On February 10th, 2026 Hope Builds Life’s pilot program for the Straight to the Trades / Future Texas Entrepreneur program came to a close with a big blowout of eight teams competing for award money in a pitch competition to business leaders in Boerne, TX.
High School seniors put together a business idea by finding a problem, developing a solution, building a business model and marketing the idea.
Then they built a pitch deck and presented to a crowd of around 50 people including business leaders who acted as judges, parents, school administration, Boerne EDC and more. After their pitch they had a Q&A where they had to answer questions on the spot to backup their idea.
A daunting task for prospective regular business owners and yet the students rose to the challenge and excelled.
The judges BECAME investors in two companies.
The students did so well that the judges insisted to adding to the prize pool and awarded TWO first place teams.
When the program started, no one was thinking about their own business. By the end, 25% of the class is looking at starting one after high school. This goes to show, if you give someone space for creativity, give them the tools and knowledge to move forward, and foster a belief in them, then a whole new generation of small business owners will carry America forward.
Every team had a great idea and a viable business model. Ultimately judging came down to several things:
Our Sponsors:
Thank you to our judges for graciously giving their time.
Thank you to the mentors who donated their time and expertise helping students prepare their pitches.
Thank you to Principal Benke and Champion High School for allowing us to run the pilot program.
Thank you to Samantha Morganroth and Das Greenhaus in collaborating this program.
Thank you to Michael Etheridge for spearheading and supporting the program from the beginning.
Thank you to Dr. Kraft, Boerne Superintendent, for allowing this Texas and nationally recognized Champion Agmech\Welding Program and for attending the pitch competition and seeing the fantastic results that came from it.
Thank you to all the students who were a part of this process. For your patience and open minds, and more so, your effort in building your businesses.
Thank you Dorman Vick for bringing Hope Builds Life into your Welding program and classroom, your tireless advocation for students going into the trades. Truly, your program is the best in Texas driven by your ‘students first’ mentality and fortitude.
This would not have happened without your support.
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