Young entrepreneurs sell their wares at Vernon Area Library’s Market Day April 5

Forty-seven young entrepreneurs in second through eighth grade will put their new business skills to the test and sell their products at a Market Sale Day from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire.

These students were selected through an application process to be part of the library’s Kid Market program, a learning opportunity for budding entrepreneurs. Over the course of six weeks, Kid Marketers turn their product ideas into real sales booths.

“This year we have an amazing group of super motivated kids,” said Ashley Johnson, business librarian at Vernon Area. “I have seen kids enter in with the strongest ideas and a willingness to go over and beyond the expectations of the program.”

In the weeks leading up to market day, participants received weekly email lessons on topics such as supply and demand, setting a price point, refining their sales pitch and making their business a force for good. Students completed homework assignments each week and received feedback from Johnson. All their hard work will culminate in a farmers market-style sale day at the library.

The Kid Market Sale is open to the public. Shoppers will find a variety of items available to purchase including jewelry, resin crafts, games, stuffies and original paintings. Vendors are only able to accept cash payments.

“I hope this program opens kids’ eyes to the joys of business ownership and demystifies and educates them on what it takes to be an entrepreneur,” Johnson said. “A great idea is priceless, and passion in what you do is what life is all about.”

Kid Market was developed at Vernon Area Public Library in 2019. That year, it won the national Money Smart Week Bright Ideas award. Since then the Kid Market concept, lessons and event plans have been adopted by libraries across the country.

The program also supports the library’s strategic framework.

“We aim to inspire curiosity in everyone who participates through engaging with new concepts, thinking about the business world critically and growing big ideas,” Johnson said. “At the same time, we foster a sense of belonging by creating a community of kids who are working toward one shared goal: the best market day ever.”

For more information about Kid Market, visit VAPLD.info/KidMarket.