Youth-Owned Colorado Businesses To Be Recognized September 10th

DENVER - Aug. 6, 2013 - PRLog -- Young Americans Center for Financial Education is pleased to announce it has selected nine finalists from among the scores of applicants to its annual youth business competition. These Business owners are different than the average kid because they have created their own unique business from scratch. The finalist will be, honored at the 12th Annual Celebration for Young Entrepreneurs event at Denver’s Seawell Grand Ballroom on September 10th.  

Young business owners from across Colorado applied for cash awards in this year’s competition. From each age category, one winner and two finalists will be presented checks at the dinner and awards ceremony.  In addition, each winner will be paired with a Presenting Mentor – a prominent businessperson who will present their award and provide support and advice through the year.

2013 Finalists:

6-11 year olds:
By The Work Of Our Hands - Shay Wedeking (11), lotion, scrubs, and soaps that are made of all natural ingredients and which can have their scents, labels, and color customized.

Critters and Creations - Ingrid (10) and Anders (8) Martinson, polymer clay critters that can be used in gardens, pots, or can be used as paper weights.

Jasey's Little Bakery- Jasey Chanders (11), gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, but not taste-free baked goods such as brownies, cookies, cakes and breads.

12-15 year olds:    
Sweet Bee Sisters- Lily (12), Sophie (11) and Chloe (9), Lip balm and lotion bars in diverse scents that are completely natural and are made from beeswax.  

Zarl Inc. – Zac Stahlhut (12) and, -Andrew  Hageman (12) , homemade launchers and toy rockets made out of recycled materials; as well as fun and educational rocket launching parties to people of all ages.
Stinkbug- Allison Winn (13), bags of homemade dog biscuit with   profits going to buy trained dogs for children, with life threatening diseases.

16-21 year olds:   

Everything Girly Imaginable - Mia Palaz (16) and Cheyenne Costa (16), all inclusive parties for young girls; including intricate nail designs, fun and cute hairstyling, homemade and decorated cakes,  and themed goody bags.

Fragile Glory Impressions - Mary Sorteberg (20), unique cards and prints made with watercolor, acrylic, pastel, pencil, colored pencil and oil mediums; additional products include custom commissions, personalized iPhone cases, and Summer Art Camps and Painting Parties for both children and adults.

InTune String Ensemble - Natalie (16) and Eloise Hodges (14), a non-profit youth quartet that raises money for charities by playing at weddings, corporate events, and fundraisers.

2013 Presenting Mentors:
Chad McWhinney, CEO and Co-founder, McWhinney
Kristy Taddonio Mullins, President, Mile Hi Foods, Mile Hi Specialty Foods, Mile Hi Bakery.
Colleen Abdoulah, CEO, WOW! Internet, Cable and Phone

About Celebration for Young Entrepreneurs and Young Americans Center
Celebration for Young Entrepreneurs is a business competition and fundraiser that benefits the programs of Young Americans Center for Financial Education, a nonprofit charity that reaches more than 50,000 youth every year through hands-on programs and real-life experiences that develop financial literacy in youth. Visit www.yacenter.org to learn more about Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, Get aHead for Business, Young Americans Bank and other programs.