ACRE Seeds for Success is an entrepreneurship program for South Carolina students (7th-12th grade) currently enrolled in school. The program is designed to help students learn how to build a business plan, create a business pitch, and improve public speaking skills, with the opportunity to be funded up to $5,000 (checks are made out to the schools). Please note that all entries must be related to agriculture and/or agribusiness.
Businesses may be real/existing if the student(s) already have an operating business, however most participants will invent their business. The program can be completed by individuals or teams of no more than 5. Each school can have up to two teams and each team or individual must have an adult teacher and/or supervisor (if two teams from same school, one teach/supervisor can oversee both teams).
Each team or individual will need to complete a business plan (fillable template provided, but not required), a pitch presentation (ex. PowerPoint, Canva, Google Slides) and present the pitch presentation live to a panel of judges. On pitch day please expect to be present for all contestants’ pitches, we will serve a buffet style lunch and learn, where participants will have the opportunity to hear from agribusiness professionals.
Find helpful materials (including a business plan guide) and videos for creating your business plan and pitch below.
Please complete the application and email it to Addie Roberson at aroberson@scda.sc.gov to declare your students’ intent to participate by October 17th, 2025. Once declared, you will receive a sample business plan and video pitch from an ACRE awardee.
Program Timeline
August 18, 2025 | Application goes live
October 17, 2025 | Declare intent to participate
November 18, 2025 | Business plans due
November 26, 2025 | Those selected to pitch notified (Only be necessary if we have a surplus of applicants)
January 13, 2025 | Pitch Day in Columbia at Phillips Market Center (Time TBD—based on number of applicants)
January 20, 2025 | Awardees notified