Sunday marked the culmination of the July school holiday’s Club Kidpreneur program, with an impressive market stall at the Bus Depot Markets in Kingston.
Launched in April, the Club Kidpreneur program gives children aged 8-12 a taste of entrepreneurship by helping them establish a business, create a product, test it, and then sell to real customers on “Market Day”. All profits from the product sales go to a charity of the kids’ choosing.
The latest program, which ran between the 5th and 14th of July, saw a new group of kids (some returning for the second time) create eleven unique businesses with products ranging from origami and shell coasters, to happiness jars, bags and wallets, scrabble rings and more.
Collectively they raised over $750 for charities that included RSPCA, Fred Hollows, Sids and Kids, ACT Breast Cancer, Red Cross and the ACT Cancer Council.
Talking to the children, it became clear how much more the process meant to them than just being able to make something.
Every one expressed a true interest in business, an appreciation of the difficulty of creating a product and bringing it to market, and the effort is takes to convince people to buy your products.
“We’re forecasted to make $430 if we sell everything,” said 11 year old Amali (who, together with business partner Ruby, was selling felt ball necklaces, zebra-print broaches, wrap bracelets and scrabble rings). “But selling can be tricky. A lot of people look and smile, but then walk away.” A sentiment shared by many business owners!
For business partners Ellie and Danika, it was an opportunity to meet new people, make friends and learn about business. “It’s my second time as a Kidpreneur,” says Ellie. “So I knew what to expect. But I just love it. I love business, and I love making things.”
Ten year old Carli decided to work on her own, and had manufactured a collection of keyrings, cards, emoji pom poms, sea coasters and more. “I just love how creative you can be. There’s no limits, and so many possibilities. I get to make what I want, and sell it too.”
Ten year old Ben, an entrepreneur in the making, talked about his decision to create “Christmas in July” with business partners Jed and Jackson, after surveying the list of resources at hand. “It just made sense,” he said. “We let the materials inspire us. It was great learning about starting a business, and making the products.”
Charuni Weerasooriya, who runs Club Kidpreneur says, “I’m just so proud of all of them. It would be difficult for any adult to do what they have done in two days. But then to come here and have the confidence to showcase their products, talk to strangers and sell what they’ve made – it’s truly amazing.
This program gives kids such a great opportunity to learn through real world experience; which is absolutely the best way to learn.”
To stay up-to-date on upcoming Club Kidpreneur programs, join the mailing list at www.edii.com.au.
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