Youth entrepreneurs from the region will soon have a role in the Freight House Farmers Market.
A Back to School Kids Market will make its debut from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Freight House Farmers Market in downtown Davenport.
This new market will provide an opportunity for youth entrepreneurs to showcase their own small businesses.
“The idea of a youth entrepreneur market has been in the works at the Freight House Farmers Market for several years now, and we are thrilled to finally be able to bring it to fruition,” said Stephanie Bley, senior marketing and engagement specialist for the Freight House Farmers Market, located at 421 W. River Drive.
“This event allows youth entrepreneurs to learn valuable skills – customer service, marketing, counting out change – in a safe and encouraging environment. Our hope is that the participants will feel inspired to continue their small business journey,” she said in a news release.
The Back to School Kids Market will feature 14 small businesses, operated by youth entrepreneurs between the ages of 6-14. Products for sale include jewelry, crocheted stuffed animals, baked goods, balloon animals, and more. Customers are encouraged to bring cash.
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The kids planning to participate in the inaugural market come from a variety of backgrounds. Ms. Bley said some of the youngsters have parents who are vendors at the Freight House Farmers Market. “We also (had) experienced youth entrepreneurs apply who have participated in other events in the community. For a few of our vendors, this will be their very first market,” she told the QCBJ in an email.
All the young people taking part in the Kids Market are being charged for booth space to get a taste of the full farmers market experience, she added.
“In addition to their booth fee, youth entrepreneurs went through our application process, are required to attend a vendor meeting prior to the event, and are responsible for their own setup, teardown and marketing of their booth,” Ms. Bley said.
If this first Back to School Kids Market is deemed a success, expect it to return. Ms. Bley added that Freight House officials are already talking about ways to grow the event and make youth entrepreneurs a staple of the market.
“I am so happy this event is finally happening and that I get to be a part of making it happen,” Concepcion Medina, Freight House Farmers Market vendor and owner of Just Beachy Home+, said in the release. “I strongly believe in setting up children to be successful when they become adults and helping them build their path. This market is a great start for any young entrepreneur.”
