Startups and entrepeneurship are becoming increasingly attractive career paths for people entering the workforce.

High school students can get a jump start through a youth entrepreneur pitch competition called Spark! Tank. 

Little Rock High School students are invited to pitch their business plans to a panel of judges in three minutes. The pitch must detail what problem the business solves, who the primary customers will be, a marketing plan and how the business would use the first place prize money. First place wins $1,500, second place is $1,000 and third place is $500. The deadline to register is March 31. 

The contest is hosted by Junior Achievement, the City of Little Rock Department of Community Programs and the Little Rock Small Business Development Office. 

The Spark program, coordinated by Junior Achievement, served as a jumping off point for the Little Rock Small Business Development Office to expand their reach to teens. A 15-week program is run in schools and Spark! Tank is held at the end for the kids to apply their ideas to the real world and have a chance to win funding.

To learn more about the Spark program and to apply, click here.