James A. Oliver Entrepreneurial Scholarship
Entrepreneurship is a driving force of innovation and economic progress in the world, producing a constant stream of new ideas and products.
Creative and independent individuals who have the ideas, work ethic, and courage necessary to start their own businesses are crucial. Entrepreneurs turn imagination into reality and make the world a better place through their services. However, starting a business is no easy task and can be financially daunting. Society should lift up these dreamers so they can bring their ideas to life.
James A. Oliver graduated from Williamston High School (now Martin County High School) in 2006. James started Oliver Fence Company in 2019. He built his business on principles of honesty, integrity, and quality. He believed his customers should be treated with respect and fairness. He loved interacting with and getting to know all manner of people through his work. James built his business in such a way that after his passing in 2025, Oliver Fence Company could continue to be operated with those same principles.
This memorial scholarship aims to support entrepreneurial-minded students, like James, who are forging their own paths in the world and preparing to start their own businesses. In addition, one of James’ best qualities was his deep desire to serve and care for others and make their lives better. He loved to see people smile and be happy and never had a second thought about helping those in need. We would love to see someone with similar qualities, specifically who is in a service oriented club, scouting, or similar background.
Any high school senior in North Carolina who will pursue trade school or higher education in business management may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they want to start their own business in the future. Preference will be given to students from Martin County High School in Williamston, NC.
To apply, tell us about your goals for owning your business and what kind of business you plan to start.
Please write what your ambitions are for owning your own business and what type of business you hope to start.
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FAQ
The application deadline is Jun 30, 2026. Winners will be announced on Aug 1, 2026.
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Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on Aug 1, 2026. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
If you have any questions about this scholarship or the Bold.org platform, just email contact@bold.org and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.
Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.
