Two New York Student Entrepreneurs Advance to NFTE National Competition

Event summary

  • Brandon Garcia and Abiha Haider advanced to the U.S. National Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase from the New York Metro region.
  • Garcia's ProspectPath is a recruiting platform for overlooked athletes, while Haider's Noor Makers offers faith-based creative workshops.
  • The national semifinals will be held on November 18, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.
  • The top U.S. team will compete in the World Showcase finals on November 19, 2026, against students from over 20 countries.
  • NFTE recognized UBS as Corporate Volunteer of the Year and Joel Barnett as Individual Volunteer of the Year.

The big picture

NFTE's advancement of two New York student entrepreneurs to the national stage highlights the growing emphasis on entrepreneurship education as a tool for youth development. The competition underscores the strategic importance of corporate partnerships in supporting educational initiatives, particularly in underserved communities. With nearly 2 million learners educated globally, NFTE's model is part of a broader trend toward equitable access to entrepreneurship training, positioning it as a key player in the education sector.

What we're watching

Program Impact
How NFTE's entrepreneurship education model will influence the long-term success of its alumni in real-world business ventures.
Corporate Engagement
Whether the involvement of partners like EY US and Santander will translate into sustained support and resources for NFTE's initiatives.
Scalability
The pace at which NFTE can expand its reach and maintain the quality of its programs across different regions.