Student To Represent Manhattan Beach In National Competition

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Hunter Williams has always wanted to be his own boss, which is why he enrolled in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy.

The Manhattan Beach YEA! Class of 2021 winner, whose business was selected by a group of investors, will represent the MB Chamber of Commerce at the National Saunders Competition on Saturday, June 26th.

"To me personally participating in this competition marks the official beginning of my corporate entrepreneurial journey, win or lose," the Bishop Montgomery High School senior told Patch. "I realize I'm taking early steps in being a business owner."

Williams is a member of the city's Young Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA!), a groundbreaking and 24-week program that transforms middle and high school students into confident entrepreneurs. Throughout the class, students develop business ideas, write business plans, conduct market research, pitch their plans to a panel of investors, and launch and run their own real, legal, fully formed companies and social movements.

"The opportunity to do this at sixteen years old is one I could not miss," he said.

Williams completed his junior semester with a 4.33 GPA and is one of 22 semi-finalists from different chapters across the U.S. who will virtually compete for the title of America's Next Top Young Entrepreneur.

Williams will be pitching his business, Brushed, a marketplace dedicated to making available underrepresented hair remedies while giving customers a frictionless experience and a vast array of options.

"My pitch is passionate and fiery as well as informative," Hunter said. "I hope it resonates with the crowd."

The 13th Annual Saunders Scholars Competition will be held virtually on Saturday, June 26th starting at 9 a.m. Williams will deliver his 3-minute pitch during Panel Two between 10:30-12 p.m. PST.

Registered viewers will get the opportunity to vote via text for the $2,000 cash prize People's Choice Award.

Register online to receive more details and information on voting for Hunter Williams and his business, Brushed.

Williams says he has big plans for the future. "I plan on making Brushed a national name while focusing on keeping my grades up as I embark upon my college application journey," he said.

The Manhattan Beach Chamber is an association of businesses, other entities, and individuals organized to encourage a strong local economy and quality of life by promoting commerce, sound government, and an informed membership and community.