Sixty-eight booths at this year’s ArtWalk will show off the skills of youth business owners between the ages of 5 and 17.
The Children’s Entrepreneur Market began in Utah, helping nearly 10,000 kids learn the power of entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership. The market has expanded to 24 other states.
“Kids rise to the challenge of deciding what to sell, creating a booth, talking to customers, and handling money,” according to its website.
The 68 booths at the Sept. 14 ArtWalk event are in a prime location to support youth entrepreneurs by providing them with a steady flow of foot traffic. This allows youth to spend more time interacting with customers and selling their wares.
ArtWalk on Main is an annual event hosted by the Firehouse Art Center. Main Street from Third Avenue to Longs Peak Avenue is closed so patrons can enjoy art, culture, music, food and fun. The event also encourages youth and adult artists to sign up to create art on the sidewalks of Main Street using colorful chalk. The event is held from 4-8 p.m. on Sept. 14.
In some cases, youth expand their businesses beyond these market opportunities and incorporate websites or place their products in stores.
To participate in Children’s Entrepreneur Market, youth must pay a small fee that covers training, the booth and a t-shirt.
Adults are restricted in how they can assist their children. Adults may not interact with customers on behalf of the child’s business but can assist their child when needed as they remain on the premises.
Youth can sell just about anything they can dream up from food, games or services.
In addition to starting a business, youth can earn money for college or to expand their business through the Children’s Entrepreneur Market’s scholarship program. The scholarships are based on how well the youth knows and understands their own business.
This is the first time Children’s Entrepreneur Market will take place in Longmont.
