WASHINGTON, D.C., June 7, 2006 - The National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation today announced the Colorado recipients of the fourth annual NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards, a scholarship program to set future small-business owners on the path to entrepreneurship. The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award recipients will attend the university, college, community college or vocational/technical institute of their choice with $1,000 in tuition assistance from the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation.

The program made its debut in 2003 when it awarded a total of 110 scholarships nationwide. Last year, 381 scholarships were awarded, and this year the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation is awarding a total of 408 scholarships, thanks to financial support from numerous small-business leaders, corporate and foundation supporters. Major sponsors include VISA USA, which donated $100,000 to the national program for scholarships across the country, and the El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs. The program encourages young people to consider a career in small business and pursue their own entrepreneurial endeavors.

"We're very excited that we can provide financial assistance to so many students this year, thanks to the sponsors and donors who recognize the vital role future small-business owners will play in our neighborhoods, our towns and our economy," said Don V. Cogman, Chair, NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation Board of Directors. "We were extremely impressed with all of the outstanding applicants, a number of whom have already started their own business. NFIB congratulates the winners for their fine achievements and hopes this award helps them along their path as successful young entrepreneurs."

Cedaredge High School senior Emma Watson of Cedaredge.

Cheyenne Mountain High School senior Daniel Aki of Colorado Springs.

Pueblo Centennial senior Kathleen "Katie" Stjernholm of Pueblo.

Platte Valley High School senior Cortney Hodgson of Greeley.

Merino Jr/Sr High School senior Stacey Bartlett of Merino.

Merino Jr/Sr High School senior Jason Bowey of Merino.

Rifle High School senior Amanda Burk of Silt.

Swink Jr/Sr High School senior Kyle Casper of Rocky Ford.

Falcon High School senior Kevin Davis of Elbert.

Cherry Creek High School senior Paul Diloreto of Englewood.

Fuita Monument High School senior Craton Edwards of Grand Junction.

Niwot High School senior Joanna Lester of Longmont.

Green Mountain Senior High School senior Jamie Nations of Lakewood.

To earn a scholarship, students were asked to write two essays. The first essay asked students to describe their entrepreneurial achievement and personal goals for the future, and the second essay asked each applicant to express their views about the importance of free enterprise. Standardized test scores, GPA, and class rank were also considered. NFIB members around the country nominated applicants for the Young Entrepreneur Awards.

"Small business is the bedrock of our nation's economy and our communities, and this award is designed to encourage the next generation of small-business owners, while saluting NFIB members who are already creating jobs," said NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation Executive Director Hank Kopcial. "This year, scholarships will reach more future entrepreneurs than ever before."

"We are thrilled to have increased the number of $1,000 scholarships awarded this year. Additionally we are continuing to award four $5,000 regional scholarships and one $10,000 scholarship for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. This national award for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced on June 20 in Washington, D.C. at NFIB's Summit during the VISA Awards Dinner," concluded Kopcial.