The National Challenge is one of NFTE’s signature events and the most high-stakes business plan and pitch competition of the year. Students begin their journey on the #RoadtoNationals in a local NFTE classroom or camp competition. The best young entrepreneurs from across the country advance through a series of elimination rounds, first at the local and then at the regional and national levels in order to qualify for Nationals. The National Challenge usually culminates with the top three national finalists taking the stage in front of a live audience and a panel of VIP judges for the final round of competition. This year, however, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the National Challenge will be a virtual event, with the final round livecast. Expect the same festive atmosphere and the same level of suspense as the three finalists vie for the grand prize.
Date
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Time
6:30 pm EDT
Final Competition and Awards Ceremony, with
online youth business showcase and networking to follow
Who will be there?
NFTE alumni, students, teachers and staff
Key partners, supporters and volunteers
Entrepreneurs, Venture Capitalists and investors, Industry Executives
Final Round Judge Panel
Dan Blank (NFTE Alum), Co-CEO & Founder, Toggle
Tina Davis, Managing Director, Corporate Sponsorship & Marketing, Citi
Lee Henderson, Assurance Partner & Americas Growth Markets Leader, EY
Sarah Kauss, Founder & Chairwoman, S’well
Bernardo Martinez, VP Global Merchant Lending, PayPal
