Monthly Newsletter
May 2025

The Hidden Driver of Entrepreneurial Success

May marks both Mental Health Awareness Month and Small Business Month, reminding us that behind every successful entrepreneur is a mindset built on resilience and self-care. At NFTE, we understand that cultivating emotional well-being is essential to developing strong entrepreneurial skills. Our programs help young people build the confidence to launch their ventures while supporting them in developing the resilience needed to navigate challenges and grow personally. By prioritizing mindset and emotional health alongside practical business skills, NFTE empowers students to create businesses and futures that truly flourish.

President's Message

Each May, we celebrate Small Business Month, a time to recognize the vital role that small businesses play in driving our economy, enriching our communities, and creating opportunity. At NFTE, we know that behind every small business is an entrepreneur with a vision—and we believe that entrepreneurship education is the key to unlocking those visions for the next generation.

A successful economy is built on successful small businesses, and small businesses are everywhere. They’re the beating heart of our neighborhoods, our innovation engines, and a key driver of job creation across the country. That’s why NFTE is proud to support and spotlight our alumni who have turned their NFTE experience into real-world success.

Check out our alumni's businesses and shop now to support a small business!

As our nation continues to develop new approaches to make education and workforce systems more relevant and connected to career and life success, one solution is clear: entrepreneurship education must become a standard part of learning. It not only equips young people with practical skills—they also gain confidence, resilience, and the ability to shape their own economic futures.

At NFTE, we’re committed to championing the next generation of small business owners and innovators. Thank you for being part of this movement!

 

Road to Nationals

Can you believe we're already halfway through our Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenges? With four more regional challenges on the horizon, NFTE students across the country are showing up with bold, thoughtful ideas—and getting one step closer to the national stage.

On May 13, the Southeast Challenge kicked off in Miami, spotlighting innovations from adaptive pet products to AI crash-prevention systems. Just a few days later, students in the South region took the stage on May 16 to pitch ideas ranging from safety-focused smartwatches to customizable tiny homes. And most recently, the Midwest Challenge on May 20 introduced ventures like magnetic dress shirts for people with mobility challenges and soccer camps aimed at underserved communities.

We're inspired by the innovative solutions our students continue to present, and we can’t wait to see what's next! Find your city and come support NFTE students in your region as the next round of competitions continues.

Stay tuned and catch all the latest updates on our website!

RSVP Today
 

Former Staff Spotlight: Karen Ezell Named EY Entrepreneur of the Year® Finalist!

Read Her Story

We’re thrilled to share that former NFTE North Texas Regional Director Karen Ezell has been named a 2025 Southwest finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year® Award! Karen is the owner of Event Supplies & Services Inc. (ESS) — a thriving event support company she grew after the sudden passing of her husband and ESS founder, Glenn.

From mentoring NFTE students to leading a nationwide business with over 1,000 gig workers, Karen embodies what it means to be a mission-driven entrepreneur. She’ll attend the gala this June with NFTE alumna and EY Senior Business Advisor Valery Perez-Guerrero, making it a full-circle moment for our community.

 

Corporate Spotlight: ASA

NFTE's Exploring Careers Webinar

We’re excited to spotlight our incredible partners at American Student Assistance (ASA) for their support in launching the Exploring Careers webinar, designed to introduce NFTE’s newest program for middle school students.

The webinar offered an in-depth look at the curriculum, which empowers young learners to explore their interests, build foundational career skills, and envision future possibilities. NFTE’s Christine Ryan and Danice Ferguson presented the program overview, and educator Myia Griffith shared valuable insights from her classroom experience, highlighting the positive impact the curriculum is already making. 

Corporate Spotlight: PayPal

PayPal welcomed students from the Academy of Finance at Independence High School to its San Jose campus for a volunteer event filled with speed networking and personalized mock interviews.

The impact of the day was clear: students left feeling inspired, motivated, and more confident about their futures. One student shared, “I had an amazing experience. … 

The feedback and compliments I received were invaluable in how I move forward in pursuing my chosen career.” Another added, “I had a great time working with my volunteers. ... They genuinely care and wanted to give us the best.”

 

NFTE in the News

    • WFLX/South Florida Daily: Exploring the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
    • WGGB/Western Mass News: Young Entrepreneurs Present ‘Shark Tank’ Pitches at NFTE
    • Advocate Magazine: DFW Students Advance to Nationals for NFTE Challenge
    • Dallas Innovates: 7 DFW Students Win ‘Shark Tank’-Like Entrepreneurs Challenge
    • Donegal Daily (Ireland): Young Entrepreneurs Proudly Represent Donegal 
    • Westmeath Independent: Young Kilbeggan Entrepreneur Represents Westmeath
    • Connaught Telegraph: Mayo Students win National Youth Enterprise Award
    • Nenagh Guardian: Impressive Host Role for Tipp Teens at Awards Event
    • Baltimore Magazine: Atman Patel (NFTE Alum)
    • EdSurge: Career Education is Having a Moment. Here's How It's Adapting for Future Jobs
    • NBC6 News Today: 2025 NFTE Southeast Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
    • NBC 5: Winning Business Ideas Earn Students a Trip to NYC
    • NBC News: How Economic Warning Signs are Flashing at the Salon (NFTE Alum)