Kid entrepreneurs sell their wares at Market Day at Vernon Area Public Library April 18

Forty-five young entrepreneurs in grades 3-8 will put their new business skills to the test and sell their products at a Market Sale Day from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire.

These students were selected through an application process to participate in the library’s Kid Market program, a learning opportunity for budding entrepreneurs. They represent schools across Districts 96, 102 and 103, including Aptakisic Junior High, Daniel Wright Junior High, Half Day School, Meridian School, Twin Groves Middle School, and others. Over the course of six weeks, Kid Marketers turn their product idea into a real sales booth.

“I hope this program opens kids’ eyes to the joys of business ownership and demystifies and educates them on what it takes to be an entrepreneur,” said Vernon Area Business Librarian Ashley Johnson, who runs the program. “A great idea is priceless, and passion in what you do is what life is all about.”

In the weeks leading up to market day, participants received weekly email lessons on topics such as supply and demand, setting a price point, refining their sales pitch, and making their business a force for good. All their hard work will culminate in a farmers market-style sale day at the library.

The Kid Market Sale is open to the public. Shoppers will find a variety of items to purchase, including jewelry, resin crafts, games, stuffed animals and slime. Vendors are only able to accept cash payments.

Kid Market was developed at Vernon Area Public Library in 2019. That year, it won the national Money Smart Week Bright Ideas award. Since then, the Kid Market concept, lessons and event plans have been adopted by libraries across the country.

The program continues to support the library’s strategic framework.

“We aim to inspire curiosity in everyone who participates through engaging with new concepts, thinking about the business world critically and growing big ideas,” Johnson said. “At the same time, we foster a sense of belonging by creating a community of kids who are working toward one shared goal: the best market day ever. Watching kids share the experience and celebrate one another is my favorite part of every year.”

For more information about Kid Market, visit VAPLD.info/KidMarket.