Staples helps youth build entrepreneurial spirit

ARLINGTON, Va. Staples has partnered with Ashoka, a community of leading social entrepreneurs, to launch the fourth annual Staples/Ashoka Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition. The global competition highlights youth-led organizations focusing on social issues affecting their communities, and is part of Ashoka's Youth Venture, an initiative that identifies and fosters young entrepreneurs all over the world who are creating positive change.

The competition is open to existing and new Youth Venture teams, which are made up of young people between the ages of 12 and 24, who are creating entrepreneurial ventures that make a positive impact on communities, according to a press release.

Nominations and entries will be accepted on a rolling basis through Sept. 20. Eight winners will be chosen throughout the summer, and in October, the grand-prize winner will be selected for their outstanding impact, innovation and potential. All eight winners will be recognized at a TEDx conference, a national gathering of thought leaders devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading," on Nov. 13 in Washington, DC.