Every year, the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation honors students through the Young Entrepreneur Awards. YEF presents scholarships to graduating high school seniors nominated by NFIB members. Since 2003, NFIB has provided scholarships worth almost $3 million.
Being a nominator allows you to have an impact on a young entrepreneur’s future. “NFIB members are busy, but this is a quick, easy and valuable opportunity for business owners to use the skills and lessons they’ve learned through small business ownership to educate young entrepreneurs,” said Molly Young, senior manager for YEF.
NFIB member David Van Ahn said the interview was his favorite part of the nomination process. “You can tell the passion that comes through [the young entrepreneurs’] words and the excitement in their voices when they are talking about the business they have created,” said Van Ahn, who nominated Adam Cline, a 2013 Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.
Becoming a nominator also provides unique networking opportunities. “I have gained some new associations with these young men and women,” said NFIB member Alan Wiessner, who nominated 2013 Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist Wesley Cossick. Wiessner said he now uses his younger counterpart’s website-building product.
