Young entrepreneurs aged eight to 14 can get help starting their own summer business
Photo provided by Northumberland County.
By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Northumberland County
Young entrepreneurs with big imaginations and even bigger dreams are invited to learn how to bring those dreams to life through the My Future My Career Kids' Entrepreneurship Program offered by the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland.
It's a free hands-on program for children aged eight to 14 to help them launch their very own summer business through business mentorship and a micro-grant of up to $500 to help with such start-up costs as materials, advertising and equipment (or to support the growth of an existing business).
This program is unique to Northumberland County, the announcement said.
Since launching in 2021, it has helped 45 young people explore the world of entrepreneurship. This year's participants will also have the chance to shine in the spotlight at two community events – Wednesday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase at Staples Cobourg, and Saturday, Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Cobourg Farmers Market Youth Day.
These events offer a real-world opportunity for the community's youngest business owners to connect with customers, get feedback and build confidence. And they offer members of the community a chance to see the next generation of business talent in action. In previous years, such events have showcased handmade crafts and jewelry, emotional-support journals, lawn-care services, and wooden home decor and bird houses.
The program helps young entrepreneurs take real steps toward starting a business, and have fun doing it.
“The program plants the seeds of entrepreneurship early and teaches young people important real-world skills they will carry with the for life, including creativity, independence, confidence and financial management,” Business Development Co-ordinator Kailyn Coupland said.
“Many past participants have continued to grow their businesses after the program concluded. It's always inspiring to watch the spark of an idea turn into a thriving local business.”
Applications for the My Future My Career Kids Entrepreneurship Program are opoen until June 17 at BECN.ca
Space is limited, and micro-grants will be awarded through a competitive selection process.
The BECN operates as the county's go-to hub for business support, empowering entrepreneurs at every stage with micro-grant and business-development programs tailored for kids, teens, women, new entrepreneurs, food and consumer packaged goods, businesses and experienced business owners. Visit their website for more details.
