Do you know a Carmel High School senior who may have the next big idea for a new product or service, or an idea to improve an existing product or service? If so, they just may win seed money from the inaugural State Bank Start Me Up Cup Scholarship Competition! This competition showcases State Bank’s commitment to promoting free enterprise and helping young entrepreneurs who have big ideas succeed!
Hosted by the Carmel Education Foundation (CEF), the Start Me Up Cup competition will mimic the popular “Shark Tank” program. Carmel High School (CHS) seniors are invited to submit a short video pitch by February 22, 2022. A panel of State Bank representatives will select up to ten students to advance to round two of the competition. During round two, students will follow an outline to prepare a business plan and are encouraged to vet their idea with a State Bank banker, business teacher, local businessperson, or a parent before presenting their idea to a panel of judges in April. Students may apply individually or in groups of up to three CHS seniors.
Andy Pinegar, State Bank Senior Vice President and Hamilton County Market President shares, “State Bank is proud to be in Carmel, and we are committed to building relationships and investing in the youth in our community. We have no doubt that their ideas are our future, and we are excited to empower them in building their future success.”
More information and the application are available at www.ccs.k12.in.us/foundation/scholarships.
Two students will receive scholarships to invest as seed money in their proposed business/service. The grand prize entrepreneur will receive $2,000 and the runner-up will receive $1,000. Both awards will be presented at the CHS Community Award Night on May 18, 2022. Carmel Education Foundation will present up to 90 additional scholarships during the ceremony as well.
If you are a local entrepreneur who may be interested in assisting student applicants with their business plan or pitch, or would like to serve on the panel of judges, please contact Jennifer Penix, Executive Director, Carmel Education Foundation, at jpenix1@ccs.k12.in.us.
State Bank, located at 126th and Gray Road in Carmel, is also featured as the First Taste VIP Sponsor for Carmel Education Foundation’s Taste of Carmel on Thursday, March 3, 2022. Tickets are on sale for this community event at www.TasteOfCarmelIndiana.com.