On Thursday evening, March 29, 2024, Candler County Schools held its final FLEX competition to determine student entrepreneurs who will compete in the state competition in April.
Finalists received a total of $9,000 in prize money to be used to build their businesses. DeWayne Grice, Founder/Publisher of Grice Connect; He served as host of Thursday night's final.
Leila Smith, owner of Lens + Lettering was selected as first place and will advance to state completion. Leila is in her 10th grade at Metter College and Career Academy. Leila won her $5,000 in a local contest thanks to many sponsors. Layla will advance to the state tournament on April 12 at Fitzgerald.
The second place was chosen by Zach Johnson, owner of Salvage Boys Bates.Zack He is an 11th grader at Metter High School and won $2,500 to continue investing in his business.
Christian Goff, owner of Divine Decorative Desserts, was awarded 3rd place. Christian is in his 12th grade at Metter College and Career Academy where he won $1,500 to continue his baking business.
FLEX stands for Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneur X-Perience.
The FLEX program was built at Fitzgerald for students, and after the local competition ended, it grew to include more than 10 colleges and career academies participating in the state competition.
Students who have their own business or want to start their own business apply to join a local Flex program.
Candler School had over 47 students enroll in it in its first year. The students were then sent to a workshop on building a business plan hosted by the Georgia Grown Center and taught by the Georgia Small Business Development Center.
From here, about 25 students submitted business plans, and this was the first round.
Business plans were reviewed by experts from outside Candler County, and the judges selected the top 10 businesses.
From there, these businesses participated in a finance workshop taught by experts from Synovus Bank of Candler County, and a marketing and sales workshop taught by experts. Hannah Mullins and Susannah Lanier Public speaking taught by Hannah Mullins.
After pitching to a separate group of experts, the top three teams were selected at FlexPro Business After Hours held at the Georgia Grown Innovation Center.
On Thursday evening, these top three companies competed in their final presentations in front of a live audience and against another set of judges who were also not from the field.
Congratulations to all participants in the FLEX contest.
These students will be able to run their own businesses, community members will support them and get to know the younger generation, and the local economy will thrive with new small businesses in Metter. This makes each participant a winner.
