Drew Groezinger

Drew Groezinger started learning about how to work with glass beads when he was five years old.  A few years later, the Stockton, Ill., native had a business called NorthWest Designs Glass Studio — and by the time he graduated Stockton High School last year, he was among the winners of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Young Entrepreneur Awards program.

Currently attending Highland Community College, Groezinger says his company produces between 3,000-4,000 glass necklaces a year, 500 glass wine stoppers, and a variety of glass jewelry.  In addition to running his glass business, Groezinger also has another business, operating a certified “naturally grown” produce business. He says the two businesses balance each other: The produce business ramps up from spring through fall, and the glass business from fall through winter.

The NFIB now is actively looking for the next group of entrepreneurial graduating high school students to win scholarships through their Young Entrepreneur Awards program. Deadline for application is Dec. 18.

Since 2003, the NFIB has awarded more than 2,800 scholarships to high school seniors, worth more than $2.8 million. Kim Maisch, State Director for NFIB Illinois, says applicants range from students who have started lawn mowing or babysitting services, to making chocolate. She said the program was launched to help young people “have some cash to pursue their dream.”

Currently attending Highland Community College, Drew Groezinger says his company produces between 3,000-4,000 glass necklaces a year, 500 glass wine stoppers, and a variety of glass jewelry. (Photo courtesy of National Federation of Independent Business)

Molly Young, director of the NFIB’s Young Entrepreneur Foundation, said the scholarships are not based on a student’s financial circumstances, but are intended to “recognize and reward (students) for their entrepreneurial spirit.” Most scholarships are for $2,000, but there are some larger awards of up to $15,000 for top winners. There were 18 Illinois applicants last year and two winners selected from the state.

Young said the process of selecting winners takes about six months. After the applications are submitted, semi-finalists are chosen and then meet with an NFIB member. Winners are selected based on the “innovation of their business, the success of their business and how well they are able to articulate” the significance of their business and entrepreneurship, Young says. On its website, the NFIB explains that a selection committee weighs “the applicants’ academic records, extracurricular activities, leadership, and character. Evidence of entrepreneurial spirit and initiative will be heavily weighted.”

Students interested in applying for the current scholarship can find more information at www.NFIB.com/YEA.  Groezinger’s advice to any student thinking about applying: “Go for it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

— National business group ready to honor young entrepreneurs —