Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Celebrates Entrepreneurship Education with 4th Annual Elevator Pitch Challenge, Sponsored by E*TRADE Financial Corporation

NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Budding teen entrepreneurs from around the country are counting on America's vote to be crowned champion of the fourth annual Elevator Pitch Challenge, presented by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) with the support of E*TRADE Financial Corporation. As part of NFTE's 2013 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, teen entrepreneurs representing 35 businesses will have up to 60 seconds to sell their business ideas to the country in an online video "elevator pitch." The grand prize winner will receive $2,500 to help get their business idea off the ground or advance their education. Two runners-up will also receive $500 each, and daily prizes from other NFTE sponsors will also be awarded.

Online voting is open now through September 30 at www.elevatorpitch2013.com, where the public is encouraged to view the elevator pitch videos and cast their votes for the best business ideas. Each of the 35 businesses is the brainchild of a high school or middle school student from a low-income community who learned how to start a business in classrooms that incorporate NFTE's unique, experiential entrepreneurship curriculum.

"In our work to empower individuals to take control of their financial futures, we understand the critical role education and skill-building must play in entrepreneurship," said Matt Audette, Chief Financial Officer of E*TRADE Financial Corporation and award presenter at this year's event.  "The Elevator Pitch Challenge is a terrific showcase of these students' innovative offerings, as well as all the great work NFTE does.  We are delighted to support NFTE and we look forward to seeing what this new crop of American business leaders has to share."

Voters can cast up to one vote per day for their favorite business pitch video until the end of the contest. The elevator pitch competition winner will be announced at the 2013 NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, presented by MasterCard Worldwide, on October 3rd in New York City. 

"We are thrilled to work with E*TRADE to be able to continue to inspire young business minds with our fourth Elevator Pitch Challenge," said Amy Rosen, president and CEO of NFTE. "This competition not only offers these talented teens a financial incentive but also provides a fun and creative way for them to gain valuable business skills."

About the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship

Since 1987, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has been inspiring young people to pursue educational opportunities, start their own businesses, and succeed in life. NFTE empowers students to own their futures in and out of the classroom and to find their own path to success. To date, NFTE has served over 500,000 young people worldwide. NFTE supports active programs in 21 U.S. locations and 13 countries around the world. To learn more visit www.nfte.com, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/NFTE or follow us on Twitter at @NFTE.

About E*TRADE Financial

The E*TRADE Financial family of companies provides financial services including online brokerage and related banking products and services to retail investors. Specific business segments include Trading and Investing and Balance Sheet Management. Securities products and services are offered by E*TRADE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC). Bank products and services are offered by E*TRADE Bank, a Federal savings bank, Member FDIC, or its subsidiaries and affiliates. More information is available at www.etrade.com.

Media Contact:  
Alyssa Miller 
[email protected] 
Cell: 973.615.1292

SOURCE Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship