#United States #Washington D.C. #BUILD #youth entrepreneurship #BUILDFest

The Exciting Launch of BUILDFest 2026

On May 13, 2026, a new wave of youthful entrepreneurial talent took center stage at the highly anticipated BUILDFest event in Washington, D.C. Organized by BUILD, a national nonprofit committed to empowering young people from under-resourced communities, the annual festival kicked off the nationwide Youth Pitch Competitions that will take place across various major cities including Los Angeles, Boston, and New York City throughout the coming weeks.

For over 26 years, BUILD has dedicated itself to opening doors of opportunity for youth, providing them with critical skills and real-world experiences necessary for success in college, careers, and beyond. BUILDFest symbolizes the peak of the BUILD Journey, where students showcase their entrepreneurial capabilities in a live “Shark Tank”-style competition. Each participant has the chance to pitch their businesses, vying for recognition, mentorship, and exciting prizes.

In the words of Thais Rezende, the President and Interim CEO of BUILD, “As the future of work evolves faster than ever, one thing is clear: young people need entrepreneurial mindsets to thrive.” The statement underscores the importance of resilience, creativity, and problem-solving—that students are not merely launching businesses, but also equipping themselves with the necessary skills to navigate a complex future.

Schedule of Upcoming Events

The event schedule is as follows:

• - BUILDFest Metro DC: May 13, 2026 | 6 PM - 9 PM EST at Capital One Hall – The Vault, Tysons, VA
• - BUILDFest Los Angeles: May 19, 2026 | 5 PM - 7:30 PM PST at California Bank & Trust, Downtown Los Angeles
• - BUILDFest Southwestern Pennsylvania: May 27, 2026 | 5 PM - 8 PM EST at OneValley at the Roundhouse, Pittsburgh, PA
• - BUILDFest Boston: June 2, 2026 | 5 PM - 8 PM EST at SVB/First Citizens Bank, Boston, MA
• - BUILDFest New York City: June 3, 2026 | 5 PM - 8 PM EST at BRIC House Arts and Media Center, Brooklyn, NY

These high-energy events not only serve as competitions but also as opportunities for young entrepreneurs to network with business leaders, corporate sponsors, investors, and community members who are eager to invest in the future of American innovation.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Founded in 1999, BUILD has played a crucial role in changing the lives of over 400,000 students through its entrepreneurial education programs. By engaging young people in hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to real business concepts, BUILD cultivates the skill sets that foster self-sufficiency and long-term career success.

As BUILD prepares to launch the 2026 iteration of BUILDFest, it invites everyone to join in shaping the future of work and opportunity. For those interested in learning more about the initiative or participating in the events, additional information and registration details can be found at www.build.org/events.

In conclusion, BUILD’s ongoing commitment to fostering youth entrepreneurship serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity, inspiring the next generation to embrace their potential and take bold steps into their future. With BUILDFest 2026, BUILD reinforces not just entrepreneurial skill development, but a vision where every young individual can thrive and contribute positively to their communities and the economy at large.