NFTE West Region
The NFTE West office supports NFTE programs in public, private and charter schools in California, Arizona and Washington. NFTE West also develops programs in partnership with community-based organizations across the region.
For program inquiries, contact Max Rusike-Griffith, Program Director, NFTE West. For cause marketing or corporate partnership inquiries, contact Lea Bruder, Development Associate, NFTE West. For all other inquiries, contact NFTE West Executive Director Tim Blaylock.
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.
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Names Tim Blaylock as Executive Director of its West Region
Tim Blaylock, a longtime executive in California, has been named Executive Director of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship's West Region. Blaylock, who began his new role on July 17, brings more than 30 years of experience in leadership, management, and youth development strategies to his new position.
San Jose Student Wins West Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Competition
Bravo to the winners of NFTE’s annual West Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. Taking first place was Saket Pathak with InclusifyIQ. Second place went to Damian Jimenez with AutoVantage, and the third-place winner was Amy Wu with Feminetic.
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.
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.
NFTE Names Josh Kreuger of St. Louis Top Young Entrepreneur of 2022
Josh Kreuger, 18, won NFTE’s 2022 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, presented by the Citi Foundation and EY, with support from ASA.
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.
NFTE Student Wins $10,000 in Rob Dyrdek’s See It, Believe It, Do It Challenge
18-year-old Amylah Charles wins $10,000 and first place in a challenge hosted for NFTE alumni by prolific entrepreneur and media mogul, Rob Dyrdek. Prize money also went to other winning NFTE alumni.
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 Presents at California Community Colleges Workshop
NFTE presented at a California Community Colleges workshop, highlighting how student entrepreneurs can increase community college enrollment.
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 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.
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.
Young Entrepreneurs Awarded $15,000 in NFTE 2021 National Investor Pitch Challenge
Fashion, coffee and financial literacy startups founded by NFTE Entrepreneurship 2 alumni win $15,000 in seed capital at the 2021 National Investor Pitch Challenge.
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.
Entrepreneurs from NFTE LA Metro & NFTE West on the #RoadtoNationals
Top young entrepreneurs from NFTE LA and NFTE West are advancing to the national quarterfinals!
NFTE Los Angeles Celebrates the History of PEALA’s Annual NFTE Charity Golf Classic
A look back at nine years on the greens, supporting young entrepreneurs in Greater LA.
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
Kelsey’s Story
Kelsey's innovative business creating hair accessories for women of color led her to win the 2018 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.
Andres’ Story
Andres' passion and drive, plus the startup skills he learned through NFTE, led to a now-thriving sports coaching business.
Olivia’s Story
Olivia took a chance on pursuing her passion as an artist and it's paid off. Her work is sought after by celebrity collectors around the country.
West Region Advisory Board
Leo Gestetner, Chair
CEO
Heath Capital
Patrick Auger
Partner
EY
Bob Blee
Head of Growth and Middle Market Technology Banking for the Americas
Chris Boyd
Chief Operating Officer
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Charles Choice
Sr. Program Officer & NFTE Alumnus
Do-or-Dier Visionary Foundation
Jasmin Coyne
SVP Operations Program Management and Transformation
City National Bank
John Finley
Head of Customer Service
BMO
Monika Hudson
Associate Professor, School of Management
University of San Francisco
Emil Khodorkovsky
CEO
Forbix Capital Corp.
Sarah Matthews
Partner
EY
Connie Moore
Retired NFTE Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
Andrew Morris, CFA
Managing Director
Solace Capital Partners