A path to ignite entrepreneurial spirit in tomorrow's leaders
December 22, 2025
At First National Bank and Trust Company, we believe that investing in young people is investing in the future of our communities. That’s why we’re proud to support Central Illinois CEO (CICEO), a transformative experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.
This innovative initiative equips high school juniors and seniors with the tools, confidence, and real-world skills to think like entrepreneurs, take risks and lead with purpose. Through hands-on projects, mentorship and immersive experiences, CICEO empowers students to discover their passions, develop critical soft skills and build the foundation for successful businesses and careers. These future leaders aren’t just learning about entrepreneurship - they are living it.
Entrepreneurship education seeks to prepare people, especially youth, to be responsible, enterprising individuals who become entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial thinkers and contribute to economic development and sustainable communities. Students in CICEO are immersed in real-life learning experiences with the opportunity to take risks, manage results, and learn from outcomes.
“CEO is so much more than an entrepreneurial program! CEO is a non-traditional, hands-on learning experience for juniors and seniors in high school that is project-based,” shared Melanie Brown, Facilitator of Central Illinois CEO.
“The lessons students learn in CEO - from soft skills such as dinner etiquette, leadership, public speaking, professional dress, communication skills and writing thank you notes to writing a business plan, presenting, budgeting, sales, marketing and problem solving are setting them apart from their peers. Leading these students is such an honor, and I truly believe the students in the CEO program are the future leaders of our community!”
Recently, CEO students attended a mentor meeting at First National Bank and Trust Company for a mentor meeting, which regularly hosts four to six of their meetings. During this session, students were challenged to think creatively: they had five minutes to come up with a unique need, solution and marketing pitch for a Christmas décor item repurposed for something other than its usual use and then present their ideas to the class.
Pictured above: Lance White is a mentor to Michael Clary. During this session, students had five minutes to come up with a unique need, solution and marketing pitch for a Christmas décor item repurposed for something other than its usual use and then present their ideas to the class.
This exercise wasn’t just clever; it was a powerful example of how CEO fosters quick thinking, problem-solving and presentation skills - qualities that every successful entrepreneur needs.
The CEO students are currently working hard on their first-semester project—a Murder Mystery Dinner! The money raised from this event will be given back to the students in the form of a grant to help them launch their own individual businesses in the second semester.
The event will be held at Richland Community College on January 30 and February 7, 2026. Tickets for the Murder Mystery Dinner can be found here: www.centralillinoisceo.com.
Community support of this event goes a long way in helping these students succeed. Every ticket purchased helps fund their entrepreneurial dreams and strengthens the future of our local economy.
From mentors to board members, every individual involved in CICEO is enthusiastic, compassionate and committed to guiding students through their entrepreneurial journey. Since its inception in 2019, the program has been dedicated to helping future leaders discover their passion and purpose.
At First National Bank and Trust Company, we’re honored to play a role in this mission. Together, we’re shaping a generation of innovators who will lead our communities forward.
At First National Bank and Trust, we IGNITE PROSPERITY® by helping our clients do more with their money. Whether it’s saving a little extra cash each month or accomplishing a long-term strategy, our goal is to help you transform your financial life. Call and schedule an appointment today, one of our team members would love to help you do more with your money at FNBT. For more information visit firstnbtc.com or call 217-935-2148 in Illinois or 608-323-3331 in Wisconsin. #igniteprosperity