FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FITZGERALD, Georgia –On April 12, 2024, Georgia FLEX (Foundational Leadership & Entrepreneur X-perience) held the second annual FLEX State Finals in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Georgia FLEX is a Fitzgerald, GA-based non-profit organization established to promote high school student entrepreneurship within the state.

The competition is a non-theoretical six month business and leadership emulsion designed to encourage innovation and the formation of new business start-ups, entirely owned and operated by high school students. FLEX has proven to be the most effective tool to create the next generation of Georgia’s entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Nine student businesses from across the state competed for the title of FLEX State Champion. These
young business leaders exhibited their ingenuity and determination in front of an audience of their peers,
family, and business leaders from across the state.

The student businesses competing were:

• Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County: A+ Marketing, Avery Harper
• Macon-Bibb County: Window Magic, Jaden Adler, Finn Wakefield & Rick Canosa Metter-Candler County:
• Lens + Lettering, Layla Smith
• Douglas-Coffee County: Laurel’s Homemade Goods, Laurel Davis
• Albany-Dougherty County: Malik’s Perfect Stitch, Tabarri Mathis
• Claxton-Evans County: Ramos by Morelia, Morelia Ramos
• Gray-Jones County: Faith’s Fragrances, Faith Hudson
• Valdosta-Lowndes County: KB Skin Soap, Kayla Calloway
• Americus-Sumter County: The Sweet Tooth Experience, Kaylon Harvey

These student entrepreneurs showcased a variety of products and services, from handmade goods to
innovative marketing solutions.

After an intense day of competition, the winners were announced and cash prizes were given.

• First Place, $10,000: KB Skin Soap, led by Kayla Calloway from Valdosta-Lowndes County.
• Second Place, $5,000: Window Magic, founded by Jaden Adler, Finn Wakefield, & Rick Canosa from Macon-Bibb County.
• Third Place, $2,500: Laurel’s Homemade Goods, spearheaded by Laurel Davis from Douglas-Coffee County.

The 2024 FLEX State Finals not only celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship but also provided a platform for young leaders to showcase their talents and make their mark on the business world.

Georgia FLEX would like to thank its partners and sponsors for a successful program year: Georgia
Grown, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, and Georgia AIM.

For more information about the FLEX program, please visit www.georgiaFLEX.org.

For further information contact:

Melissa Dark, Executive Director
Georgia FLEX
121 E. Pine Street
Fitzgerald, GA 31750
229-423-9357
[email protected]