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During the popular Covered Bridge Days Festival this fall, Elizabethton Parks and Recreation is proud to once again host the Youth Business Fair and applications to participate are now being accepted!
Each year the Elizabethton Youth Business Fair accepts a limited number of participants between the ages of 7-18 who are currently running a business or have a great business idea to launch! To apply, prospective participants are asked to create a product or service, develop a brand, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at a one-day marketplace held this year on Sunday, Sept. 24. Youth are responsible for the setup, sales, and interacting with customers during this event.
Participation in the market is free, and the single day market is open to the public who are encouraged to come and support these business leaders of the future! One hundred percent of proceeds made from market day are kept by respective businesses, as Elizabethton Parks and Recreation, our sponsor, Carter County Bank, and our partner, the Elizabethton Chamber, hope to encourage and support the growing businesses showcased in the Youth Business Fair! Additionally, each participating business is also automatically entered into a business competition, and booths will be judged by fellow entrepreneurs on a variety of criteria, including most original business idea, highest business potential, and best presentation/creativity. There will be cash prizes awarded to winners in each category.
“Each year I am amazed at the hard work and dedication of participants during this event. From artists such as illustrators, painters, and craftsmen to bakers, sensory toy creators, and t-shirt designers, I continue to be impressed by the innovation and imagination of our local youth,” said Kelly Kitchens, Programming and Special Events Coordinator for Elizabethton Parks and Recreation. “In this process, our hope is that each participant gains a sense of wonder, learns the importance of hard work and responsibility, and gains confidence in each challenge they accept in life!”
Applying for the Elizabethton Youth Business Fair is simple, email Kelly Kitchens at kkitchens@cityofelizabethton.org for an application. Spaces are very limited! Participating businesses will be invited to attend a Launch Party, made possible by the Elizabethton Chamber, that will be held in early September where business owners (and guardians) are invited to talk in depth about market day and operating details, as well as answer any questions business owners may have. Details will be provided to businesses upon application acceptance.
This event is proudly sponsored by Carter County Bank, who believe that today’s youth are tomorrow’s business innovators and leaders.
For more information about these events, and to stay up to date with any changes and future events visit Elizabethton Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.