CANTON, GA — The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) and the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) are proud to announce Annabell Meyer, founder of Aspire Great Media, as the 2026 FLEX Cherokee Winner following a live, “Shark Tank–style” pitch at the Historic Canton Theatre on March 19, 2026. The event capped a three round local competition where high school students build and run real businesses with mentorship from local leaders – earning revenue, honing leadership, and preparing for careers and college alike.

“Getting to pitch live was such an exciting experience, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my vision. Winning means a lot because it shows that people believe in what I’m building with Aspire Great Media,” said Meyer. “Now I’m getting to work on preparing for state by refining my presentation and continuing to grow the business.”

This year’s finals featured Aspire Great Media (River Ridge HS), Vision Studioz (Etowah HS), and WeighTex Clothing (Creekview HS & Etowah HS) – the three ventures that advanced from a Round 2 cohort of ten student run companies. Annabell Meyer with Aspire Great Media earned $5,000 in seed funding; Javen Simmons with Vision Studioz in second place received $2,500 and Carter Hutchison & Gavin Letendre with WeighTex in third place received $1,250.
As the local champion, Meyer now advances to the Georgia FLEX State Competition on April 15th for the chance to secure up to $10,000 in additional seed funding.

FLEX Cherokee was launched this school year as a partnership between COED and CCSD.

“Our students aren’t just learning about business – they’re starting, operating, and growing a business,” said Mary Elizabeth Davis, Superintendent of Schools for CCSD. “FLEX Cherokee turns academic ambition into hands-on experience and clears pathways from school to success in the workplace.”
“Launching and operating a business is no small feat,” said Heath Tippens, President of COED. “These students listened to feedback, refined their models, and pitched with confidence. We’re proud of every venture that competed – and we look forward to standing with Annabell at the state competition.”

About the Program & Partners
FLEX Cherokee is part of the statewide Georgia FLEX (Foundational Leadership & Entrepreneurial Experience) initiative, started in Fitzgerald, GA, where students compete through three rounds locally with the community winner advancing to the state competition. Students develop business plans, launch and operate ventures, attend workshops, and receive mentorship from local business leaders.

Top 10 Cherokee FLEX businesses had the opportunity to network with local businesses owners and host a table for their businesses at Good Morning Cherokee, in partnership with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Pam Carnes was Master of Ceremonies for the final FLEX Cherokee event on March 19, and all three final businesses will receive sponsored Chamber memberships for one year.

How the Community Can Support These Young Founders
Follow Annabell’s state journey: Track statewide competition updates via Georgia FLEX and COED program pages at @CherokeeOED on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

  • To support Javen Simmons and stay connected with his latest streetwear releases, follow him on Instagram at @visionstudioz.us.
  • To support Carter Hutchison & Gavin Letendre and stay connected with their patent journey and innovative product follow them on Instagram at @weightex_clothing.
  • Share & amplify: Celebrate all our student businesses on social media and tag @CherokeeOED to help spread the word about all program participants.
  • Offer mentorship & connections: Business leaders interested in supporting these young founders through introductions, market insights, or technical guidance can contact COED at info@cherokeega.org.

Stay Tuned for Next Year
Learn more at cherokeega.org/flex. Continue following the Cherokee Office of Economic Development on social media for more details about next year’s competition and to follow Annabell’s journey to state!

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About the Cherokee Office of Economic Development
COED is Cherokee’s leading organization for business and film recruitment, and industry retention and expansion. For more information, visit www.cherokeega.org.