After competing against nine other finalists, a Rockwall 7-year-old has claimed the title of Barbara’s Bakery‘s 2017 Kidtrepreneur of the Year.
Kaden Newton was selected for his nonprofit company that feeds children fighting hunger in his area with “kid-friendly” meals. Mac & Cheese and Pancakes is an Amazon-based food drive that collects donations to be shipped to food banks all around North Texas.
“We can buy a lot of food and, more importantly mac and cheese because that’s a 30-cents box.”
Kaden Newton
As the contest winner and the Kidtrepreneur of the Year, Smith was awarded $10,000 to be used towards Mac & Cheese and Pancakes and his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Five runners up received $500 and a case of Barbara’s brand food products.
Kaden thanked North Texas residents for their votes and for making his victory possible, according to Fox4News.
“We can buy a lot of food and, more importantly mac and cheese because that’s a 30-cents box,” Kaden told the television station.
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R E A D N E X T
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MTX Group, the global technology consulting firm that modernizes technology for the public sector, was the only company from North Texas, and the state, to be recognized.
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Dallas-based POETIC, an aftercare program dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth, is continuing its partnership with the Texas Bar Foundation to enhance its programs and aid its goal to end child exploitation and trafficking in the community.
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The North Texas regional winners include 10-year-old Madison Denise from Waxahachie, the founder and CEO of Esined tween fashions; and Hurst's Vanessa Bouche, co-founder of Savhera, a line of wellness products that impact the livelihoods of human trafficking survivors.
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The brave semi-frozen beverage was launched by Irving-based 7-Eleven from one of its stores in Saginaw, Michigan, to honor that state's record Slurpee consumption. The innovative marketing stunt also demonstrated the last-mile benefits of 7-Eleven Delivery.
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The 11 entrepreneurs are eligible for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards.
![Erica Kosemund, Chief Brand Officer, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Gillian Breidenbach, Chief Partnership Officer, North Texas FWC Organizing Committee; Chief Gary Batton, Chief of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Monica Paul, Executive Director of Dallas Sports Commission and President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee; John Hobbs, Senior Executive Officer of Communications, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; and Heidi Grant, Senior Executive Officer of Commerce Administration, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, celebrate Choctaw Casinos & Resorts becoming an Official Dallas World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter. [Photo: North Texas FWC Organizing Committee/Choctaw Casinos & Resorts]](https://s24806.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FIFA-Choctaw-dec-2025-75x69.jpg)
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