Vernon Area Public Library seeking young entrepreneurs for business program
Lincolnshire's Vernon Area Public Library is seeking young entrepreneurs who want to boost their business skills while developing real products.
The application process has opened for the first Kid Market program, a six-week course that will culminate with a sales event at the library on April 6.
The program is designed for second- through eighth-graders who create - or want to create - keychains, dolls, jewelry or other items they'd like to sell.
"It's unlike anything we've seen before, and we think it is going to be a really neat experience for the participants," library spokeswoman Catherine Savage said.
Coaching sessions will begin Feb. 24. Participants will learn about creating effective sales copy, product production, developing price points and more.
"It's not 'kid content,'" Savage said. "We will be introducing them to real business concepts like inventory, profit and customer relations."
The classes will be led by Vernon Area's business librarian, Ashley Johnson.
The market that caps the program coincides with Money Smart Week, a national public awareness campaign designed to help people learn how to better manage their finances. Businesses, banks, schools, libraries, and nonprofit groups typically host programs as part of the annual event.
The application deadline is Feb. 10. Officials are hoping 15 to 20 kids will participate.
Participants don't need to be Vernon Area Public Library District residents. To learn more or to apply, visit vapld.info/kidmarket.html.