Children’s Business Fair returns for second year

Steinbach Children’s Business Fair has returned for its second year and organizer Jordan Hammond said it’s bigger this time around.

“(It’s) just gaining some momentum. It was the first year so you never expect too much the first year and just a lot more people knew about it this year and there’s a lot more interest,” said founder Jordan Hammond.

Last year, there were 13 booths and this year there are already 30.

“It feels great. For me, I’m really passionate about helping kids just get the experience of entrepreneurship and all the benefits that comes with it. Confidence, learning to fail well, taking responsibility, and doing something on their own. For me it’s really encouraging to see so many parents putting their kids in a situation where they can learn a lot and get some really valuable life skills,” said Hammond.

The fair is open to children between the ages of seven and 16 who want to work on their entrepreneurial skills such as selling, product creation, value creation, and marketing. Children will develop a brand, create a product or service, build a pricing/marketing strategy, and then open for customers at the one-day market.

Last year there was a tie between two booths: Hammond Kids Cookies and Bright Cloud Herbals. This year there will be a first place prize ($500), second place ($250), and third place ($100). Registration for a last minute booth is still open and is $10.

What do kids at this age need to know to be successful entrepreneurs? Hammond said they just need to take action.

“Having the confidence to be able to try something and not be worried about whether it sells or not, but just believing in themselves. And their parents believing in them enough to take action and try something and do it. If they do that then there’s only good things that come from it.”

Applications must be submitted online. Children working as a group (of no more than three) should submit one application. This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. If a parent is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business will be disqualified from the competition, according to the website.

To register visit childrensbusinessfair.org/Steinbach.

The fair will run at Clearspring Centre in Steinbach from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 9.