05/15/2026
Seneca County CEO Class of 2026 Caps Year of Innovation with Successful Trade Show
14 Student Entrepreneurs Showcase Real Businesses at Community-Wide Trade Show, Marking the Culmination of an Extraordinary Year of Hands-On Learning
TIFFIN, Ohio — The Seneca County CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Program proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of its Class of 2026, culminating in a community-wide Trade Show that brought together 14 young entrepreneurs to present their fully developed, real-world businesses to the public. The event served as the capstone to an eight-month journey of entrepreneurial growth and community impact.
The annual Trade Show represented the pinnacle of the Seneca County CEO experience, a moment where months of ideation, planning, financial modeling, and iteration became reality. Each of the 14 student participants operates a fully developed individual business to community members, investors, and local leaders, demonstrating not just business acumen but the confidence and professionalism that define the CEO program graduate.
The Trade Show was the final chapter of a year-long program that pushed students to think and act like entrepreneurs, and the results were on full display.
A Year of Achievement: By the Numbers
Over the course of the 2025–2026 program year, the Seneca County CEO Class of 2026, led by facilitator Jamie Marinis, achieved the following milestones:
- 14 students from four Seneca County high schools participated in the program
- 1.5 hours of immersive, daily learning, five days a week for eight months
- 13 active board members and 19 corporate investors supporting the program
- 40 business tours throughout Seneca County, connecting students with local industry leaders
- 22 guest speakers sharing expertise on startups, leadership, and innovation
- 6 mentorship sessions providing personalized guidance for each student
- 3 businesses built: a Badge Business, a Class Business, and each student's Individual Business
Throughout the year, students participated in a series of high-stakes events designed to simulate real business environments:
- Ask the Expert Day: Students presented individual business ideas to 12 local experts for candid feedback
- Banker's Day: Participants shared financial projections with six local bankers, sharpening their financial literacy and presentation skills
- Local Pitch Competition: Students delivered two-minute pitches to nine judges, honing their confidence and professional communication
- Trade Show: The year's capstone event, featuring all 14 entrepreneurs presenting their businesses to the broader Seneca County community
As the Class of 2026 graduates from the program, they carry with them more than business plans and pitch decks. They leave with the entrepreneurial mindset, professional skills, and community connections to lead and innovate in Seneca County and wherever their paths may take them.
"The Seneca County CEO Class of 2026 demonstrated resilience, creativity, and determination throughout this entire year. These students didn't just learn about business, they built businesses, navigated real challenges, and grew into confident young professionals ready to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond." — Seneca County CEO Program Facilitator, Jamie Marinis
“Seneca CEO was more than just learning about business. It gave me real skills, new perspectives, and a better understanding of how to think and grow. This experience has genuinely made an impact on me, and I’ll carry what I’ve learned with me moving forward.” ~Chance Lucius, Columbian HS
About the Seneca County CEO Program
The Seneca County CEO Program is an immersive, experiential entrepreneurship course designed for high school juniors and seniors. Through partnerships with local businesses, board members, and community leaders, students gain hands-on experience in starting and operating real businesses, preparing them for future success in any career path.
After the CEO Program, the entrepreneurs will continue their entrepreneurial journey with each of their individual businesses. To follow along their journey, stay tuned to Seneca CEO’s page and Website.
www.senecaceo.com
