FLEX

 

 

 

PURPOSE:

To create prosperity and revitalize Fitzgerald’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through the education of Fitzgerald High School College and Career students on the rewards, sacrifices, and processes incurred in the establishment of small businesses.

OVERVIEW:

Round 1: Student entrepreneurs form teams, referred to as companies, and submit a business plan application to be judged by a panel of local business leaders. It will be a blind submission process. Out of the initial applicants, 10 will be selected to advance to the next round. Applications are due September 28th and can be turned in to the Guidance Counselors’ office. Business Plans must be submitted by the deadline (TBA). The top 10 companies will be then be announced. 

Round 2: The selected 10 companies will receive a $100 loan for seed money. They will then operate their businesses for 11 weeks, while participating in workshops and completing assignments that will provide tools to increase the success of their business. At the end of the 11 weeks, companies will complete a business evaluation and submit their financial statements for review by a non-local panel. Three companies will be selected to advance to the next round. The top three will be announced on February 2nd.

Round 3: The top 3 companies give a “Shark Tank” style business pitch to a panel of judges made up of non-local business leaders in front of friends, family, and their peers in the FHSCCA Auditorium.

AWARDS:

1st Place Team: $5,000 cash and prizes

2nd Place Team: $3,000 cash and prizes

3rd Place Team: $1,500 cash and prizes

1st Place Advisor: $500

2nd Place Advisor: $300

3rd Place Advisor: $150

RULES:

● Companies must be composed of 1 to 3 students. All team members must be current students at FHSCCA or Irwin County High School.

● Companies must have an advisor from Ben Hill or Irwin County School System.

● The competition is open to 9-12 grade students.

● Former FLEX champions may not compete again, but finalists are eligible.

● Companies must pay back their $100 loan to be considered for Round 3.

DISCLAIMER:
The opinions and decisions made by the panels of judges at each round of the competition are final. The opinions of the judges are independent of FHSCCA, Irwin County High School, FBHCDA, Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Chamber of Commerce, and the sponsors of FLEX.

 FHSCCA FLEX Dates for 2025 -2026

September 3                      Release Applications and Promo Video

September 12                   Applications Due

September 15-19             Business Plan Workshop

October 3                           Business Plans Due

October 20-24                   Round 1 Judging

October 24                         Announce Top 10

TBD                                     Finance Workshop & Promissory Note Signing

TBD                                     Marketing Workshop

January 30                         Round 2 Judging Pitch Day and FLEXpo

February 2                          Top 3 Announced

TBD                                      Commercial and interview planning session

March 17                            Top 3 presentations due for finals

March 19                            Dress Rehearsal for local finals (FHSCCA Performing Arts Center)

March 20                            Round 3 Judging "FLEX Day" (FHSCCA Performing Arts Center)

April 15                               State FLEX Finals