Land of Lincoln CEO Tradeshow Wednesday, April 27th

 

[April 20, 2022] 

One student-owned business is exciting news, but how about checking out seven in one location? Land of Lincoln CEO is holding its seventh annual Student-Owned Business Expo on April 27th at 4:30 p.m. The American Legion will be filled with innovative ideas, eager new micro-entrepreneurs, and can’t miss products and services available for same-day and order-ahead sale. The Business Expo showcases the work of the 7 high school student participants, giving them the opportunity to introduce their businesses to local buyers. This free event is the capstone project for the Land of Lincoln CEO year-long program. The CEO Program teaches entrepreneurship education, preparing Logan County youth to be responsible, enterprising individuals who become entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial thinkers and contribute to economic development and sustainable communities. Land of Lincoln CEO began in 2015 with the hope that Logan County High School students would join our vibrant business community with a solid understanding of entrepreneurial principles through a hands-on educational experience.

Lisa Kuhlman, offering her small business expertise for the first time this year, is an entrepreneur herself and served as the Program Facilitator. In her own small business, she works with entrepreneurs who are launching and building their brands, giving her a unique and varied perspective on the challenges and rewards of owning a business. Lisa serves on the board of Lincoln Community Theatre and volunteers with other local organizations including Harvest of Talents for World Hunger and Workcamp for Lincoln. Her fresh eyes brought new ideas and exciting opportunities to the participants.

In addition to learning from area business owners, visiting with industry experts, and consulting with mentors throughout the year, the LLCEO class participated in a local “Shark Tank” competition in preparation for the CEO national pitch competition sponsored by Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship. The class participants were grilled about the details of their business, and ultimately judged. Their pitches were scored according to how they presented the problem and solution, call to action, how well they know their business, and their "secret sauce." They held up like champs!

Land of Lincoln CEO Investors are the heart of Land of Lincoln CEO. Their annual investment of $1,000 provides the necessary resources for the facilitator salary and other programmatic expenses. This financial support also ensures the sustainability of the Land of Lincoln CEO class for future students. Investors not only provide financial support but also support the program through providing site tours, serving as guest speakers, and developing positive mentor relationships that are critical for the success of the program. A special Investor sneak peek of the Expo is available from 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information about the program, the student participants, or how to get involved with the program please visit the LLCEO website:  https://www.landof
lincolnceo.com/

Bring your wallets to help support these budding businesses on April 27th at 4:30 p.m. at the American Legion.

[Submitted by Michelle Bauer on behalf of LLCEO]