Future Tampa Bay
Business Hall of Fame
This program highlights the accomplishments of our youth and the promise they hold as future entrepreneurs, business leaders, and hopefully, Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame Members.
Winners receive $1K Cash!
2025 Applications Now Open
Many of our local students are already productive members of their school, responsible consumers, entrepreneurs and even wise investors. To be young and full of hopes and dreams is one thing, but to be young and full of action, commitment, and success is something else entirely.
This award, given at the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame, is intended to encourage the ideas, potential, and talent of our youth by honoring them in a setting in which they can see their own future, one in which they are surrounded by the most accomplished business leaders in the Tampa Bay area.
The Future Hall of Fame Student:
Is a student in 6th – 12th grade living the in the Tampa Bay Region
Possesses a strong entrepreneurial vision
Demonstrates academic success
Is active in their school and/or community
Must be able to attend the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame on
Friday, May 22, 2025 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 WINNER
NAME: Ayan Nallamshetty
SCHOOL: Robinson High School, Tampa
GPA: 6.72
HOW HAVE YOU SHOWN ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS?
ince I was 7 years old, I have loved Pokémon. A few years ago, I wanted to start using my love for Pokémon to make a more meaningful impact, so I founded Jolt Start Media. Using the Pokémon franchise, I have taught vital lessons to children of all socioeconomic backgrounds to help them understand the world of finance through various engaging events. For example, I have used Pokémon cards to teach concepts such as purchase strategies, valuation, saving money, and even avoiding fraud. At the local level, I have worked directly with 100s of students to make wise financial decisions through interactive activities at different elementary and middle schools. To broaden my exposure internationally, I have created a YouTube channel amassing 2.3 million impressions, 300,000+ views, and 200+ videos watched from over 70 countries.
COMMUNITY/SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT :
Mayor's Youth Corps - In my local community, underrepresented groups are facing social and cultural struggles through gentrification, urban sprawl, and public policy. To counteract these issues, I collaborated with Mayor Jane Castor's Youth Corps to learn about these communal issues. I became involved in city council meetings, leadership sessions, and community service events to connect with people in the outskirts of Tampa Bay, understanding their personal experiences and challenges.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest business-career student organization in the world. It inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. Recently, I was elected to be the National Financial Literacy Director, where I guide 200,000 members to financial success through my video series, ""Money Masterclass"". I've prepared a national course on entrepreneurship and made guides to help kids around the country secure sponsorships, internships, and stay organized financially. Locally, I serve as the District President, elected and represented by 1,500 students.
I founded the Speech & Debate team at my school. I managed a recruiting campaign and successfully recruited 100+ student members, organized meetings, built a training manual and coaching outline to mentor students, and organized our school team to compete in the local, regional, and state level where we've had several top winners. As the President and Founder, I'm proud to have multiple members place first at statewide tournaments, with several qualifying to represent FL in the 2024 national tournament. Given the strong interest, I have worked closely with high school administration to start Speech & Debate electives for the next school year.
The honoree will be recognized with a $1000 cash prize and trophy at the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame.
