This first annual event is taking place at the Grantham Optimist Club November 18th from 1 – 4 pm showcasing 39 young entrepreneurs (ages 6-14) and their products and services.
The Niagara Children's Business Fair is a one-day marketplace where young entrepreneurs get to launch and run their own businesses, showcasing their products and services in the community. They develop their brand, create a marketing strategy, practice their pitch, and then open to customers at our one-day event.
Lori Punton, a local business owner recently had the privilege of taking her grandson to a children’s business fair in Cambridge in June of 2023. She was so impressed with the organization and how things were run, when she came home, she researched the event and found out that there was a chance to host a children’s business fair right here in Niagara. She applied, was accepted and the First Annual Niagara Children’s Business Fair was born!
“I was very happy to be able to bring this kind of event to Niagara, and to inspire other young entrepreneurs in their creativity as they think of what it’s like to own your own business”, said Lori Punton, chair of the Niagara Children’s Business Fair.
Declan’s Story
Lori’s grandson, Declan began his business when the pandemic hit Niagara. Children were not able to go to school, and parents worked from home. So, Lori had the privilege of having her grandson spend more time with her. Lori and Declan did quite a lot of nature walks, and one day while walking along the beach they discovered there was a lot of driftwood. Declan wanted to make something with the driftwood, so they brought some home. Soon after he created wood chimes for Mother’s Day gifts, and others saw what he created and wanted him to create one for them as well. That summer he created over 60 chimes for customers, and he really enjoyed making them. Lori asked him if he could start a business with these chimes what would he call it? He thought for a minute, and then replied, “Woodwind Creation, it’s made out of wood, and I created it.” Now Declan makes other items out of wood including family chimes, with names burned on wood discs, coasters, key chains, bookmarks, cutting boards, frames and so much more.
Business Support Was Overwhelming
Putting together this event so quickly was no small task, getting the word out to young entrepreneurs to enter, finding a location to hold the event, sponsors, judges, prizes, printing, advertising – there was a ton to do. Lori Punton made it happen!
The support from the business community was overwhelming – getting sponsorship was easier than anticipated as almost every business owner said the same thing…
“What a great idea. If only something like this existed when we were children”.
Our event will be held on November 18, 2023 at the Grantham Optimist Club in St. Catharines. Our young entrepreneurs are ages 6 to 14 and we are happy to announce that we have 39 young entrepreneur businesses. With the help of our community, we can create an incredible event and inspire the next generation of innovators!
Please join us and support the next generation of entrepreneurs in Niagara!
Young Entrepreneur Exhibitors
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