A new campaign in King Island is calling on all young entrepreneurs to try their hand at owning a small business.
The first annual Children’s Business Expo will be held from October 11th to 3pm. 9 at St. Village Creek Landing Simmons. Anyone under the age of 18 is invited to participate and sell their products or services.
Young people will be able to set up booths and sell their homemade goods or commercial services such as dog walking and babysitting. Products for sale will include jewelry, candles, lemonade, baked goods and more.
“We want everyone in the community to come and support the kids,” said Lisa Bareno, one of the event organizers.
Bareno and her husband Alberto Llano are Del Sur Artisan Eats on St. Simons and Del Sur Cafe in Brunswick were inspired to bring the event to the community while watching their daughters start their own this summer ‘s first small business venture.
Violetta and Victoria spent their lives watching their parents run the business, which inspired their own entrepreneurial spirit. They asked for a lemonade stand outside Del Sur in Marina Village, and their parents agreed on a free weekend.
“It happened to be in the summer,” said fifth-grade Victoria. Violetta is in second grade.
“We did it and we made a lot of money.”
Bareno saw the success of lemonade and the value of the experience with her daughters, and began to think about other ways to create this opportunity. She said it was clear the community wanted to support it.
“They had a great time,” she said. “But adults who are interested, you can see that they are very excited to be involved.”
This experience teaches young people about creativity, planning, responsibility, people skills and more. They are also confident in the process.
“Their self-esteem goes up, which encourages you to be your own boss,” Llano says. “It encourages you to be an entrepreneur, a business owner, and to dream big.”
Local business owners will serve as judges for the competition during the event. Awards will be awarded in three categories – the most commercial potential, the most creative and the most impressive presentation.
Event supporters include Georgia Coastal College’s Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship, the Golden Island Development Authority, local businesses and more.
Christina’s World of Dance will lead a dance event at the start of the show and conclude with an award ceremony for the participants. Porch will also bring its food truck.
“We wanted to make this event very special for everyone, not only for the kids who will be attending, but for the visitors,” said Barreno.
Participants need to register for the show by September 9th. 30. Event organizers are also looking for sponsors.