2025 Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Our 2025 Young Entrepreneur of The Year Winner will receive up to $25K in cash and prizes to help their vision grow, donated by experienced Black Entrepreneurs, interested in supporting the next generation of Black Entrepreneurs.


Applications are now closed! 


Tune in to see who be selected for the 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the year!

2025 Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Prizes

$5,000 in Cash
$2,500 in Marketing & Printing Services
Membership to NBCC President’s Club
$9,000 in Accounting Services & Financial Consultation 
4 Months Business Coaching 
2 Months Personal Brand Consulting 
Apparel Package from T-Shirt Kingz 
$2500 in Technology Services and Consulting
Radio Feature and Advertising on the Brunch Bunch 
Member of the Young Entrepreneur Collective

Past Winners

Louis Carr

December 7, 2023
Leadership Honoree Louis Carr, BET

Destiny Watson

October 28, 2022
Founder & CEO of You Matter 2
Ava Dorsey

Ava Dorsey

October 27, 2022
Founder and Chief Pet Officer of Ava's Pet Palace

Aaliyah Stewart

October 25, 2022
Founder of The ASW Foundation, Inc

Cecil Wilson

October 23, 2022
Founder and CEO of Goffers Inc.​

Erin Polk

October 10, 2022
CEO of Erin's Cup

Thank you to our sponsors

  • AG Technology

    AG Technology

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

    Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

  • Brown & Associates Tax Services

    Brown & Associates Tax Services

  • Keeana Barber

    Keeana Barber

  • National Black Chamber of Commerce

    National Black Chamber of Commerce

  • Young Entrepreneur Collective

    Young Entrepreneur Collective

  • The Whitmor Group

    The Whitmor Group

  • WDB Marketing

    WDB Marketing

  • WDB Cares

    WDB Cares

  • TshirtKingz

    TshirtKingz

Common Questions

  • Is there a cost to enter the contest?

    No, there is no cost to submit an application.

  • What is the process if I nominate someone?

    If you nominate someone we will reach out to invite them to apply. They MUST complete their own application to be considered.

  • What are the age restrictions for the competition?

    To apply the business owner must be 25 or younger. There is NO age minimum for this contest.

  • What happens next if I get selected to move forward?

    If you are selected as a top 3 finalist, someone from the LEGACY committee will call to reach out to regarding next steps. As support for your pitch, you be able to to practice with a professional business coach.

  • What is the WDB LEGACY Awards?

    The WDB LEGACY Awards is an awards gala that celebrates the impact of Black entrepreneurs. In it’s 7th year, the event hosts over 800 entrepreneurs, executives and community leaders for a night of networking and celebration. The event is produced by WDB Marketing and WDB Cares, the sponsor the young entrepreneur contest. It will be hosted on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 from 6pm to 10pm at Malcolm X College. Tickets to the event can be purchased at Eventnoire. You DO NOT have to purchase tickets to apply to the contest. If you are selected as a finalist you are encouraged to invite your network to purchase tickets in support of you.

  • Will I be notified if I am not selected as a finalist?

    Yes you will be notified by email if you did not move through to the final round. You will receive notification the week of February 7th.

  • When will finalist be notified?

    The top 3 finalist will be notified the week of February 7th.

  • How is the contest judged day of?

    Day of each finalist has a chance to pitch their business concept to an audience of 500+ entrepreneurs.  The audience has a chance to vote via text on their winner of choice. The winner is announced at the end of the legacy awards.

  • What is the grading criteria for the event?

    The application is judged based on your business model and concept, ability to scale and how well you have been able to make an impact within your business.

  • How can I donate to WDB Cares?

    All are welcomed to donate to assist LEGACY efforts. Please visit our donation page.