Preparing Our Youth For Furture Success!

The Black Youth Entrepreneurs Expo (BYEE) is designed to empower young Black and Brown entrepreneurs by providing a platform to create, launch, and showcase their own businesses, products, and services. Through this experience, youth gain confidence, build real-world skills, and bring their ideas to life in a supportive, community-centered environment.

The BYEE is designed primarily to support Black and Brown youth ages 5–18 who have an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to create, sell, and grow their own business. While all young entrepreneurs are welcome to participate, the expo’s mission is to provide a platform that uplifts and empowers Black and Brown youth, helping them gain real-world experience, confidence, and business skills.

If your youth fully embraces the BYEE experience, they will have the opportunity to: • Strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking skills • Boost creativity and innovation • Enhance communication and presentation abilities • Build self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment • Develop responsibility and independence • Learn perseverance, resilience, and how to overcome challenges Participation gives youth a hands-on, real-world experience in running their own business while being supported by a community that celebrates their growth and entrepreneurial spirit.

Yes! Each business can have up to three (3) young entrepreneurs. A group of up to three should submit a single registration that includes each young entrepreneur's information. • One business entity per registration form. • Up to three entrepreneurs per business entity. Because we are limited to 20 businesses this year, we strongly encourage siblings or friends to team up as a single family or group business. Example: If three children want to sell different products, they can register as the Doe Family Company. At their vendor table, they would sell their products under the same brand—e.g., Devin’s Donuts by Doe Family Co.

Children CAN sell handmade, store-bought, food, games or services. • NO raw food allowed. • NO animals allowed- unfortunately we do not have the capacity to accommodate animals on this campus • NO fundraisers allowed. (i.e. Girl Scout and/or Boy Scout products). • NO CBD products. Children may NOT sell goods on behalf of their parents. Children must have an active role in the acquisition and/or production of their product.

Registration Fees: • $15 for TLCC partner families • $25 for Public (non-TLCC partner families) Registration Includes: • One (1) rectangle table (6x3 ft) with chairs • Entry into the BYEE Entrepreneurs Competition • One (1) participation certificate for each business member Important Policies: • No refunds or credits will be given for any reason. • Registrations may be transferred to another participant by emailing their name and contact information.

All participants must complete an online registration to participate. You can register using the links below: • TLCC Partner Registration Link • Public (non-TLCC partner) Registration Link Each registration can include up to three (3) children operating under a single business entity, and only one business entity per registration form is allowed.

Yes! All businesses, including TLCC partners, are required to pay a registration fee to participate in the BYEE. • TLCC partner families: $15 per business • Public/non-partner families: $25 per business This fee covers your table, entry into the competition, participation certificates, and raffle tickets for each business member.

Absolutely! Even if your child isn’t participating, your family is welcome to attend the BYEE and enjoy all of our Legacy In Motion Day—from student showcases and the awards ceremony to the Summer Program Fair and opportunities to connect with the TLCC community. It’s a full day of creativity, celebration, and inspiration for the whole family! While admission is free, we encourage all attendees to come prepared to spend between $5–$20 in support of our young entrepreneurs. We welcome optional donations at the time of your ticket registration, which help us continue creating valuable youth opportunities like the BYEE.

The application deadline for entrepreneurs is Sunday, April 26 at 11:59 PM. Please note that space is limited, and the application will close early once capacity is reached.

The BYEE (Black Youth Entrepreneurs Expo) Competition is designed to celebrate and showcase the creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit of young business owners. Every participant is automatically entered into the competition, where judges evaluate each business on creativity, product or service quality, table presentation, and sales pitch. The competition offers recognition for hard work and dedication across multiple categories, including: • BYEE Participation Certificate – awarded to all participants for their effort and commitment • Overall Awards – including Best Food/Beverage, Best Handmade Item, Most Creative Business, and Best Business Presentation • High Honors Awards – such as Community Choice: Best Business Overall and Legacy Young CEO, which recognizes the business with the greatest potential for long-term growth and success Awards include ribbons, trophies, cash investments, snack prizes, and public recognition in TLCC’s newsletter and social media. The BYEE Competition is more than a contest—it’s an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to learn, grow, and shine within their community.

The BYEE is designed to empower young entrepreneurs by giving them hands-on experience running their own business. Parents must refrain from selling, promoting, or interacting with customers directly during the expo. Any parent found doing so will disqualify their child from the competition. Registration & Participation: • Children must be 5 to 18 years old and capable of managing their booth independently (set-up, customer interaction, sales, order fulfillment, and payment handling). • Parents may help with the application but should step back during the expo. • If a child cannot perform these tasks alone, they should either partner with an older sibling, reduce their offerings, or wait until they are ready. Selling Rules: • Vendors must sell at their table, not walk around. • No loud music, yelling, or bartering. • Gloves must be worn when handling food. • If sold out, display a “Sold Out” sign and enjoy the rest of the event—do not break down early. Presentation Rules: To help all entrepreneurs confidently present their businesses, please review the following guidelines: Elevator Pitch Requirement: • Each business must prepare a 30-second elevator pitch that clearly explains their product or service. Presentation Opportunities: Businesses will have two opportunities to present their elevator pitch: • Main Stage Opportunity (Optional): • After the Love Awards presentation, businesses may present their pitch to the audience. • This is optional but highly encouraged as it helps attract attendees to your table. • Judging Presentation (Required): • Each business must present their elevator pitch to the judges when they visit your table. Team presentation: Each business must have at least one designated spokesperson to deliver the pitch. Additional team members are welcome to participate in the presentation if desired. Presentation Tips: • Speak clearly and confidently • Share what makes your business unique • Invite listeners to visit your table • Keep your pitch within the 30-second time frame Parent Code of Conduct: • Parents cannot engage with customers, handle food or money, or take orders. • Parents can assist with restocking products and supervise but must not leave the venue during the event. • If the young entrepreneur leaves their booth, a "Be Back Soon" sign should be placed. Clean-Up: • Participants are responsible for their own trash and cleaning their area before leaving. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in disqualification from the competition.

Awards include ribbons, trophies, cash investments, snack prizes, and/or public recognition in TLCC’s newsletter and social media will be given for the following categories: Participation Awards (All Ages) BYEE Participant Recognition • Description: In recognition of their participation, effort, and commitment to building and running their own business during the Black Youth Entrepreneurs Expo. • Award: One (1) certificate will be awarded to each business member participating in BYEE. Overall Awards (All Ages) These awards recognize standout businesses across all age groups. Best Food/Beverage Overall • Description: Recognizes the business that delivers the best overall food or beverage product, combining taste, presentation, and proper handling. • Award: One (1) ribbon per business member, plus recognition in the May newsletter. • Judging Criteria: • Product Presentation: Does the name, display, and packaging match the product? • Flavor & Quality: Is the taste enjoyable and appropriate for the item? • Food Handling: Is the item stored, handled, and served properly? Best Handmade Item Overall • Description: Honors the most impressive handmade product that showcases originality, craftsmanship, and value. • Award: One (1) ribbon per business member, plus recognition in the May newsletter. • Judging Criteria: • Originality: Is the item unique and created by the entrepreneur? • Durability & Craftsmanship: Is the item well-made and built to last? • Value & Pricing: Does the price reflect the quality of the product? Most Creative Business Overall • Description: Celebrates the most unique and innovative business idea that stands out from the rest. • Award: One (1) ribbon per business member, plus recognition in the May newsletter. • Judging Criteria: • Innovation: Is the product or service new, imaginative, or a creative reimagining? • Uniqueness: Does the business stand out compared to other vendors? • Skill & Craft: Does creating or operating the business require a special skill or process? Best Business Presentation Overall • Description: Recognizes the business with the strongest overall presentation, combining visual appeal, branding, and customer engagement. • Award: One (1) ribbon per business member, plus recognition in the May newsletter. • Judging Criteria: • Table Display: Is the booth eye-catching, organized, and inviting? • Product Packaging & Branding: Are products creatively packaged and aligned with the brand? • Clarity & Communication: Are the business name, pricing, and offerings clearly communicated? • Pitch & Engagement: Can the entrepreneur confidently explain and sell their product or service? High Honors Awards Community Choice: Best Business Overall • Description: This award celebrates the business that makes the strongest connection with the community. It recognizes the entrepreneur(s) who stand out through engagement, presentation, and overall experience—earning the support and excitement of attendees. • Award: • One (1) Trophy (per business member) • One (1) snack bucket (per business member) • Recognition as Top Emerging Business in Age Group on TLCC Social Media & Newsletter • Voting Structure: • Primary Voting: Determined by community/attendee votes • Judge Bonus: Judges may award up to 5 additional points to a business they believe demonstrates exceptional effort, engagement, or impact • Judges Bonus Points Criteria: • Engagement and interaction with customers • Overall appeal and presence • Ability to connect with and attract attendees • Total community votes (primary deciding factor) Legacy Young CEO • Awarded to one business per age group: • Age Groups: 5–7, 8–10, 11–14, 15–18 • If a business includes members from multiple age groups, it will be judged in the age group of the oldest member. • Description: This is the highest honor of the BYEE competition, awarded to the business that demonstrates exceptional potential to grow beyond the expo into a successful, sustainable venture. This award recognizes young entrepreneurs who not only have a great idea, but also the vision, confidence, and readiness to take their business to the next level. • Award: • $25 Cash Investment (per business) • Trophy (per business member) • Recognition as Top Emerging Business in Age Group on TLCC Social Media & Newsletter • Judging Criteria: • Growth Potential – Can this business expand into other markets (online, events, retail, etc.)? • Scalability – Does the business have the ability to grow and potentially hire others? • Investment Readiness – Could this business be developed into a fundable opportunity in the future? • Pitch & Vision – Can the entrepreneur clearly and confidently communicate their business and future goals?

Healthy business competition can promote innovation. We allow the customers and market forces to run its course when dealing with two of the same kinds of business ideas at the expo. Although we do not restrict multiple businesses that are similar, we will inform the later applicant that another entrepreneur has a similar business. This will allow the later applicant an opportunity to decide if they would like to make any adjustments to their business plan.

Electrical outlets are limited. Vendors can request outlet access on their application, and assignments will be made based on submission order. You will be notified via email in advance if an outlet is available for your booth.

Absolutely, here are a few helpful resources that will help your child learn more about entrepreneurship and help get their creative business juices flowing. Entrepreneurship Resources: https://kidpreneurs.org/basic-business-terms-kidpreneurs-should-know/ (https://kidpreneurs.org/basic-business-terms-kidpreneurs-should-know/) https://kidpreneurs.org/kidpreneurs-business-ideas/ (https://kidpreneurs.org/kidpreneurs-business-ideas/) https://www.gohenry.com/us/blog/money-management/the-gohenry-guide-to-entrepreneurship (https://www.gohenry.com/us/blog/money-management/the-gohenry-guide-to-entrepreneurship) Business Ideas: https://www.signupgenius.com/Business/kid-entrepreneur-ideas.cfm (https://www.signupgenius.com/Business/kid-entrepreneur-ideas.cfm) https://wedevs.com/blog/463195/school-market-day-ideas/ (https://wedevs.com/blog/463195/school-market-day-ideas/)