Nevada City, Calif. – The third annual Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Week is returning Nov. 30-Dec. 4, with a Futurepreneurs Pitch Showcase on Friday, Dec. 4, from 5-7 p.m.

Feb. 2026 YEPW Group Photo Credit Drew Mazer

This free, weeklong program invites high school students from western Nevada County to explore entrepreneurship, develop new business ideas, and present their concepts at a community pitch showcase. Applications are now open at NevadaCountyCA.gov/PitchWeek and will close on Friday, Nov. 6 at midnight.

Throughout the week, students will participate in hands-on workshops led by local business owners and professionals. Participants will learn key principles of entrepreneurship, identify potential customers and capital needs, create a value proposition, and build a polished five-minute pitch. No existing business or fully developed idea is required. Students will brainstorm concepts during the opening workshop.

Grant LaCosse and Elena Miller present their Smart Selections app pitch at the 2025 Pitch Week showcase, with a slide describing the app behind them
Young Entrepreneur Pitch Week 2025 Winners-Grant LaCosse and Elena Miller-Smart Selection app to analyze what they eat

Workshops will be held at the Nevada County Government Center and provide students with direct access to entrepreneurs who offer practical guidance and feedback as they refine their ideas.

Pitch Week concludes with the Futurepreneurs Pitch Showcase on Friday, Dec. 4, from 5-7 p.m. in the Board Chambers. Finalists will present their pitch decks and five-minute business pitches to a panel of judges and an audience of community members. The Showcase offers young entrepreneurs the chance to compete for cash prizes, receive expert feedback, gain exposure for their ideas, and build confidence presenting in a professional setting.

Feb. 2026 – Pitch Week winners present their AI business proposal- Jack Kendrick-Cisneros Luca Ricciardi and Peter Kosina

High school students from western Nevada County are encouraged to apply. No prior business experience is needed: only curiosity, creativity and a willingness to develop an idea.

Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Week is offered in partnership with the Nevada County Economic Development Office and is generously supported by River Valley Community Bank.

Apply by Friday, Nov. 6 at NevadaCountyCA.gov/PitchWeek.

To learn more about Nevada County Economic Development, visit: NevadaCountyCA.gov/EconomicDevelopment.