FLEX stands for Foundational Leadership
& Entrepreneur X-perience

PURPOSE:
To create prosperity and revitalize Candler County's entrepreneurial ecosystem through the education of Metter College and Career Academy/Metter High School students on the rewards, sacrifices, and processes incurred in the establishment of small businesses.

OVERVIEW:
Round 1: Student entrepreneurs form teams, referred to as companies, and submit a business plan application to be judged by a panel of local business leaders. It will be a blind submission process. Out of the initial applicants, 10 will be selected to advance to the next round. Business Plans must be submitted by November 6th. The top 10 companies will be announced on November 13th.

Round 2: The selected 10 companies will receive a $100 loan for seed money. They will then operate their businesses for several weeks, while participating in workshops and completing assignments that will provide tools to increase the success of their business. At the end of the several weeks, companies will complete a business evaluation and submit their financial statements for review by a non-local panel. Three companies will be selected to advance to the next round. The top three will be announced on February 22nd.

Round 3: The top 3 companies give a “Shark Tank” style business pitch to a panel of judges made up of non-local business leaders in front of friends, family, and their peers in the Wilcox Auditorium on March 28th at 6 pm.

We would like for you to join us to make this program successful, not only in its inaugural year, but also in the coming years.  Candler County FLEX is offering partnership opportunities for you to market your business in the community and at the state level.  It provides the chance to be a part of strengthening the longevity of the business environment in Metter and Candler County.  Please see the attached form for numerous ways to help the students at Metter High School reach their goals of becoming small business owners.  Thank you so much for your valuable time to make you aware of the great things happening in our school and community!

Sponsors 2024-2025

Candler County Hospital

Pineland Telephone
Main Street Statesboro

Bevricks's CharHouse Grill
Excelsior EMC
Jay Bowen Scholarship
M & L Fiber

Bruce, Mathews & Lavoie Attorneys at Law
Communities in Schools
Daniels Bishop Chevrolet
Gaitten Creative
Metter Graphics
Tom's Pawn Central

Seed Loan Sponsors
Barry & Toney Golden
Coca-Cola Bottling
IHS Pharmacy & Gifts
Metter Advertiser
Pineland Bank
Randy's Wrecker & Service Center
The Assurance Group