AGE CATEGORIES
Competition Categories by Age
Learning Levels in the Challenge
The Young CEO Challenge is divided into age groups so that students are evaluated based on their stage of learning and understanding.
Each category focuses on different entrepreneurial skills—from basic confidence and simple selling for younger participants to complete startup thinking and business strategy for older students.
Participant Categories by Age
| Age | Category | What they are tested on |
|---|---|---|
|
6–8
|
Little Idea Starters |
Confidence & simple selling
|
|
9–11
|
Smart Biz Builders |
Cost, price, profit basics |
|
12–14
|
Young Startup Leaders |
Marketing & business logic |
|
15–17
|
Future CEO Masters |
Complete startup thinking
|
Category Expectations
Little Idea Starters (Ages 6–8)
Young participants focus on building confidence and explaining a simple product idea. Judges mainly look for clear speaking, creativity, and effort in setting up a fun booth.
Smart Biz Builders (Ages 9–11)
Students begin to understand business basics such as cost, price, and profit. Judges expect a simple price explanation, a clear product idea, and a confident selling pitch.
Young Startup Leaders (Ages 12–14)
Participants develop stronger entrepreneurial thinking. Judges evaluate pricing logic, marketing ideas, persuasive selling skills, and a well-organized booth setup.
Future CEO Masters (Ages 15–17)
Older students present their idea like a real startup. Judges look for problem-solving products, clear target customers, detailed pricing plans, and strong business reasoning.
What Judges Look For
Judging expectations increase gradually across age categories. Participants are evaluated based on their understanding, effort, and presentation skills.
- Clear explanation of the product or service
- Confidence while presenting the business idea
- Creativity in booth setup and presentation
- Understanding of pricing, profit, and marketing