Nearly 150 students from eight area high schools attended Junior Achievement’s E2: Entrepreneurship & Empowerment Pitch Competitions at St. Edward’s University to participate in an areawide pitch competition.

JA E2 offers students a unique Austin entrepreneurial experience, connecting them with diverse professionals and building their self-confidence. The experience begins in the classroom where students work with mentors to learn entrepreneurial skills like design thinking, business planning, budgeting through several sessions that lead up to a classroom pitch competition. The top teams from each school are then invited to E2.

On the E2 field trip day, students work with coaches to polish their presentations and practice public speaking. The day culminates in a pitch competition judged by a panel.

The day’s big winners were Northeast Early College High School, whose team, Magical Arrangements, clinched first place with their heartwarming business concept: personalized greetings for high schoolers, designed for special moments like proposals. These future business leaders walked away with a trophy, cash prize, and, of course, bragging rights.

All of the students brought their best to E2 with innovative ideas and thoughtful business plans. We are so proud of every team for their courage to pitch and the hard work it took to get to E2.

E2 is designed to inspire students to discover their potential, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and build confidence in a fun, supportive environment

This year’s judges included: