LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Young entrepreneurs from across the U.S. are heading to Las Vegas for the national “Shark Tank” competition during National Small Business Week.
The Elite Education Project, in partnership with the 9th Island Chamber of Commerce, will host future business leaders competing for funding and recognition. The event is happening on May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Top Golf.
The event brings together young entrepreneurs in grades 6 through 12 to pitch real businesses for funding, mentorship, and the opportunity to elevate their ventures.
Student ventures
“This event is about more than competition; it’s about creating opportunities for students to build confidence, think creatively, and develop real-world skills that will serve them for life,” said Tasha Su’a, founder and CEO of Elite Education Project. “These students aren’t just learning about business, they’re actively building it.”
The event represents the Elite Education Project’s 16-week entrepreneurship program, where students ideate, build, and launch their own ventures before presenting them to a panel of judges in a live pitch environment.
Participants are already demonstrating their visions.
Ryden, an 8th-grade entrepreneur from Hawaii, is the founder of 808 Plug, a clothing resale business that has generated nearly $3,000 in just two months through strategic sourcing, pricing, and digital marketing.
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“I’m not waiting for my turn, I’m taking it,” Ryden said. “I refuse to believe that just because I’m a kid, I can’t build something real.”
Laiku, an 8th-grade entrepreneur and football athlete from Hawaii, is the founder of NextLevel Media, a digital content service helping athletes and small businesses grow their visibility online. After recognizing that many talented individuals go unseen due to lack of marketing, Laiku began creating high-quality social media content using everyday tools — already generating revenue and supporting others in building their brands.
“If you’re not seen, you won’t grow — and I want to help people get the recognition they deserve,” Laiku said.
Marlee, a Las Vegas-based student and founder of StrongHer, is building a platform focused on confidence, mentorship, and strength for young girls.
“I know what it feels like to lose your confidence,” Marlee said. “I want to be the reason another girl finds hers.”
The event aims to highlight the importance of equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills early.
Elite Education Project is a Las Vegas-based nonprofit aimed to develop future-ready leaders through innovative, hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
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