Last week at 4C Academy the judges had a hard time choosing the winner at the 2026 FLEX ABY youth entrepreneurship competition finals, which aim to ignite innovation and empower young entrepreneurs in  the Albany area through mentorship, guidance and hands-on experience that provides students with the tools and resources to develop unique business ideas and succeed in the competitive world of entrepreneurship. FLEX ABY is organized in partnership with the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C). 

“FLEX gives our students the opportunity to turn their ideas into real opportunities,” said Chris Hatcher, CEO of Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy and President of the 4C Foundation. “Watching them learn and grow through this process is exactly why we love FLEX.  Programs like this are so important as we prepare tomorrow’s leaders.” 

After all the finalists made their final pitches, Whiff Works, created by Jonavan Jackson, Christopher Hoffpauir and Mathew Peters, earned first place, securing advancement to the Georgia FLEX State Competition along with a $3,000 prize. Whiff Works is a deodorant dispenser designed specifically for school bathrooms, offering students convenient access to hygiene products in a discreet and practical way. 

“Programs like FLEX ABY are exactly how we build the future of our community,” said Matt Reed, President & CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. When students step up to launch businesses, develop real plans, and pitch bold ideas, that’s workforce development in action. That’s entrepreneurship taking root. And that’s the next generation of business owners and Chamber members emerging right before our eyes. Investing in this program is investing in Albany’s long-term economic vitality.” 

Second place was awarded to LIFT, founded by Jamyiah Williams, which received a $2,000 prize. LIFT is an AI-powered study platform designed to help students strengthen their academic performance while also preparing future careers through tools that generate resumes and cover letters.

Crumb Theory, developed by Mariah Jones and Heaven Stidhum, earned third place and received a $1,000 prize for their homemade cakes and cookies, with plans to expand into protein-packed cookie options to meet growing demand for healthier treats.

“Today’s competition demonstrates the incredible talent and entrepreneurial mindset being developed right here in Albany-Dougherty,” said Jana Dyke, President & CEO of the Albany Dougherty Economic Development Commission. “These students are not only learning business fundamentals, but they are also building confidence, leadership skills, and innovative solutions that represent the future of our workforce.” 

The Friday event provided students with the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of distinguished judges from across the state, including Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes of the Georgia Department of Labor; Tiffany Holmes, Deputy Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation; Dr.  Robert Scott, President of Albany State University; Tanisha Johnson, Education and Workforce Coordinator for Georgia Power; Perry Revell, CEO of AB&T Bank; Deb Angerami, CEO of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital; and Col. Matt McKinney, Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany. 

The Whiff Works will represent Albany at the Georgia FLEX State Competition in April, where the winner will earn $10,000 in cash and prizes to support business growth. 

Local planning is already underway for 2027 FLEX ABY, as the partnership continues its commitment to expanding entrepreneurship opportunities and school participation across Dougherty County. 

The local program is made possible through the partnership of the three organizations and the investment of Albany’s business community, which supports students through mentorship, workshops, and real-world insight throughout the competition process. 

For information about the Chamber and other events, visit www.albanyga.com.