How much do you spend on snacks or fast food each month? $20? $50? More?
Back in 2009, a group of students asked this same question and decided to use that money differently. They launched new ventures using just ten bucks, and the $10 Startup Challenge was born.
Since then, this challenge has become a signature event of the Southern Entrepreneurship Program (SEP), empowering high school students across Mississippi to put creativity into action and bring business ideas to life.
How It Works
Each student (or student team) starts with no more than $10 per person to launch a business. Students track their earnings and expenses, share their story, and compete to win $1,000.
Our first-ever winner turned a $10 face paint kit into five separate ventures and nearly $9,000 in earnings by the end of the school year. What could you do?
Challenge Overview
- Application Window: August 1–August 12, 2025
- Submission Deadline: November 12, 2025
- Team Size: 1 to 4 students
- Startup Budget: $10 per team member (max $40 for a 4-person team)
- Eligible Income: Only income earned between August 1 and November 12 will count.
What You’ll Submit
By the deadline (November 12), each team must submit:
- Accountability Statement Form (signed and uploaded) – Toolkit
- Transaction Record Spreadsheet – Google Sheets
- Important: Be sure to create a copy of the spreadsheet before entering any information. Changes made to the original document will not be saved.
- Graphic Novel Story – Pixton.com
How You’ll Be Judged
Student ventures will be evaluated using the $10 Startup Challenge Grading Rubric (see Toolkit). The highest-scoring student or team will receive the $1,000 grand prize.
In the event of a tie, the SEP Board will select a winner based on creativity.
Ready to Compete? Download the $10 Startup Challenge Toolkit and apply today!
SEP | Southern Entrepreneurship Program 