DEARBORN COUNTY STUDENTS CAN EARN CASH, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE IN MAVERICK CHALLENGE

Hollie Stoops, President of AIM Young Professionals of Dearborn County, and AIM YP board member Alan Miller present prize checks to top participants in the 2014 Maverick Challenge sponsored by AIM YP.

Earlier this year, South Dearborn High School Class of 2014 member Crystal Nichols won $3,000 for her business idea. In 2013, East Central High School graduate A.J. Waltz won $3,000 and put it towards establishing a successful photography business.

Which Dearborn County high school student will be the next champion of the Maverick Challenge sponsored by AIM Young Professionals of Dearborn County? It could be you.

The Maverick Challenge was founded in 2008 by the Columbus, Indiana Area Chamber of Commerce. The competition gives highschool students in eleven southeast Indiana counties (Bartholomew, Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, Scott, and Switzerland) the opportunity to learn what it takes to get a small business going. They’ll receive insightful direction on planning, learn to manage finances, and network. The prize money can be used to pay for college or make their Maverick business plan become a reality.

Participants have a shot at winning up to $12,000 in the startup business competition pitting them against their fellow aspiring entrepreneurs both within Dearborn County and throughout southeast Indiana.

“Maverick is a program which reflects AIM YP’s belief that the county’s brightest and most promising minds can find success in life and their careers at home,” says AIM YP President Hollie Stoops.

Online registrations to compete in the AIM YP sponsored local Maverick Challenge are being accepted now through Friday, September 19 at MaverickChallenge.com. There is no cost to register.

Students can also inquire with the following guidance counselors or principals at each high school:

South Dearborn High School – Lisa Tupper, 812-926-3772, lisa.tupper@sdcsc.k12.in.us

East Central High School – Tina Waechter, 812-576-4811 ext. 11211, tjwaechter@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Lawrenceburg High School – Bill Snyder, 812-537-7129, bsnyder@lburg.k12.in.us

After entering, students will attend a Maverick Challenge kick-off meeting to be held in Lawrenceburg on Tuesday, September 23. Meetings for guidance, deadlines for a written business plan, and the naming of the 2015 champion of the Maverick Challenge sponsored by AIM YP will follow over the next four months.

Competitors don’t have to go at it alone as teams of up to three students – whether from one high school or different schools within the county – are allowed. Students don’t need to be operating their own business to have a shot at winning, either. They just need a good idea and the desire to see their business plan completed.

Participants will have access to online tools and receive plenty of expert assistance along the way. AIM YP has assembled a panel of local business owners, managers, and service providers to give the students valuable advice.

“I learned that connections are everything. I met a lot of new people and they taught me a lot of new, interesting, and helpful things to power me through,” Nichols says.

Waltz can also attest to the value of the Maverick experience.

"If you have just an idea, this competition will help you take it to the business level, create a plan, and get you set on a journey tosuccess," says Waltz.

You can learn more about the Maverick Challenge and find official rules at MaverickChallenge.com.