Whiff Works Named Champion of 2026 Albany-Dougherty FLEX Competition

February 27, 2026

The next generation of entrepreneurs took center stage in Albany-Dougherty as local students presented innovative business ideas during the 2026 FLEX (Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurial eXperience) Competition Finals.

Hosted at 4C Academy, the annual competition is a collaborative effort between the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC), the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, and 4C Academy. The program challenges students to develop real-world business concepts and present them to a panel of community and business leaders, providing valuable experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.

After a competitive round of presentations, Whiff Works was named the 2026 FLEX Competition Champion. The winning team — Jonavan Jackson, Christopher Hoffpauir, and Mathew Peters — earned the $3,000 grand prize and will advance to represent Albany-Dougherty at the Georgia FLEX State Competition on April 14 in Tifton, Georgia.

Whiff Works developed an innovative deodorant dispenser system designed for school restroom facilities, a concept aimed at promoting freshness, confidence, and a better daily experience for students while addressing a practical need in school environments.

Two additional student businesses were also recognized for their creativity and entrepreneurial thinking during the competition:

  • 2nd Place: LIFT — Jamyiah Williams ($2,000 prize)

  • 3rd Place: Crumb Theory — Mariah Jones & Heaven Stidhum ($1,000 prize)

“This competition demonstrates the incredible talent and entrepreneurial mindset being developed right here in Albany-Dougherty,” said Jana Dyke, President & CEO of ADEDC. “These students are not only learning business fundamentals, they are building confidence, leadership skills, and innovative solutions that represent the future of our workforce.”

Chris Hatcher, CEO of Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy and President of the 4C Foundation, emphasized the importance of providing students with real-world opportunities to explore their ideas.

“FLEX gives our students the opportunity to turn their ideas into real opportunities. Watching them learn and grow through this process is exactly why we love FLEX. Programs like this are so important as we prepare tomorrow’s leaders.”

Programs like FLEX play a vital role in connecting education, industry, and community leadership while introducing students to entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and economic development concepts. By providing hands-on experience beyond the classroom, the program helps strengthen the region’s long-term workforce pipeline and prepares students for future careers and business leadership.

As the first-place team advances to the statewide competition, the FLEX program continues to demonstrate how investing in students today helps shape the future of Albany-Dougherty’s economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.