ACRE Seeds for Success: Growing Future Ag Entrepreneurs

South Carolina students with big ideas and entrepreneurial dreams have a unique opportunity to turn their vision into reality through the ACRE Seeds for Success program. Designed for students in grades 7 through 12, the program provides hands-on experience in building a business plan, crafting a business pitch, and sharpening public speaking skills.

Seeds for Success is more than just a competition—it’s a pathway to funding opportunities and the chance to learn directly from experts in agriculture and entrepreneurship. The initiative empowers students to develop innovative ideas while gaining the confidence and tools to succeed as the next generation of ag entrepreneurs.

Key Program Dates

• October 17, 2025 – Deadline to declare intent to participate

• November 18, 2025 – Business Plans Due

• January 13, 2026 – Pitch Day (in-person in Columbia)

How to Participate

Applications and business plan templates can be found at acre-sc.com/seeds-for-success.

Students interested in participating should act quickly to meet the intent-to-participate deadline on October 17. From there, participants will have a month to finalize and submit their business plans before preparing for the live pitch competition in January.

Seeds for Success is sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (ACRE). The program continues to cultivate young talent, inspiring students to bring fresh ideas to South Carolina’s growing agricultural industry.

For more information or questions, visit the website or email the ACRE team directly.