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Special to the Advance

Main Street Atmore announced Aug. 21 that its 2024 Business Pitch Competition winner is Ariyana Young.

The future owner of Nails by Ari, a company specializing in acrylic nails, press-on nails and nail care, Young is a senior at Escambia County High School and is an Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce Youth Ambassador.

Young was awarded $3,500 as part of Main Street Atmore’s Entrepreneur Program. The monies will help her to incorporate Nails by Ari, purchase supplies and pay tuition for a nail tech program, according to a release.

Inspired by the successful model of Main Street Monroeville’s Business Understand and Opportunities for Youth (B.O.U.Y.), which is tailored for entrepreneurs from high school sophomores to individuals 30 years of age, Main Street Atmore launched its Entrepreneur Program in August 2023, officials said.

Main Street Atmore Executive Director Shinora Redmond and Yolanda Johnson from the Alabama Small Business Development Center (S.B.D.C.) identified the need for a program that would better support Atmore’s unique entrepreneurial landscape.

“The entrepreneur program focuses on empowering aspiring entrepreneurs, young and old. We want to provide them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed and contribute to the growth of our community,” Johnson said. “By nurturing local young talent, we’re fostering individual success and driving economic development in Atmore for years to come. We are looking forward to watching Ariyana’s business grow.”

Young is the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Donzell and Marlo Young Sr.

In addition to celebrating the success of the Business Pitch Competition, Main Street Atmore is also announced the Start Making Opportunities a Reality for Entrepreneurs or Start M.O.R.E. launch in partnership with Johnson and the Alabama Small Business Development Center.