FLEX Cherokee

COED is partnering with the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) to bring the Georgia Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship Experience to Cherokee to offer high school students a transformative opportunity.

Started in Fitzgerald, Georgia FLEX is a hands-on entrepreneurship program designed for high school students. Participants develop business plans, operate their businesses, attend workshops and receive mentorship from local business leaders. The program culminates in a series of competitions, with top teams receiving seed money and then advancing to the state-wide competition, where they can win up to $10,000.

Round 1: Business Plan Submission. 9th – 12th grade 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: Seed Funding + Business Operations. Ten selected companies will receive seed money to launch their business, operate for 12 weeks, attend workshops, and complete assignments. The round ends with a business pitch to a panel of judges.

Round 3: Shark Tank-Style Pitch. Top three teams will refine their business for 5 weeks, implement feedback from Round 2 judges, and participate in training to deliver a final pitch to judges in front of family and friends.