-
2024 Young Entrepreneur(s) of the Year
This Westie is awarded to an individual student or group of students in the Westlake area who have attempted to redefine the way we live, work and play. With an undeniable hunger for opportunity and an overwhelming ability to find creative solutions to old problems, this individual or group has a viable business concept that will generate revenue.
(see below for past winners)
Finalist: Careavan
Careavan is a team of Westlake High School seniors dedicated to solving the challenges parents face when transporting their children to extracurricular activities. Whether it’s a last-minute work meeting, a sick child, or a ride falling through, Careavan understands the daily struggles of busy families.
Their innovative solution is a ridesharing platform that connects parents within their community to share and give rides. With safety as a top priority, Careavan incorporates features such as GPS tracking, background checks, in-car surveillance, and a trusted network of parents. The platform also includes a point-based system to ensure balance and reliability—parents earn points for giving rides and spend them when requesting one.
Careavan’s innovative concept earned first place and $15,000 for business development at Westlake High School Pitch Night. They also placed among the top 25 teams at the Incubator EDU National Pitch.
Grateful for the support of Westlake High School and the community, Careavan continues to empower parents with a safe, convenient, and community-focused solution for their transportation needs.
Finalist: Meredith McMahan, Provide-a-Ride, Inc.
In November 2022, Meredith founded Provide-a-Ride (www.goprovidearide.org), a volunteer-driven organization that provides cost-free transportation services to nonprofits in the Central Texas area. The organization helps ease the burden of day-to-day operations by offering rides for pickups, deliveries, and carpooling needs. With over 75 volunteers, 8 nonprofit partners, and 200+ completed rides, Provide-a-Ride has contributed to a variety of causes, from transporting puppies for life-saving surgeries to helping survivors of sex trafficking.In addition to Provide-a-Ride, Meredith is a founding team member of BeneFit, a software service designed to reduce the financial and environmental impacts of clothing returns. BeneFit uses AI-powered size recommendations to help online clothing retailers guide shoppers in finding the right fit. At Westlake High School’s Business Incubator Pitch Night, BeneFit placed second out of 44 teams, won the People’s Choice Award, and secured $10,000 in funding.
Meredith’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to serving her community make her an inspiring force in both the business and nonprofit sectors.
Finalist: Grant Steinauer, GS Three Dimensional
Grant Steinauer founded his 3D printing and design business, GS Three Dimensional, in 2022 as a freshman in high school. A passionate 3D printing enthusiast since elementary school, Grant’s journey began when he designed a UT Tower light for his sister after her acceptance to the University of Texas. Soon, friends began requesting similar designs, and a casual suggestion to start a business turned into reality.
Now officially licensed through the Collegiate Licensing Company, Grant specializes in creating iconic university buildings and personalized designs. With 15 3D printers running around the clock, his creations are sold on his website (www.gs3dimensional.com), through university partnerships, at retailers like the University Co-Op, on Etsy, and at pop-up markets and events. Grant was also selected to participate in Big Bertha’s Bazaar, a unique retail experience at UT football games.
GS Three Dimensional has rapidly grown, reaching over 6,000 sales and six figures in revenue for 2024. While Grant’s products may not change the world, they help people relive cherished college memories and offer a lasting connection to the places they love most.
-
Young Entrepreneur(s) of the Year
This Westie is awarded to an individual student or group of students in the Westlake area who have attempted to redefine the way we live, work and play. With an undeniable hunger for opportunity and an overwhelming ability to find creative solutions to old problems, this individual or group has a viable business concept that will generate revenue.
-
2024 Winner: NOTIFEYE
-
-
2023 Winner: PharmAssist
-
-
2022 Winner: GIFTE
-
-
2021 Winner: Katelyn & Kevin Yu
-
-
2020 Winner: Sipsy
-