How much do you spend on snacks, drinks, or fast food in a month? $20? $50? More?
Now imagine taking just $10 of that money and using it to start something of your own.
That simple idea launched the $10 Startup Challenge in 2009, when a group of Mississippi high school students traded everyday spending for the opportunity to become entrepreneurs. With just ten bucks, they turned ideas into products and services, found real customers, and discovered what it takes to build something from the ground up.
Today, the $10 Startup Challenge is a signature experience of the Southern Entrepreneurship Program (SEP), challenging high school students across Mississippi to get creative, take action, and discover just how far a small investment can go.
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 10–August 28, 2026
- Submission Deadline: December 4, 2026
- 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 September 1 and December 4 will be considered.
What You’ll Submit
By the deadline (December 4), 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 