Roan Baldwin, founder of Munch Mode Machines, was named the 2026 Saunders Scholar through the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA!) program.

With this distinction, Baldwin will represent Colorado at the national YEA! Competition in early June in Texas, the Grand Junction Chamber said in a news release.

The Saunders Scholar designation is awarded to the top student entrepreneur following the YEA! program’s annual Investor Panel, where participants present their business concepts to a panel of local investors for evaluation and potential startup funding. Among a group of eight student entrepreneurs, Baldwin earned top recognition for the strength of the business concept and overall presentation.

“We are proud of what Roan has accomplished, and we know our entire community will be behind him as he represents Colorado on the national stage,” GJ Chamber President and CEO Candace Carnahan said.

Now in its 13th year, the Young Entrepreneur Academy guides students through the process of launching a business from idea to execution. Over the course of several months, participants develop business plans, conduct market research, build financial projections and refine their concepts with support from local mentors and business leaders.

YEA! Program Manager Alessandra Muse spoke of the significance of Baldwin’s achievement within the broader context of the program, saying, “Roan represents the dedication and growth we see from students throughout this program. Earning the Saunders Scholar title is not just about one presentation. It reflects months of effort, adaptability and a willingness to take an idea and turn it into something real.”

In addition to Baldwin’s recognition, nearly $6,000 in startup funding was awarded across participating student businesses during the Investor Panel, supporting the next steps for these young entrepreneurs as they move toward launching their ventures.

The community will have the opportunity to engage with Baldwin and fellow YEA! participants during a public trade show at Mesa Mall on May 30.

Applications for the 2027 YEA! cohort will open later this year. To learn more about the program, visit www.gjchamber.org/yea.