The future of business took center stage during the Carson City Farmers Market on July 12. The Children’s Entrepreneur Market, a unique market run entirely by kids, popped up in front of the Marv Teixeira Pavilion, drawing a crowd alongside the regular market.
That same market will pop up alongside the Eastern Sierra Feed Farmers Market in Gardnerville on Sept. 13.
The Children’s Entrepreneur Market, a nonprofit program which originated in Utah in 2017 and has since expanded to 48 states, offers a unique, hands-on learning experience for young people. It is a place where lemonade stands evolve into full-fledge businesses, and creative hobbies are transformed into profitable ventures.
The program provides a structured, safe environment for children and teens to learn about everything from creating a product and pricing items to marketing, selling, and managing money, said Jocelyn Vance, Entrepreneur Market Reno Market Manager.
“It’s incredible to see them take ownership of the whole process,” said Jennifer Craine, whose 10 year-old son, Hudson, was selling his line of ”Brick Buddies,” hand-made Lego keychains during the July 12 market. “He really enjoys Lego sets and when we heard about this, we decided to give it a try. It’s not just about making a little money; it’s about building confidence and learning skills that will last a lifetime.”
The market’s model is simple, children are in complete control of their business.
“They are responsible for engaging with customers, handling transactions, and making all the business decisions,” said Vance.
This approach, organizers say, is the most crucial part of the program, as it empowers the children and helps them understand the principles of a free market.
Seven year-old Sierra Smith began her business, “Art Era” after she and her grandfather began making 3-D printer creations. Sisters Tabitha, 11, and Abigail, 16, Ruth each had a booth displaying their separate businesses. Tabitha’s was “Uni Trinkets,” including hand-made bracelets and key chains and Abigail’s was “Whooze itz and Whatz it,” an array of pens, cards, and diamond art.
“They both loved crafting since a young age,” said Abigail and Tabitha’s mother, Mary Ruth. “They’ve learned how to take their interests and turn it into something profitable and have learned how it all works.”
The Children’s Entrepreneur Market provides a valuable opportunity for kids to put their ideas into action and gain real-world experiences. For many, it’s a first taste of financial independence and the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur.
Vance said during the Sept. 13 Gardnerville market, some of the young businesses will include candles, homemade soaps, 3d printed figures, jewelry, resin, and more, including her daughter’s coloring pages and her son’s wood work.
Vance, herself has always felt passionate about entrepreneurship and as a market manager she gets to help young entrepreneurs pursue their dreams.
“It’s really neat to see what the kids come up with, their interests and passions, and to see it become a business,” said Vance, “and having that opportunity to help kids understand the world of business and to pursue what interests them has been empowering.”
Vance said the Children’s Entrepreneur Market partners with the community.
“We are usually at events that are already happening throughout the communities, including Reno, Carson City, Tahoe, and Gardnerville,” she said.
Vance said the program relies heavily on sponsors who help launch the efforts to bring the program to every state in the country, funding permits, and provide scholarships.
“We are very appreciative of our sponsors and we are always looking for more,” said Vance. “The goal is to keep it going and growing, and eventually to have this opportunity in all 50 sates.”
Visit www.kidsmarket.com for more information.