Chicago is on a roll!! As entrepreneurs ourselves, we are so proud to hear that 2 budding entrepreneurs won a national challenge that awarded them $25,000 in venture grant funding and prizes at the competition! NFTE the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship held their annual NFTE’s National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, presented by MasterCard Worldwide this past Thursday (10/3) and out of 39 students from across the country, NFTE Chicago’s Toheeb Okenla and Jesus Fernandez-Ortiz won the grand prize!!
Toheeb Okenla and Jesus Fernandez-Ortiz, Co-Founders of T & J Soccer, pitched their unique business plan for a soccer sock with a built-in shin guard pocket.
Before the final round of the competition, they were coached by someone who embodies the spirit and rewards of entrepreneurship, Sean “Diddy” Combs. Not only do they get much needed funding to kick their business off, they will also have the opportunity to visit the White House to celebrate their victory later this year.
We had the opportunity to cover NFTE Chicago’s annual benefit HERE which left a lasting impression(Larry Levy is incredibly smart man, Ken Griffin is very analytical; Mellody Hobson is amazing) of the organization and the great work they do.
NFTE is helping to create the next generation of entrepreneurs not only in Chicago but across the country. The organization also received a $250,000 donation from Mr. Combs to continue the great work they do in the schools for the student.
*images via: NFTE
