About the Academy
Students with a desire to start and run their own businesses are being sought out to apply for the 2026 Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!).
For the past 12 years, the Somerset-Pulaski Chamber has facilitated one of the most comprehensive business programs for middle and high school students in Kentucky. Through this program, our students learn directly from local business leaders, helping shape the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders. Recognizing today’s outstanding businesses continues that legacy of inspiration and excellence.
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is an 18-week after school program that takes a group of select, ambitious, and motivated students through the process of launching and running their very own real businesses. Students enrolled in the program will learn from local business owners and educators about how to create their own ideas and business platforms to eventually manage their own functioning businesses following the program’s completion.
Think “Shark Tank,” but on a local level !!!
How the Academy Works
This Academy is not like a typical class. Instead, students learn how to launch a business in a fun way through a local entrepreneur instructor, professional guest speakers, a CEO Roundtable, trips to local innovative companies, and more. From writing your own business plans with your business mentors to pitching your plans live on a stage to secure real funding, this exciting class has been the best decision many students like you have ever made.
At the end of the year, all YEA! Students will pitch their business ideas in a “Shark Tank” style presentation and compete for THOUSANDS of dollars to help start their businesses.
To date, the Chamber has handed out over $100,000 to aspiring entrepreneurs who have graduated from this program.
The program will end with a mock investor panel awarding kids real money for their businesses, and a full scholarship will be awarded to the winner of the program to either Campbellsville University or Somerset Community College.
The Chamber of Commerce has also awarded eleven (11) full scholarships to winners of this program to Campbellsville University. The calculated value of those scholarships is in excess of 1.7-Million Dollars.
Kinds of Students Who Excel in the Academy
Many people often ask, “what kinds of students excel in this program? The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is designed for students who dream big, think creatively, and want to make a real impact — even before they graduate. While the program welcomes all middle and high school students, certain types of students tend to thrive the most in YEA!
Self-Starters & Go-Getters
Students who take initiative, enjoy challenges, and don’t mind stepping outside their comfort zone excel in YEA!. These are the kids who see a problem and immediately start thinking of ways to solve it.
Creative Thinkers
Innovators, tinkerers, and idea-generators shine here. YEA! is perfect for students who love to brainstorm new products, invent solutions, or dream about how to make something better.
Leaders in the Making
The program gives students the chance to run real businesses — so those who enjoy organizing, making decisions, and motivating others tend to do exceptionally well.
Community-Minded Doers
The best YEA! students aren’t just looking to make money — they want to make a difference. Many create businesses that give back, help others, or improve life in their community.
Curious Learners
You don’t need to know everything about business to join — just a willingness to learn. Students who ask questions, seek advice, and genuinely want to understand how the world works thrive in this environment.
When Class Meets & How to Apply
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy will meet on Tuesday Evening from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Somerset Community College. Classes begin in early January and end in May. If you’d like to apply, simply complete one of our applications and send it to our office to begin. Space is limited, so please apply early and ensure a strong application.
For more information, contact the Somerset-Pulaski Co Chamber of Commerce at (606) 679-7323 or [email protected]