The goal of FLEX is to create prosperity and revitalize rural entrepreneurial ecosystems through the education of students on the rewards, sacrifices, and processes incurred in the establishment of small businesses. Through a collaboration of the Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy, Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Chamber of Commerce and Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authorit
y, the Fitzgerald Leadership & Entrepreneur X-perience, or FLEX, was created with one goal in mind – to spark an entrepreneurial spirit in the students of Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County. Program developers knew that with the right mix of sacrifices and rewards, students would learn to launch successful small businesses of their own that would eventually lead to a more vibrant, robust economy for the local community. Students from Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy and Irwin County High School compete in three rounds of competition with the final round including a “Shark Tank'' style presentation given before a final winner is announced. The rules of the competition are simple, and the prizes are big – up to $5,000 for the winning team – making this competition fun and competitive for all teams that enter.
