high school students that will be powered by the NFTE curriculum. The Inc. Young Entrepreneurs by Summer Discovery pre-college summer program will launch in July 2022 on four college campuses.
NFTE Names Top Young Entrepreneurs of 2021
NFTE today announced the young entrepreneurs who emerged as the top competitors in the 16th annual National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, presented by Citi Foundation and Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) held last week. Each of the three entrepreneurs named as 2021 national champions was awarded a $10,000 prize.
NFTE Partners with Public Allies
NFTE is partnering with the national AmeriCorps program Public Allies to host apprenticeships for diverse, emerging leaders.
NFTE Announces Launch of SDG-Focused Innovation Challenges Open to Young Impact Entrepreneurs
A new season of NFTE's World Series of Innovation launched today, with a whole new set of innovation challenges focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Any young person ages 13 to 24 is eligible to compete. Registration opens September 15 and entries are due by December 15.
NFTE Announces Continued SC Johnson Support for Youth Entrepreneurship Education Across the Midwest
NFTE is pleased to announce SC Johnson support for youth entrepreneurship education, including volunteer service by SC Johnson people and funding to support classroom-based educational programming in Chicago and across the NFTE Midwest Region.
NFTE at ASU+GSV 2021
NFTE partnered with American Student Assistance to moderate a panel on entrepreneurship education at the 2021 ASU+GSV Summit.
Ten Entrepreneurial Fellows Join NFTE for the Summer
Each year a talent cohort of NFTE alumni join the organization as summer fellows, deepening their skills and mentoring NFTE students as they support our mission.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Continues Through Generations at Kristoffer’s Cakes
McKinley Park baker and young entrepreneur Kristoffer Chavarria is taking the lead in day-to-day operations at namesake local sweet shop Kristoffer's Cakes, a neighborhood landmark for 20 years. Chavarria is a graduate of Horizon Science Academy, where he participated in the NFTE program.
Nine Teams Win More Than $21K in NFTE Innovation Challenges
Announcing the winners of theNFTE World Series of Innovation for the 2020-21 school year. Nine teams of emerging social entrepreneurs have won a total of $21,600 in cash prizes for their ideas.
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Celebrates Teachers as Frontline Workers
NFTE's 2021 Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards Gala celebrated teachers, our frontline workers, and honored Citi, Citi Foundation, and American Student Assistance (ASA).
An Inteview with Jasmine Lawrence and Mary Blackford
In this Vanity Fair Women at Work interview, two NFTE alumnae speak about being Black female CEOs and becoming agents of change in their own communities.
Teaching Black Students Their History and How to Be Entrepreneurs Fulfilled My Lifelong Dream
Black teachers are vital to the success of young Black children, who need to see themselves in their curriculum as well as in leadership. They need to know that for them, anything is possible. Opinion piece by NFTE LA Master Educator, Brandie Davis
Using Inclusive Capitalism to Make Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream Real
Dr. J.D. LaRock, President & CEO of NFTE, and Lamell McMorris, the founder of Greenlining Realty, write about how businesses and policymakers can make real change by promoting inclusive opportunity and breaking down systemic inequalities.
Applications Open for the 2021 Founder’s Forum
The NFTE Alumni Entrepreneur Advancement Forum program is now accepting applications from advanced NFTE entrepreneurs with operational businesses who are interested in participating in intensive coaching and investment readiness training from October through February, prepatory to a Forum and Showcase event in March 2021.
NFTE Receives Grant from CME Group Foundation
NFTE has received a grant from the CME Group Foundation to support NFTE programs in the Chicago Metro region.
Two Entrepreneurs from NFTE Chicago on the #RoadtoNationals
Two of NFTE Chicago Metro's top young entrepreneurs are advancing to the national quarterfinals!
Make Your Own Job: The Promise of Entrepreneurship Education
The promise of entrepreneurship education is the promise of self-sufficiency and a special kind of financial security: whatever happens in the local employment market or the broader economy, entrepreneurs can make their own jobs.
Unemployed in the Pandemic? Here’s How to Start Your Own Business
A free online course for adult learners is now available for anyone who has lost a job to COVID-19 or wants to learn how to turn an idea for a business—or a passion or hobby—into a profitable startup.
Entrepreneurship as an Economic Pathway for the Laid-Off Workforce
In the midst of unprecedented unemployment, a nonprofit that has focused on developing youth entrepreneurship programs pivots to create a new curriculum for adult learners who are unemployed, underemployed, or interesting in building a new business.
National Entrepreneurship Nonprofit Steps in to Address the Growing U.S. Unemployment Crisis
You lost your job or you fear you're next but businesses are closed and no one is hiring. That's the new reality for millions. To empower those facing financial insecurity, NFTE is offering a free online course in entrepreneurship essentials for adults seeking to upskill to improve job prospects or
Innovation Challenges Put Young Smarts to Work on Tough Problems
New global challenges aren't just creating activists—they're creating entrepreneurs. Opinion piece by J.D. LaRock and Gus Harris looks at the way that young activists are thinking globally and embracing social entrepreneurship.
NFTE Fully Embraces the Entrepreneurial Mindset
American Entrepreneurship Today profiles NFTE, a nonprofit that offers a unique solution to help students take on a post-COVID world.
NFTE Awards Over $21K to Innovation Challenge Winners
NFTE awarded more than $21K in cash prizes in the Fall 2019 World Series of Innovation challenge cycle for winning ideas to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Events & Competitions
NFTE Global Coaching Session
December 5, 2023
Empowering Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs: Join NFTE's Global Coaching Session on December 5th!
NFTE 2024 Founders Forum Showcase
February 28, 2024
NFTE Alumni Founders pitch their growing businesses to a panel of VIP investors and vie for a portion of the $10,000 prize pool!
Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards Gala 2024
May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Guastavino's | 409 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception 7:30 p.m. Dinner and Awards Ceremony Business or Cocktail Attire
Community Spotlight
Andres’ Story
Andres' passion and drive, plus the startup skills he learned through NFTE, led to a now-thriving sports coaching business.
Zoe’s Story
Zoe's innovative fashion line landed her on the cover of Seventeen Magazine; she's now one of the youngest head designers at Macy's.
Rodney’s Story
NFTE's competitions and mentorship helped spark Rodney's confidence - he's now a successful author, consultant and motivational speaker.