Grow-NY Youth Competition

Calling all youth food system and technology entrepreneurs!

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 2024 Grow-NY Youth Competition are now open. Applications are due on October 1, 2024 at 11:45 pm. View a PDF of the application.

Due October 1, 2024 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.

Contest date: November 6-7, 2024
Ithaca, NY
Applications due on October 1, 2024

Apply to 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 for the first time, attend a student-centered workshop. Space is limited to 20 students per competition day and lunch will be included. Students selected to pitch in the Youth Contest will receive complimentary registration and need not apply to attend.

Applications for 2023 are now closed. Please check back in the fall of 2024 for information about next year's competition.

2024 Youth Workshop information coming soon!

Prizes

All prizes are intended for business or education expenses and were sponsored by Taste New York, a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets program.

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.

View the Past Award Winners

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

Programs