ACRE Seeds for Success is an entrepreneurship program for high school students enrolled in agricultural courses and/or organizations. 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. Please note that all entries must be related to agriculture and/or agribusiness.
After a successful pilot program, Seeds for Success will now be offered statewide. Those students who participated in the pilot are welcome to participate again, as long as the project and business are different from what was presented during the pilot program. Businesses may be real/existing if the student(s) already have an operating business, however most participants will create their own business ideas. The program can be completed by individuals or teams of no more than 5.
Business plans and recorded business pitches (3–5 minutes) are due by November 9, 2024, and will serve as the application to the program. Teachers or organizational leaders must declare their student’s intent to participate in the program. Please email Hannah Arndt at harndt@scda.sc.gov to declare your students’ intent to participate by October 11. We will not be able to receive business plans and pitches from individuals/teams that have not declared. Please include your school’s name, contact information, school address, and number of participants/teams. Once declared, you will receive a sample business plan and video pitch from an ACRE awardee.
After business plan and pitch submission, a panel of judges will determine the finalists. Finalists will be notified by December 2 and will be invited to come to Columbia for an in-person pitch (8–10 minutes), followed by judge’s questions, on January 15, 2025.
Winners will be notified shortly after, with an official recognition ceremony to follow at the State SC FFA Convention.
For questions, more information, declarations, and official submissions, please contact Kyle Player at kplayer@scda.sc.gov.
Program Timeline
Applications (Business Plan and Pitch) Live: August 19
Declaration Deadline: October 11
Applications Due: November 8
SCDA Informs Finalists: December 2
In-Person Final Pitch Day: January 15