Staff Reports
THATCHER — Aspiring young entrepreneurs in Graham and Greenlee counties will have the opportunity to gain real-world business skills and compete for cash prizes this June during the Young Entrepreneur Excellence Training program at Eastern Arizona College.
The four-day hands-on workshop, presented by EAC’s Small Business Development Center, is scheduled for Monday through Thursday, June 8–11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room AP-111 on the EAC campus, located at 617 N. Stadium Avenue in Thatcher.
High school students with a passion for innovation and a desire to build their own businesses are encouraged to participate in the project-based learning experience. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of starting and growing a business, hear directly from successful local entrepreneurs, and develop their ideas through interactive sessions.
The program will culminate in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, where participants will present their business concepts to a panel of judges. The top prize is $1,000 cash, with additional awards for second- and third-place finishers.
Snacks and lunch will be provided each day, courtesy of the program’s sponsor, the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties.
“We are incredibly grateful for their investment in our local youth and future entrepreneurs,” organizers stated in the event announcement. “This week-long summer program offers an exciting adventure that could shape participants’ futures in ways they never imagined.”
Registration is required and can be completed online through the Y.E.S. (Youth Entrepreneur Success) program page, by calling 928-428-8590, or by emailing sbdc@eac.edu.
Space is limited, and interested students are encouraged to register soon to secure their spot in what promises to be a transformative experience for the next generation of local business leaders.
For more information, visit the Y.E.S. Youth Entrepreneur Success registration page or contact the EAC Small Business Development Center.
