2026 is already shaping up to be a big year. In the months ahead, we’ll introduce new partnerships, initiatives, and competitions. Our goal is to equip even more students with the skills, tools, and connections they need to become future leaders and innovators. By helping them spot opportunities, take smart risks, and learn from setbacks, we prepare them to make an impact—whether they start their own ventures or lead within existing organizations. We’re excited to build on our past successes and grateful for your continued support.

Today’s workforce needs strong analytical and creative thinking, resilience, and adaptability — exactly the skills NFTE builds through hands-on, problem-based learning. This impact is possible thanks to the support of our partners, who help us reach more communities and deliver meaningful programs.

Since 2017, NFTE and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation have worked together to bring youth entrepreneurship to out-of-school programs, reaching more than 30,000 young people. Together, we’ve introduced impactful innovations like modular BizCamps, virtual competition platforms, and accessibility pilots.

I’m excited to share that our partnership will continue in 2026 with the launch of the Mott Million Dollar Challenge — a nationwide innovation competition for students in grades K–12, supported by funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and powered by NFTE, which will administer the competition in collaboration with VentureLab, Young Entrepreneur Institute (YEI), the Afterschool Alliance, and Collaborative Communications. 

The Challenge blends a simple first round where students create and upload a 30- to 90-second pitch, followed by additional virtual rounds, then culminating with an exciting in‑person finale in Flint, Michigan this June. Semi‑finalists will come together in-person for learning, coaching, and peer connection and have the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of industry and celebrity judges. The Mott Million Dollar Challenge serves as a unifying celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit in youth and a tribute to the Mott Foundation’s 100-year legacy, in addition to awarding funds that support students’ academic and entrepreneurial aspirations.

We are thrilled to partner with the Mott Foundation and lead this bold investment in the future of youth entrepreneurship education.

We want to hear from YOU. Tell us about your NFTE experience and what you’re up to now—school, career, business, or beyond. Your insights help shape the future of NFTE programs and power our mission. Plus, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $50 Amazon e-gift card!

👉Take the survey.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Founders Forum pitch event set for March 9, 2026.

This livestream will mark the culmination of our 10-week virtual business incubator, where advanced NFTE alumni have been working to scale their businesses through expert coaching, mentorship, and hands-on workshops. Founders Forum is designed for NFTE alumni worldwide who have established and operational businesses preparing for startup capital or ready for the next stage of development. This year's cohort includes:

Amylah Charles, founder of CurlyCrownz Hair Care, a natural hair care brand evolving into immersive pop-up experiences.

Solonia Allen, founder of vegan bakery ALMNDMLK featuring delicious alternatives for those looking to indulge in healthier, plant-based desserts without sacrificing flavor.

Demi McKinley, founder of OhMyEczema, a skincare line dedicated to making eczema care accessible year-round.

Arlina Yang, founder of CareerNow, a newsletter connecting 38,000+ students to internships, resources, and insider interviews.

Taisiya Ivanchikova, founder of Fest Belt, a stylish, safety-first belt with seven pockets for freedom and function.

Dev Walker, founder of Walker Industries, a tech and research company driving immersive computing and XR innovation.

Mohammad Luay, founder of Opportunico, a platform linking students to global academic and career opportunities.

Cameron Marshall, author of Street Cent$, a financial literacy book that helps young people ages 12 through college achieve financial freedom.

Finalists will pitch their ventures for a chance to win up to $10,000 in startup funding. We invite NFTE supporters, board members, and educators to register and attend this inspiring livestream at 6:30 p.m. EDT to support these young entrepreneurs.

NFTE’s 2025 Fuel a Future peer-to-peer giving campaign was a tremendous success. Thanks to the leadership, generosity, and commitment of our community, we raised more than $130,000 to expand opportunity for the young people we serve.

This year’s campaign also aligned with our celebration of Youth Entrepreneurship Day on November 7. NFTE received 17 proclamations from cities and states across the country, including an in-person presentation from Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee. We also released a new NFTE Global Report highlighting the growing global impact of youth entrepreneurship.

Looking ahead, NFTE’s DIY peer-to-peer fundraising platform is live again for 2026. Have a milestone coming up—a birthday, anniversary, or marathon? Turn it into an opportunity to support the next generation of entrepreneurs by raising funds for NFTE!

January is National Mentoring Month, and we're honoring the volunteers who are the "secret sauce" of NFTE's mission! Around the world, classroom coaching is underway as students refine their ideas, develop business materials, and perfect their pitches. The impact is profound. A Philadelphia teacher shared, "This was such a valuable experience for everybody and our students grew so much from working with the volunteers!" A Capital Region student added, "During this volunteer session, I was able to learn how to use my own experiences to sell my business." These moments of connection and growth are what NFTE is all about—empowering young people to recognize opportunities and believe in their potential. To every mentor supporting our students: thank you. Your time, wisdom, and encouragement make all the difference.

Interested in becoming an NFTE volunteer? Visit volunteer.nfte.com to learn more.

The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is a national innovation competition for kids and teens in grades K–12, supported by funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and powered by NFTE.

Students can enter solo or with a team of up to three. Across the competition, $1 million in prizes will be awarded, and finalists will be invited to an epic celebration in Flint, Michigan, in June 2026!

Submissions are due February 27, 2026.

Presented by EY, PayPal, and Zuora, NFTE’s Founders Forum is an opportunity for alumni worldwide to participate in a 10-week virtual incubator designed to support viable startups. The program runs January-March 2026. Three Founders Forum finalists will pitch their business to an investment panel online, vying for a portion of a $10,000 capital investment pool that can be used to advance their business as they see fit.

Watch the livestream on March 9.

New & Veteran Educators are invited to take these MINDSET MAKERS professional development courses on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET: 

The Mott Million Dollar Challenge needs volunteers!

Volunteers are needed to judge this virtual student pitch competition. Judges will evaluate student video submissions on presentation, quality, clarity, originality, and persuasiveness via NFTE’s online judging platform. Judging is virtual, asynchronous, and self-paced.

Judging Window dates: March 16 at 9:00 am ET to March 19 at 11:59 pm ET, 2026