Programs

Grow-NY Youth Competition

Calling all youth food system and technology entrepreneurs!


Grow New York

In partnership with Grow-NY, Cornell University, NYS 4-H, New York FFA, and New York Agriculture in the Classroom, we are pleased to share an exciting youth opportunity to build businesses in New York State.

Our youth are the next generation of business developers, agriculture, food, and technology leaders. With the hope of inspiring and investing in the future of food, select middle and high school youth will be chosen to attend the Grow-NY competition. Outstanding students will be selected to pitch their business idea during the competition to a panel of judges.

The Grow-NY competition takes place in November each year. Information about your current business plan or business idea will be required to be considered for this experience. One winner will be selected amongst the pitches by a panel of judges. The top pitches will be awarded a cash prize.

Application Information

Applications for the 2025 Grow-NY Youth Competition are now open. Applications are due on October 1, 2025 at 11:45pm.

Due October 1, 2025 at 11:45 pm
Eligibility

New York State youth enrolled in middle or high school at the time of the competition are eligible to apply, including public, private, and home schools.

Grow New York
Cornell Cooperative Extension

Contest date: November 12-13, 2025
Canandaigua, NY
Applications due on October 1, 2025

4H New York
Bring Students to the Grow-NY Competition

New York Agriculture in the Classroom is offering the opportunity for students to attend the Grow-NY Competition so that they may see firsthand the innovative ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and attend a student-centered workshop. Students selected to pitch in the Youth Contest will receive complimentary registration and need not apply to attend.

Registration for 2025 will be coming soon. Please check back in Fall of 2025 for the 2025 registration form and workshop information.

Prizes

Prizes for the 2025 Grow-NY Youth Competition will be announced soon. For your reference, the 2024 prizes are listed below and are similar to what you can expect in 2025.

  • First place: $3,000
  • Second place: $2,000
  • Third place: $1,000
Project-Based Learning

This optional project-based learning experience can be used to help implement the Grow-NY Youth Competition concepts in your classroom or club.

Grow-NY PBL Instructions
Grow-NY PBL Milestones
Optional Contest Template
In-Class Presentation Rubric
View the Past Award Winners

Check out the impressive entrepreneurs from past Grow-NY Youth Competitions.