Jones County Young Entrepreneurs finals were held at the W.E. Knox Civic Center, marking the completion of a program spotlighting young business owners.
The finals took place May 8, and Alexa Williams, owner of Award-Winning Halters and Supplies, was the first-place winner, taking home the $1,500 prize. Young Entrepreneurs is an entrepreneurship program with a contest component for students in ninth through 12th grades wanting to begin businesses while still in high school.
Young Entrepreneurs was made possible through a partnership of the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Gray, the Development Authority of Jones County and the Jones County College and Career Academy.
Laura Starling with WDEN was the emcee for the May 8 program. Judges for the final competition were local business owners Rebecca Godwin, Stevie Tidwell, Justin Kelly, Billy Moore and Tracey McSwain with Morris Bank.
This was the first year for the Jones County Young Entrepreneur program. Jones County had participated in a similar statewide program in the past, but due to the rising cost of the statewide program, it was decided to keep it local.
Main Street Gray Director Ashley Roberson explained that student applications for the program were in the form of a Shark Tank-like program last fall, during which 10 business owners were selected to continue to the next step.
Roberson, Casey Gallagher with Morris Bank and Haley Watson, executive director of JCDA, worked as mentors for the young business owners. Gallagher assisted with financial guidance, Watson with branding of the businesses and Roberson helped guide them in how to set up their businesses for festivals and events.
Chuck Asbell, owner of the Terrace on Madison, also presented a business workshop for the entrepreneurs.
Roberson said the field was narrowed to three businesses after a February interview- type event with the young business owners.
The finalists were Williams, Mekenah Woods and Alana Worthington.
Williams is a JCHS senior. She started selling halters for lambs but expanded to dog halters and leashes.
Woods’ business is Kenah’s Creations, specializing in homemade, all-natural whipped body scrubs and lip scrubs. Woods is a JCHS sophomore.
Worthington’s business is AW’s Petsitting LLC. She started her business in 2023 and comes to the customer’s home or board pets in her home. Worthington is a JCHS junior.
All three of competitors are members of the FFA Lamb Show Team.
Woods was awarded $1,000 for second place and Worthington received $750 for third place.
