The room was full well before the first pitch began. Family members leaned forward in their seats, mentors exchanged quiet encouragement, and local business leaders settled in with a clear sense that something meaningful was about to unfold. By the time the first student stepped to the front of the room, the energy was unmistakable. This was not just a presentation. It was a glimpse into the future of Mesa County’s business community.
Last week’s Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA!) Investor Panel, hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, marked the culmination of months of work for eight student entrepreneurs. Since the start of the program, these students have moved from initial ideas to fully developed business concepts, working through feasibility, branding, financial planning, and customer discovery. Now in its 13th year, the program continues to challenge students to think critically, act boldly, and present with confidence.
Each student took the stage to deliver a polished pitch to a panel of five investors. What followed was a series of presentations that reflected both creativity and discipline. Business ideas ranged widely, from a specialty tea café concept to 3D print design services. One student focused on providing crepes tailored to the celiac community, while another addressed a practical need with curated emergency supplies and concessions designed for a day at the lake.
These were not early-stage ideas lacking substance. Students came prepared with detailed financial projections, defined target markets, and, in several cases, working prototypes. The investor panel responded in kind, asking thoughtful questions and offering real-world insight, treating each student as they would any entrepreneur seeking capital.
“The innovation that is supported in this program ignites our future success as a business community,” said Candace Carnahan, President and CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. “What we are seeing tonight is not just creativity, but the kind of forward-thinking mindset that will shape our economy in the years ahead.”
YEA! Program Manager Alessandra Muse emphasized the growth she witnessed throughout the program.
“These students have put in the work,” Muse said. “They’ve taken feedback, refined their ideas, and pushed themselves outside of their comfort zones. What you see on stage tonight is the result of real commitment and a willingness to learn what it takes to build something from the ground up.”
The evening concluded with tangible results. Nearly $7,000 in startup funding was allocated across the student businesses, providing a meaningful step forward for these young CEOs as they look to bring their ideas to life.
One student emerged as the evening’s top honoree. Roan Baldwin, founder of Munch Mode Machines, was selected as the 2026 Saunders Scholar. With that distinction, Baldwin will go on to represent the state of Colorado at the national YEA! Competition in early June, held in Texas.
As the audience filtered out, there was a shared sense that the evening had delivered more than just a showcase of student work. It served as a reminder of what is possible when a community invests in its next generation of leaders. In a room filled with encouragement, accountability, and opportunity, the foundation for future businesses, and future leadership, was clearly on display.
The momentum will continue. Next, these young entrepreneurs will launch their businesses to the public at a tradeshow hosted at Mesa Mall on Saturday, May 30. The public is encouraged to attend, meet the students, and support their ventures firsthand. Looking ahead, applications for the 2027 cohort of YEA! will open later this year.
To learn more, visit gjchamber.org/yea.
