Cherokee County Students Compete for $10,000 in FLEX Program

Cherokee high school students can launch real businesses and compete for up to $10,000 through FLEX Cherokee, now accepting applications for the 2026-27 year.

High School Entrepreneurs Launch Real Businesses in Cherokee County

If you've ever wondered what's next for Cherokee County's high school students, you might be surprised to learn they're not just studying business—they're running it. FLEX Cherokee is back for the 2026-27 school year, giving students in grades 9-12 the chance to develop and operate actual businesses, work alongside local mentors, and compete for thousands of dollars in seed funding.

The program, a partnership between the Cherokee Office of Economic Development and Cherokee County School District, is part of the statewide Georgia FLEX initiative that empowers young entrepreneurs to turn ideas into revenue-generating ventures before they even graduate.

How the Program Works

FLEX Cherokee isn't a classroom simulation—it's the real deal. Students form teams, submit business plans to a panel of local business leaders, and the top ten receive seed money to launch their companies. Over a 12-week period, these young entrepreneurs attend hands-on workshops, operate their businesses, and work with experienced mentors from the Canton and Cherokee County business community.

The program moves through three competitive rounds. Students pitch their businesses at each stage, receiving feedback and refining their approach. The competition culminates in a live, "Shark Tank-style" final pitch event where the top three finalists present to judges and an audience.

Winners receive significant local prizes—$5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second, and $1,250 for third. The champion then advances to the Georgia FLEX State Competition, where they have the opportunity to win up to $10,000 in additional seed funding.

Real Students, Real Businesses, Real Success

The inaugural 2025-26 FLEX Cherokee cycle wrapped up in March 2026 with impressive results. River Ridge High School student Annabell Meyer took home the championship with her business, Aspire Great Media, a social media management and content creation company serving local restaurants and small businesses. She went on to represent Cherokee County at the state competition in April.

Other finalists included Javen Simmons from Etowah High School with Vision Studioz, and Carter Hutchinson from Creekview High School and Gavin Letendre from Etowah High School with WeighTex Clothing. All three teams delivered polished pitches at the Historic Canton Theatre in downtown Canton, demonstrating the caliber of talent Cherokee students bring to the entrepreneurial arena.

These aren't hypothetical ventures. Students are building brands, serving customers, and earning actual revenue while gaining practical skills in marketing, financial decision-making, customer service, and leadership.

What This Means for Canton and Cherokee County

Programs like FLEX Cherokee do more than pad college applications—they're building the next generation of business leaders right here in our community. Students learn time management, financial literacy, and the confidence to take calculated risks. Local business owners who serve as mentors, workshop leaders, and judges get to shape that future workforce while connecting with the entrepreneurial energy happening in Cherokee County schools.

As the new program cycle kicks off this fall, interested students can learn more and get involved by visiting the Cherokee Office of Economic Development's FLEX page. Whether a student dreams of opening a storefront on Main Street one day or simply wants to understand how business works, FLEX offers hands-on experience that textbooks can't match.

If you've been watching Canton grow and thinking about what your home is worth in this thriving market, programs like FLEX Cherokee are one more sign of the momentum building here. Strong schools and community partnerships like this make Cherokee County an even more attractive place to live. For more Canton guides on local news, schools, and what makes this area special, check out our blog.

When you see the kind of innovation and opportunity Cherokee County students have access to—real mentorship, real funding, and real support from local business leaders—it's a reminder of what makes this community more than just a place to live. It's a place where people invest in each other and in the next generation. If you're thinking about making Canton or Cherokee County your home, or if you're already here and considering a move that better fits where life is taking you, I'd love to help you find the right place in a community that's clearly invested in its future. Reach out anytime—I'm here to help you find your spot in this great town.

Kate Valor is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Partners, specializing in Canton and Cherokee County. She's passionate about connecting people with homes in communities where they can truly thrive.