Every December, high school juniors from Chehalis and Centralia, Washington step onto the Centralia College campus for a week-long crash course in building and running a business. It's all part of the Lewis County Business Academy, where Ziply Fiber is proud to help support the next generation of local entrepreneurs for the second year in a row.
The Academy is run by Kiddin' Around, a Lewis County–based nonprofit known for programs that connect young people with real-world learning. This particular week brings together 20 to 30 local business leaders, educators and community members who volunteer their time to guide students through a full business lifecycle, from idea to product pitch.
"Kiddin' Around is proud to partner with Ziply Fiber through Business Academy, a collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to community engagement and youth development. We were honored to have Alex Kovacs as a Company Advisor at this year's event," said Naomi Robb, Vice President of Kiddin' Around.
Alex Kovacs, Ziply Fiber's Community Development Manager in Lewis and Thurston Counties, volunteers as a company advisor. For him, the work is personal. "When I was in high school, I didn't live in this area, so I missed out on opportunities like this. When I later learned about it, it felt important to show up, both personally and on behalf of the company."
Ziply Fiber sponsors two student teams each year, covering a portion of the cost so more students can participate. Beyond financial support, the partnership gives Alex space to share his marketing and entrepreneurial experience. He spends the week helping a group of 20–25 students develop a business idea, build a product concept, craft a marketing plan and prepare for a final pitch, part Shark Tank, part crowdfunding fair, before a panel of local business owners.
"I spend a week taking them from business ideation up to product development," Alex explained. "Then they do a full-blown marketing pitch to a board of investors. It gives them a practical understanding of business, financial literacy and the skills they'll need no matter what they choose to do after high school."
While Alex leads Ziply Fiber's involvement, he isn't the only one stepping in. Local Ziply Fiber field technician, Logan Bracy, assisted with bringing in supplies for building prototypes of products and other assorted classroom tasks. "Logan went through a trade program and now works as a field technician," Alex said. "He brings a different perspective from what I did, and it gives students more insight into the options they'll have after graduation. For Ziply Fiber, the partnership is simple but meaningful: Sponsor student teams, provide onsite mentorship and show up in a way that contributes to the community's long-term success.
This year marks the company's second year participating, first jumping in before Ziply Fiber even launched service in the area. And as the community continues to grow, so does the value of supporting the students who will someday lead it.
Read more about our community involvement.
