Pablo Arredondo Named 2017 E CITY Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Pablo Arredondo, CEO of Whisker Wear, was named the 2017 Young Entrepreneur of the Year.  Whisker Wear is a slip-on dog or cat collar cover with a snap-on bow tie or flower accessory.  Arredondo, a sophomore at Thomas W. Harvey High School, will now prepare to present his business in New York City at the NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) National Competition. Other top finishers included Christian Padierna with CP’s Chimichurri, Christina Johnson with Visa-Cap, DeVaughn Dixon with Shirzy, and Cory Washington with Cory Nice Kicks.

The announcement was at the E CITY Young Entrepreneur of the Year Competition made on May 18.  In all, 16 businesses were presented to a panel of judges and Whisker Wear came out on top.  The two fourth place finishers were awarded $100 to fund their business venture, third place received $250, and the second place finisher was awarded $500. Arredondo, the first place finisher, won a total of $2,000, a trip to New York City for the national competition, and will be recognized at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Gala in spring.

E CITY is a school-based program where youth learn how to develop a business plan, financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills using the award-winning Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) curriculum. Y.O.U. is the sole licensee for NFTE in the four-county region. E CITY also provides employability skills and connects youth with employment and college access.

Of course, the E CITY Young Entrepreneur of the Year Competition wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, volunteers, staff, and students.  Y.O.U. thanks you all for your incredible participation and dedication.