O'NEILL, Neb. -- In the heart of O'Neill, students took a bold step into the world of entrepreneurship, presenting their innovative business plans to a panel of seasoned industry experts.

The competition, aimed at nurturing young talent and invigorating small-town economies across Nebraska. These economies saw aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their dream jobs, gaining invaluable feedback and insights.

“This is a youth entrepreneurship challenge and the idea came when our county economic development team took a bus tour,” said Mike Peterson, Holt County Economic Development Project Manager. “We visited Kansas and Kansas does it on a statewide level. I thought, you know, this is an awesome thing to try in our area. I'm a former teacher and I retired from teaching after 36 years.”

“I just thought this really kind of fit in with what I was doing in my current job(Holt County Economic Development). So, to keep the youth in our towns, I started looking at various towns that were doing this. I visited Norton, Kansas, a few months ago to look at their competition and kind of modeled our competition after them.”

With more than 35 students in attendance, North Central Nebraska gave students a set of structured guidelines to come well prepared. Students were told to write a business plan, create trade show displays, and pitch their idea to judges in a Shark Tank scenario.  

The winner of this competition would win $2,000 towards their business, schooling, or however they felt led to spend it. There would also be a one year tuition scholarship from Northeast Community College, and the People's Choice Award for $500.

The event was funded by the O’Neill Community Foundation grant for $3,000 and matched by the Nebraska Community Foundation for another $3,000 and allowing five businesses to place for a prize. 

First place went to Kids Klubhouse, second place went to Burn em Down Waterfowl company for the people's choice award, third place went to PCB Exterior Shine, fourth place went to Aylla’s Alterations & Boutique, and Gear Head was awarded a scholarship to Northeast Community College for fifth place. 

“The goal was to have kids realize, I can actually live in Greater Nebraska,” said Peterson. “I don't have to live in Omaha or Lincoln, I can stay in my hometown and make a living."