FLEX Henry County 2026-27
Turn Your Idea Into a Business
What is FLEX?
The Foundational Leadership & Entrepreneurial X-Perience (FLEX) gives high school students the opportunity to take a business idea from concept to competition. Students gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, business planning, marketing, financial decision-making, pitching, and more; all while connecting with local business leaders along the way.
Launch and grow REAL businesses
Attend workshops with business professionals
Pitch ideas "Shark Tank"-style to local judges
Compete for up $5,000 to grow your business
Local winners advance to the Georgia FLEX State Finals to compete for the State Champion title and significant prize funding.
Ready to find out more?
Visit the Georgia FLEX website to learn more about the structure and impact of this program.
Applications for Henry County FLEX are NOW OPEN!
Launch
The Top 10 receive seed funding, are paired with a mentor, and begin bringing their business to life.
Build
The Top 10 participate in hands-on workshops, grow their business, and showcase it at a community FLEXpo.
Pitch
Top 10 present their business to a judging panel for a chance to advance to the Top 3.
Compete
The Top 3 compete in the Henry County FLEX Finals, with the winner advancing to the Georgia FLEX State Finals.
Could your idea be next?
Apply for the 2026-27 Henry County FLEX Competition
Full 2026-27 Competition Timeline
FLEX takes place throughout the school year, beginning with applications and business planning in the fall and progressing through workshops, judging rounds, and the Henry County FLEX Finals.
Here are some important dates to note:
Everything You Need to Compete
Students participating in Henry County FLEX will have access to resources designed to guide them through each stage of the competition.
Important: Some student businesses may require special licensing, permits, or certifications depending on the product or service being offered. Students should review the Student Licensing & Regulation Outline as they develop their business idea.
See What FLEX Can Do
The 2025-26 FLEX Program was a year defined by innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial growth.
The program welcomed 10 student-led businesses representing high schools across Henry County. At the kickoff of the program, each student business was awarded a seed loan to launch and test their business concept. Throughout the year, participants developed their business ideas through a series of interactive workshops focused on entrepreneurship, business planning, marketing, finance, customer service, and pitch development. Along the way, students received guidance from local business leaders, mentors, and industry professionals who helped refine their ideas and prepare them for competition.
Following the workshops, students participated in Round 2 Judging, where each business pitched their business and was evaluated by a panel of private judges. Based on those presentations, the field was narrowed from ten students to the Top 3 finalists.
The finalists advanced to our Local Finals, where they presented their businesses live before a panel of judges and members of the community. The 2025-26 FLEX Competition winners were:
3rd Place | David Williams, Pocket Pals - Creekside Christian Academy
2nd Place | Josie Vaughn & Casey Amy, Aerial Worx - Creekside Christian Academy
1st Place | Lola Symone Stanley, Dough Beauty - Dutchtown High School
As Henry County's FLEX Champion, Lola advanced to represent our community at the Georgia FLEX State Finals, where she competed against the top young entrepreneurs from across the state. Her outstanding presentation and business concept earned her an impressive 3rd Place finish statewide, bringing home one of the program's highest achievements to date.
The Henry County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation is incredibly proud of each student who participated in the 2025-26 FLEX Program. Their creativity, resilience, and commitment to entrepreneurship demonstrate that the future of business leadership in Henry County is bright. We also extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, mentors, judges, volunteers, educators, and community partners whose support continues to make FLEX a transformational experience for young entrepreneurs.
How to Get Involved - Community
FLEX is powered by partnerships with the business and education community. Here's how you can help:
- Mentor - Guide students as they build their businesses.
- Judge - Serve on a panel for business plan and pitch competitions.
- Sponsor - Support the program financially and invest in student success.
- Spread the Word - Share FLEX with schools, businesses, and community groups.
Support Our Young Entrepreneurs Today!
Your partnership helps fund workshops, seed loans, and prize money that fuel student innovation. Sponsors also gain community recognition, networking exposure, and the chance to directly mentor the next wave of Henry County entrepreneurs. To be included on the FLEX program sponsor banner shown at all FLEX events, sponsorships must be confirmed by November 5, 2026.
FLEX in Henry County is a Henry County Chamber Education Foundation Program. All donations made towards Education Foundation Programs are tax deductible.
Presenting
Exclusive
$6,000
Finals
Round 3
Pitch Day
Round 2
$2,500
Hospitality
Fueling the Future
$1,000
Workshop
6 Available
$750
Seed Loan
10 Available
$250
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or other questions regarding FLEX, please reach out to Trinity Archer at tarcher@henrycounty.com.