Based on a highly successful series YEK hosts in Wichita each year, Business for Breakfast offers Topeka business professionals a chance to hear from Holt, founder of CARSTAR Automotive and U Incorporated, as he speaks about the many business challenges and successes he's seen in his entrepreneurial career.

"We're proud to sponsor this event in Topeka," says John C. "Jack" Dicus, chairman of the Capitol Federal Foundation. "Entrepreneurship is vital to a successful business environment, so were glad to be part of bringing this educational opportunity to current and future business leaders in Topeka."

A seasoned business professional and past president of the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP) in Kansas City, Holt knows the ins and outs of being an entrepreneur and successful business owner in today's world. He'll share his insight, answer questions and be part of a dialogue between attendees about successful business strategies.

The event is hosted by YEK, a not-for-profit organization that offers a high-school curriculum about entrepreneurship and market-based management principles in classrooms across the state. Proceeds from the breakfast will help support YEK programs in all USD 501 Topeka high schools and Lawrence High.

"We've been part of the Topeka entrepreneurial community since 1998," says Kylie Stupka, executive director of YEK. "After the great support we've received, we're glad to now offer this opportunity to business professionals in Topeka. We've certainly learned a lot from Lirel throughout the years, so we know Business for Breakfast attendees will, too."

Additional sponsors include the following businesses:

Investor: Koch Industries

Partner: Kelly Express

Contributing: Koch Creative, Donlevy Lithograph, Morningstar Communications, Washburn University

Table: CoreFirst Bank

Business for Breakfast will be held from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, at the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center at Washburn University. Tickets are available for $50; table sponsorships are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 866-999-3921 or visit www.yeks.org and click on "Events."

About Youth Entrepreneurs Kansas (YEK) Founded in 1991 by the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation, YEK teaches free enterprise fundamentals to high school students through hands-on experiences. The program gives students the skills and tools to start their own business or enhance their business skills for future career opportunities, as well as encourages them to continue into higher education. Funded completely by private donations, YEK is a pubic not-for-profit 501(c)(3) foundation. For more information, to donate or to volunteer with YEK, please visit www.yeks.org.

Recipient of the Teacher of the Year award, Cheryl Batchellor, of Clearwater, Kan., and Entrepreneur of the Year, Evan Kaufman, of Newton, Kan., will be honored for their work with Youth Entrepreneurs Kansas (YEK). YEK is a Wichita-based nonprofit whose curriculum encourages Kansas students to develop the skills necessary to start their own businesses and pursue higher education. The pair will travel to New York City to accept their awards at NFTE's 16th Annual Salute to the Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards Dinner, taking place April 16.

For 19 years Batchellor has been committed to helping students at Clearwater High School achieve their best potential. As a YEK teacher and school-to-career coordinator, Batchellor understands classroom experiences are never enough to fully prepare students for what's ahead. She's taught her students priceless lessons and business concepts with the help of YEK mentors, field trips and guest speakers.

"I'm so excited to receive the Teacher of the Year award," says Batchellor "It is a great honor. There is nothing better than helping my students achieve success and learn about all the possibilities that await them after high school. Receiving this award is icing on the cake."

In addition to the award, Batchellor will receive a scholarship to NFTE's professional development seminar at Columbia University Business School in July.

A senior at Newton Senior High School, Kaufman is no stranger to winning awards. In 2008, he won several awards for his successful business, GrassMasters, LLC, including the YEK Business Plan of the Year award. Kaufman's company delivers quality lawn maintenance, landscaping and subcontracting services to the Newton community.

The secret to Kaufman's success? Taking advantage of lawn care trends and implementing the lessons learned through his YEK class.

"Few people have the guts or desire to take advantage of new trends," says Kaufman. "I found a trend called 'cocooning' where homeowners and companies alike strive to bring desirable destinations home. Implementing the risk-taking lessons I learned from YEK, I was able to increase my profits by offering clients new services, such as landscaping, which fit into this cocooning trend."

Kaufman, who plans to attend the United States Air Force Academy, looks forward to meeting other young entrepreneurs in New York and is thrilled to be among the few receiving the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

"Cheryl and Evan are shining examples of how hard work and determination can lead to great things," says Kylie Stupka, executive director of YEK. "They are two of many YEK teachers and students who benefit each year from the resources provided by entrepreneurial education programs including YEK and other NFTE-accredited classes. We're all very proud of their accomplishments."

About Youth Entrepreneurs Kansas (YEK) Founded in 1991 by the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation, YEK teaches free enterprise fundamentals to high school students through hands-on experiences. The program gives students the skills and tools to start their own business or enhance their business skills for future career opportunities, as well as encourages them to continue into higher education. Funded completely by private donations, YEK is a pubic not-for-profit 501(c)(3) foundation. For more information, to donate or to volunteer with YEK, please visit www.yeks.org.