By Joy Violla
Wayland Post Contributor
Wrapping up the business section with a look to possible businesses of the future, the fifth annual Children’s Business Fair on on May 17 spotlighted the community’s next generation of young entrepreneurs.
Hand-made jewelry, original art, cookies, ceramics, fragrances, soaps, skin creams and blankets were among the products marketed by the 104 children who participated in the Fifth Annual Children’s Business Fair on Saturday, May 17 on the Weston Town Green. The event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Weston and Wayland, is part of the largest entrepreneur event for children in North America.
Participants attended Rotary-sponsored programs in advance, presented by guest speakers who had started their own businesses. Subjects included developing a brand, creating a product or service, building a marketing strategy and opening up to customers for a one-day market.
“The Children’s Business Fair has grown into a vibrant showcase for over 100 entrepreneurs. It is a unique opportunity for children to explore their passion for business, develop real-world skills and engage within their community in a way that schools don’t teach,” said Fair Organizer Alex Faigel. “We’re proud to give them a platform to practice entrepreneurship and bring their ideas to life.”
Some children worked as individual entrepreneurs while others worked in partnership with siblings or friends at the 60 booths set up on the Town Green. Many of the children, ages six to 14, presented environmentally sensitive products and several noted that a percentage of their sales would go to various charities.
Teams of judges visited the booths, grading each exhibit based on four criteria: Most impressive presentation, i.e. “Best in Show,” most creative idea, most environmentally sustainable and most business potential for gross and net profit.
Prizes were presented to the most outstanding exhibitors in each of three age categories – six to 10, 10 to 12 and 12 to 14.
