New business ventures are like rockets. To reach orbital altitude, the payload must be lean so the ship can escape gravity’s pull. The fuel must be powerful and plentiful. And that potent energy must be controlled with a highly sophisticated guidance system.
It’s a nearly impossible demand, but when it succeeds, the result is spectacular.
That’s why Utah-based Children’s Entrepreneur Market is working to train the next generation of “rocket scientists” who hope to propel their businesses to success.
“We believe the Children’s Entrepreneur Market can positively influence a lot of young lives,” said Lynée Fife, director of the program. “The principles of innovation, leadership, and hard work are lessons that will stay with them throughout their lives.”
The upshot for the rest of us is the boost to our economic future. In a recent decade evaluated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, small businesses generated more than half of all new jobs.
To date, nearly 50,000 children ages 5 to 17 have participated in the nationwide Children’s Entrepreneur Market program. Youngsters are the driving force behind every aspect of the markets, from creating and curating merchandise to making the sale.
Parents are allowed to assist when needed, but during markets, children must interact directly with customers, answering questions and handling all the money. Many of the young vendors use apps to process payments, and they are well-versed in how it all works.
“When Beckham was barely eight years old, he was teaching these adults how to use Venmo. It was pretty cute,” said Christine Bullajian, a Fairview mother of three. All her children participate in area Children’s Entrepreneur Markets.
Beckham Bullajian’s older sister, Halle, won a $250 scholarship from Children’s Entrepreneur Market for the innovation and work she put into her business.
“The kicker is these kids are selling really amazing stuff,” said Fairview Interim Economic Development Manager Dave Quinn. “The kids are clearly putting enormous time and energy into making their businesses successful, and the long-term payoff is bound to be phenomenal.”
The markets are relatively small in scale and are set up in high-traffic venues, often in conjunction with other events that include family entertainment. The event size and layout brings a warm and lively atmosphere to the market.
Fairview Town Center hosted its first Children’s Entrepreneur Market in November 2024, and the allotted 50 booth spaces sold out within days. Families from across the region participated, some traveling up to 50 miles to set up their miniature storefronts in Fairview. Some displays were grand, while others capitalized on the charm of the proprietors.
The young vendors sold everything from home-baked goodies to hand-poured candles and soaps. Some creative thinkers set up pay-to-play games with prizes. At least one offered face painting.
Imagination is encouraged at the markets, but there are some restrictions on the types of products kids can sell. Raw food and multi-level marketing are both prohibited, and children are not allowed to peddle goods on behalf of adults, although parents are always present.
The next Fairview market is scheduled to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26. Booth sales opened March 1. Much like the 2024 market, booths will be arranged within and surrounding The Park at Fairview Town Center (239 Town Place), with entertainment acts performing on the adjacent stage.
For more information about Children’s Entrepreneur Market or to reserve a booth at an upcoming event, visit childrensentrepreneurmarket.com.