Children aged 10-16 who participated in this year’s Biz Kids Program held their Wrap-up Barbeque on August 22 at the Vermilion Credit Union parking lot. Under the sunny skies, community members attended the event to check out/purchase the variety of items and services offered which varied from homemade baked goods, sweet treats, decorative pillows, hockey tape, natural health products and services such as dog poop scooping and babysitting. The event also included a hamburger/hotdog barbeque and drinks. Chloe Maxwell owner of Coco’s Sweet Shoppe is enjoying her business. “I have a supplier online, and my mom and I order the products, and I make a little profit on each,” said Maxwell. Jada’s Naturals provided natural health items such as mosquito spray, sleepy pillow spray and foot scrub, etc. “I make the products myself, I look up the recipes online, and it has been successful so far,” said Jada Sanford. Kahli Keichinger owner of Cuddle Me Boutique Jr. Edition said, “I do the sewing with help from my mom. I did a stuffed frog that turns into an egg, and my mom didn’t think it would sell well, but it is one of my best sellers.” Taped Up owner Brydon Maxwell says his product of hockey tape is purchased from Howies Hockey Tape and that he started his business of selling different coloured hockey tape because no else in town sells hockey tape besides the arena. The Biz Kids program is offered to youth ages 10-16 years and is designed to promote youth entrepreneurs within the communities. The program consists of small business training through workshops, business ownership, marketing and advertising as well as education on financial and time management, how to run a small business and business plan development along with mentor assistance from local community/business members. “The children came up with their own business ideas and went through all the same steps that any business has to go through. They all came up with unique ideas and have worked very hard. This is their last market with us for this year, but they will continue to run their businesses on their own and go on to do other farmers markets,” said Candace Lumb, Community Futures Executive Assistant.

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