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Davis Norton confidently took the stage to present his idea for an entertainment company that would cater to young people in Thomasville and the surrounding areas – an idea that ultimately proved to be the winning pitch to a group of more than 30 local entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Norton, who took the first-place prize, presented his business pitch along with 15 other students from area high schools as part of the inaugural Young Entrepreneurs (19 and under) Summit (YES) hosted by the Small Business Center at Davidson-Davie Community College. The event, held at the historic Finch House on April 16, was created to inspire and support young entrepreneurs, providing a unique opportunity to connect with business owners and leaders.

The idea for the YES Summit came from Dr. Dee Stokes, director of the Small Business Center at Davidson-Davie after chatting with Andrew Clement, director and owner of the Finch House. She expressed the need to have an event that supported young people and felt led to do something for the next generation.

Stokes connected with area entrepreneurs and business leaders to create a panel of judges and to create an event to provide sage advice to students regarding how to start and maintain a business. She filtered the idea to area high schools, teachers and counselors who reached out to students who they felt had an entrepreneurial spirit with creative ideas.

The event drew more than 30 business owners and leaders, as well as 16 student presenters from Central Davidson, Davie County, East Davidson, Ledford, Lexington, Oak Grove, South Davidson and Thomasville high schools. These students were tasked with showcasing their original business ideas in a three-minute pitch to a panel of judges who scored presentations based on a number of factors, including their enthusiasm, tone of voice, eye contact, creativity and more.

“I had high expectations and I trust God in everything I do,” Stokes says. “(Making this happen) involved talking to the right people and twisting arms to get people here.” Not only did Stokes manage to get local business support, but she utilized a grant from NC IDEA, that was received from a previous director.

Stokes said that young people are filled with creative ideas and have a lot to say. “It’s really a disgrace to say that you’re too young to do something. When you instill values in these young people early on, they tend to do well.”

Some of the business ideas included bake shops, handmade goods, coffee shops, allergy-friendly candles, gyms, real estate ventures, one-stop shop hair and beauty salons, entertainment companies and more. All were looking for ways to create businesses to help revitalize their hometowns.

In the end, the top three prizes were awarded to:

• First place, Davis Norton, a senior from East Davidson High, pitched an idea for an entertainment company that would cater to young people in Thomasville and the surrounding area. He was awarded a $500 cash prize, a medal and a journal with knowledge as to how to run a business.

Norton, who plans to study marketing in college, says he was nervous presenting, but was excited and surprised to win. “I was very nervous, but no one wants to see you fail. They come to see you excel. I was surprised to win because I didn’t have a tangible thing to show the judges. I was excited to see that my verbal skills were enough.”

As for his winning idea, Norton says he came up with the entertainment company after jotting down thoughts for a business during a personal finance class. “I think that for young people, there’s not a lot to do. I hope to one day come back to Thomasville and really make a change.”

• Second place, John Vasquez, a sophomore from Thomasville High, who pitched an idea for a baked goods business that would specialize in his homemade cake pops. He was awarded a $300 cash prize, a medal and a journal with knowledge as to how to run a business.

• Third place, Caswell Moore, a sophomore from Davie County High School, who came up with a company that would create cleat slippers to protect athletic footwear. He was awarded a $200 cash prize, a medal and a journal with knowledge as to how to run a business.

“I’m extremely pleased with the outcome,” Stokes adds. “Everybody everywhere should be doing this. The concepts were really great … (City leaders) should listen to these ideas. I also want to personally thank the superintendents, teachers, and counselors who helped get the students to the event. We could not have done it without you.”