Youth Competition
Ideas, Leadership & Free Enterprise.
The Principled Business Youth Competition invites high school students to explore the ideas, history, and principles that shape free enterprise and principled leadership. Open to all U.S. students in grades 9–12.
Deadline
October 10, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET
Prize
Summit ticket · Austin, Oct 28–30
No membership required. Share this competition with a student you know, or submit an entry directly through the application form.
The categories
Three ways to enter. Three winners.
01
Historical Analysis Essay
2,000 words max
Drawing on the foundations of modern capitalism as articulated in Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations, analyze the extent to which U.S. domestic economic policies in the 21st century — particularly those relating to property, taxation, enterprise, and financial policy — align with or depart from the principles expressed in Smith’s work. Use specific examples of modern U.S. policy.
Goal. Connect the intellectual foundations of capitalism with the economic policies shaping the modern United States.
Sources & requirements. Cite The Wealth of Nations when discussing Smith’s ideas, plus sources for modern examples and policy.
02
Principled Leadership Essay
1,200 words max
After reviewing the Capitalists for Capitalism Manifesto, select one speaker or featured guest at the 2026 Principled Business Summit and analyze how that individual’s work, leadership, or accomplishments align with the values expressed in the Manifesto. Go beyond a career summary — make a clear argument about principled leadership, free enterprise, and value creation.
Goal. Engage with contemporary business leaders while developing your own understanding of principled leadership.
Sources & requirements. Cite sources used to research the featured individual and the Manifesto. Winning submissions may be shared with the featured individual.
03
Short-Form Video
60 seconds max · vertical
Create a vertical video exploring one prompt: (A) Informational — explain Principled Business, its mission, or why principled business matters. (B) Promotional — explain why business leaders should attend the 2026 Summit. (C) Educational — explain an important idea, principle, or historical development related to capitalism and its application today.
Goal. Communicate an idea with originality, accuracy, and effectiveness.
Sources & requirements. Must be posted as a public Instagram Reel, tag the official Principled Business account, and be submitted through the competition form. Students must be able to show the Reel is original work.
Rules
Eligibility, originality, and how we judge.
Eligibility
Open to all students currently enrolled in grades 9–12. Students may enter one category only. Submissions must be the student’s original work.
Sources & AI
Cite sources properly. AI tools may be used for research, brainstorming, or fact-finding — but AI-generated writing, scripts, or creative work should not constitute the submitted work. Plagiarism or substantially AI-generated submissions may be disqualified.
Video requirements
Maximum 60 seconds, vertical format, posted publicly as an Instagram Reel tagging the official Principled Business account, then submitted through the competition form.
Judging
- Originality and independent thinking
- Understanding of the subject
- Strength of argument or communication
- Use of evidence and sources
- Clarity and organization
- Connection to the competition prompt
For videos, creativity and effectiveness of communication also count. Social engagement may be considered as a secondary factor — popularity will not determine the winner by itself.
Prize
A seat at the Summit.
Each category winner receives one General Admission ticket to the 2026 Principled Business Summit in Austin, Texas, October 28–30. Travel, lodging, and other expenses are not included.
Apply now