Some of Kansas City’s most talented young entrepreneurs competed in Youth Entrepreneurs’ regional business plan competition this week at the Bloch School at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Rachel Rocha of Bishop Ward High School took first place in the Metro 1 division for her business plan, Stitch n’ Zip. Washington High’s Josh Stramel and JDD Customs took second, and Alyssa Acevedo and Kayla Thorpe of Lansing High were third with their project, Perfect Touch Photography.

In the Metro 2 division, Kayleigh Watts of Truman High won first place for Sweet Retreats while Isaac Torres, also of Truman, took second for Superior Cuts. Third place went to Kelsey Davis of Van Horn High for Softball 101.

The top two finishers in each division will compete in the finals in Wichita on May 29.

Youth Entrepreneurs is a nonprofit that provides hands-on entrepreneurial training for high school students. For more information, visit the organization’s website.

PICTURED:

Back Row, Left to Right: Josh Stramel, Washington High School; Jairo Fernandez-Solis, Bishop Ward High School; Jesse Calderon, J.C. Harmon High School; Nashyle Vaugh, J.C. Harmon High School; Katie Vanderwerf, J.C. Harmon High School; and Rachel Rocha, Bishop Ward High School (1st place, Metro 1). Front Row, Alyssa Acevedo, Lansing High School (3rd place, Metro 1); Darion Lane, Wyandotte High School; and Kayla Thorpe, Lansing High School (3rd place, Metro 1).