Investing in the Future: Utah High School Students Compete in Business Idea Competition

High school students in Utah have the opportunity to turn their business ideas into reality through Invest Nest, a competition that provides financial backing and support. The program is similar to “Shark Tank” and is organized by the PC CAPS program at Park City High School. Dylan Rifkin, a student involved in the program, believes that some of the ideas presented are ready to become real companies, while others may need more development.

Rifkin and his peers work on developing their ideas outside of school hours, with a wide range of concepts being pitched, from apparel brands to renewable energy ideas. The public is invited to watch the six finalists make their pitches at the Park City Eccles Theater. Judging criteria include the development of ideas, presentation, and the feasibility of the business getting off the ground with financial support.

The winner will receive $5,000 and advance to the state finals in Provo to compete for a $20,000 prize. The second and third place finishers will also receive monetary awards, with all competitors taking home some level of funding. Invest Nest has helped over 100 high school student startups, with 40 of them still active. Park City and Wasatch County School Districts are among the eight districts participating in the state competition.