While some youths spend their summer vacation playing sports and watching TV, 13 young entrepreneurs started their own small businesses this summer through the Biz Kids program.
The program, which ran for the 10th consecutive summer, is an initiative by Community Futures Lakeland that introduces young people to the world of small business ownership and provides training and seed money to help them start their business.
“We had an awesome summer. It went really, really well,” said Community Futures executive assistant Monique Amyotte. “It's really nice to see the kids succeed in the things they work hard at and show interest in.”
Entrepreneurs between the ages of 10 and 16 started a wide variety of businesses and several were on display in front of the Community Futures building in Bonnyville this past Thursday.
Some sold handmade survival bracelets, others offered babysitting services and one business marketed composting worms and the fertilizer they create.
Grade 6 student Marsaiteze Davis started a party planning business and credits Biz Kids with helping her become a more organized business owner.
“I think this is a really good experience for kids to learn how to money manage, time manage and to just be organized,” she said.
Grade 5 student Cayj Mcwillis sells collapsible water bottles through his company Beverage Buddies.
“The bottles are very useful,” he explained. “They are freezer safe. They are good for camping and hiking, especially on hot days.”
Cayj said the Biz Kids program is teaching him about the meaning of business.
Youths registered in the program had to complete six hours of business training, which included business structure, naming your business, marketing, record keeping and customer service.
Once the training was completed, the entrepreneurs received up to $100 of seed money for their business. They were also paired up with volunteer mentors from the community, who along with Community Futures staff, provide support throughout the summer.
Kaylyn Senecal said her business of making and selling sturdy wooden saddle stands is going very well so far. The 14-year-old entrepreneur acknowledged the help and advice she received from both the Biz Kids program and her own parents.
“These are very sturdy, better than the ones in the store,” she said of her product. “But I'm working to make them better. There's always room for improvement. My mom taught me that.”
Amyotte said she is very pleased with the entire program this year and is looking forward to seeing some of these entrepreneurs continue on with business in the future.
“The youth are the adults of the future. If we can get some of them to continue this as adults, that's great, that's what Canada is all about – small business.”
