The Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship Experience (FLEX) is an entrepreneurship program for high school students that engages them in the business world through experiences and mentorships. Students in FLEX create real businesses, provide real products and services, and make real money. Local business partners, along with community leaders and teachers help to make this program a success, investing in the program through teaching workshops and mentoring student entrepreneurs. Students compete in three rounds of competition until a local winner is selected. Local FLEX champs then move on to the state-wide competition.
FLEXPO
Feb 4th-10th, 8a-5p, HCDC
Our Fab Five companies will be displaying poster presentations so that you can get to know the products and services they each are providing. Read more below.
Get to know them in person at the FLEXPO Lunch & Learn, Feb 9th learn more
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.
Round (2)
The selected 10 companies will receive a small loan for seed money to get their business off the ground. They will then operate for 8 to 12 weeks while participating in workshops and completing assignments that will provide tools to increase the success of their venture. At the end of this round, companies give a shark tank style business pitch to a panel of judges.
Round (3)
The top 3 companies continue operating their businesses and implementing feedback from the Round 2 Judges for 5 weeks. They participate in the extensive presentation training and then give their final pitch to a panel of judges and in front of friends, family, and peers. first, second and third place all receive a cash investment in their business
Local Finals
We will select our local champion and award them $3000. Runner up will receive $1,500, and third place will receive $750. The money, awarded by the Menlo-Tillotson Foundation Grant, will be invested in their business.
Our Champ will compete in state finals for a chance to win a $10,000 investment in their business
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
Tillotson-Menlo
Charitable Foundation
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FAB FIVE
BeyO
(Beydaly Gabriel-Diaz)
Chattooga High School
BeyO is a cutting edge smart keychain designed to help users locate their belongings quickly, conveniently, and in style. Combining Bluetooth Technology, LED illumination, and sound alerts, BeyO ensures users never waste time searching for their keys, bags or essentials again. Unlike traditional tractors that prioritize utility over design, BeyO blends functionality, fashion, and customization into one sleek, circular, rechargeable product.
Country Creations
(Jacob "Ryder" Harris)
Trion High School
Country creations is a forward-thinking startup dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and distributing high-quality, ecofriendly outdoor decor and furniture. Founded in 2025, our goal is to transform outdoor spaces into relaxing retreats with a welcoming atmosphere in both residential and commercial spaces. Opened and operated in Trion, Georgia, we utilize knowledge on manufacturing, designing, and upcycling goods to deliver products that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally responsible.
Tate & Tot Metalworks
(Riley Lail)
Summerville Collective Homeschool
Tate & Tot Metalworks is a small creative business founded by 18-year-old Riley Lail. The company produces handcrafted jewelry, artistic welding pieces, and offers small scale welding services for local farmers and small businesses. Riley Plans to attend a certified welding program to improve technical skills and grow Tate & Tot Metalworks into a Full-service studio that serves both art lovers and the local community
Quali-Care Pets
(Isabella Mason)
Summerville Collective Homeschool
Quali-Care Pets is a premium pet produce company that produces high quality pet treats and bedding, from locally sourced ingredients and materials, that nourish, satisfy, and comfort pets as well as the conscience and heart of the pet parent.
Blessed Braids
(Olivia McKinney)
Summerville Collective Homeschool
Blessed Braids gives all ages long lasting protective styles, builds unity as sports or dance groups come together for matching styles, lets fans support their teams with color coded braids, and inspires more people in the community to try new hairstyles. By focusing on comfort, blessed braids provide professional, creative, and customized styles for clients of all ages and hair types.
