Meet the winners of the 2026 Young Entrepreneurs Market
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Young Entrepreneurs Market.
Because you showed up, young founders gained real customers, real feedback, and real confidence. They practiced pitching, navigated sales conversations, and experienced what it means to run a business in a live marketplace.
Two student entrepreneurs also received micro-grants totaling $1,500 to help grow their businesses:
Endea Johnson, founder of Revamped Hazard, a streetwear brand
Elizabeth Moran, founder of Flour Fairy, a boutique baking company
This funding helps these young founders continue building momentum. The market may be over, but their businesses are still growing.
See the photo gallery below
We also want to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible vendors who made the Young Entrepreneurs Market: Taylor's Tacos, Ruby Fine Hibiscus Tea, and Copacetic Visuals.
And thank you to this year's sponsors, Social Change Fund United and Alt Space Chicago.
CELEBRATING INNOVATION
At our recent ACTIVATE Showcase, students presented prototypes and marketing campaigns for the businesses they’ve been developing throughout the IDEATE and ACTIVATE bootcamps.
Students practiced pitching their ventures in a mock competition designed to prepare them for higher-stakes opportunities with access to funding.
Moments like these are where preparation meets confidence. Students are not only building ideas, they are learning how to communicate those ideas, respond to feedback, and refine their vision as founders.
For many alumni, ACCELERATE was a turning point.
Through paid internships, mentorship, and real-world experience, students have built confidence, developed professional skills, and begun to see new possibilities for their futures.
For Elijah Casselle, a senior at Oak Park River Forest High School and former ACCELERATE participant, the program helped expand how he saw himself and what he believed was possible. Since his time in ACCELERATE, Elijah has continued building his business, WeGotShoez, which focuses on making quality footwear more affordable through restoration and resale. He’ll be heading to the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the fall and plans to major in finance.
“Being in a room with others who wanted to create their business and pursue their passion alongside all the people that were brought in to mentor and help us, helped me change how I look at myself.”
ACCELERATE is more than a program. It’s a space where young people are supported, challenged, and equipped to take their next step with intention.
Do you know a young ambitious teen like Elijah?
Encourage them to apply today!
NBA FOUNDATION GRANT
We’re also excited to share that The Gray Matter Experience has received a $75,000 grant from the NBA Foundation, following a referral from our partners at the Chicago Bulls.
This investment supports our work to equip Chicago youth with entrepreneurial mindsets, paid opportunities, and the skills needed to navigate careers and build economic mobility.
We are grateful for partners who believe in youth voice and leadership.
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