Bibb School District announces 4 finalists for 2024 Bibb County FLEX Competition

The Bibb County School District has announced the four finalists for the upcoming 2024 Bibb County FLEX Competition, set for Wednesday, March 13 at 10 a.m. at Emerson on Plum, located at 543 Plum Street.

March 6, 2024

Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County School District has announced the four finalists for the upcoming 2024 Bibb County FLEX Competition, set for Wednesday, March 13 at 10 a.m. at Emerson on Plum, located at 543 Plum Street.

According to a District news release, four student-owned companies are moving to the final round for the first time.

Remain Real – Jaden Veal, Central High School
Nadia’s Truth – Nadia Thomas, VIP Academy
Window Magic – Rick Canosa, Finn Wakefield & Jaden Adler, Howard High School
Moon – Malin Milton, Howard High School and Hutchings College and Career Academy

The District says this is the second year the Bibb County School District and the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce were selected to participate in the Georgia FLEX (Georgia Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship Experience) competition.

“Throughout the yearlong competition process, a combination of educational guidance, incentives, and mentor opportunities inspires students to launch their successful small businesses, eventually leading to a more vibrant, robust local economy,” the release said.

According to the District, students advanced through each round of the District FLEX Competition after submitting written business proposals, working side-by-side with community mentors, participating in a pop-up shop experience in downtown Macon this month, and another round of presentations.

The final round of competition on March 13 will include “Shark Tank” style presentations given before a panel of judges and community members. The winning student-owned business will receive startup funds from the Griffith Family Foundation and advance to the Georgia FLEX Competition for the opportunity to win up to $10,000.

The Bibb County FLEX program is being supported by the Griffith Foundation and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority. The goal of the competition is to create prosperity and revitalize rural entrepreneurial ecosystems by educating students on the rewards, sacrifices and processes incurred in establishing small businesses.

Bibb County student MyKayla Whitehead won the 2023 Bibb County FLEX Competition and finished second in the state.