Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase

Young entrepreneurs take the stage to pitch bold ideas, compete for cash prizes, and prove the future of business is already here.
About this Event

The Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase is NFTE's signature global event, uniting the U.S. National Challenge and World Challenge on one stage for the very first time. Taking place November 16-19, 2026 in New York City during Global Entrepreneurship Week, this multi-day experience brings together student entrepreneurs, educators, and industry leaders from across the country and around the world.

As NFTE approaches its 40th anniversary, the Showcase expands a 20-year legacy of youth pitch competitions into something bigger: a weeklong celebration of innovation, connection, and the next generation of business leaders.

Student entrepreneurs ages 14-23, educators, chaperones, judges, and business professionals gather to celebrate youth innovation and create real opportunities for international impact.

November 16

🕑: 03:00 AM - 05:30 AM
Student Competitor Check-In
🕑: 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Welcome Dinner (student competitors, chaperones, collaborator staff)
November 17

🕑: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Day of Learning
November 18

🕑: 08:00 AM - 03:30 PM
U.S. Semi Finals
🕑: 08:30 AM - 03:30 PM
Global Student Day of Coaching
🕑: 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
U.S. National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
November 19

🕑: 08:30 AM - 03:30 PM
Global Semi Finals
🕑: 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge