Don’t miss out on this healthy and very moving event, with plenty of room in your wallet and mind!
This Saturday, April 13th, more than 200 middle and high school students will take over the Bay Center to unveil what they spent months creating and reusing.
The market is full of unique and outstanding talent. And most importantly, support young local entrepreneurs.
This exciting day will take place from 10am to 4pm. There will be plenty of time to admire everyone’s work and find new goodies to take home.
Attendees at the event, known as “Kidovate,” will learn about what these intelligent minds have been up to and the dozens of business decisions they had to grapple with to get there. Get the opportunity.
Kidovate is a free youth entrepreneurship activity that mentors children, typically ages 11 to 17, through UVic’s Gustafson School of Business.
The program started in 2019 with 26 participants and has grown rapidly since then.
“I’m so excited to be joining the Kidovate community and for Market Day on Saturday. It’s something I look forward to all year long,” said 11-year-old Isla Solbakken. Preparing succulents and other plants for sale.
“Kidobate is the first time for me to sell products with other kids and I look forward to learning from and potentially collaborating with other young entrepreneurs like me.”
In addition to Solbakken’s succulents, other entrepreneurs include 13-year-old Savannah Levins, who sells greeting cards and color-changing glasses. Rafael M., 13, sells 3D keychains. 17-year-old Jayden Pleasants mixes vintage clothing. Marlis Ahokas, 11, plans to sell canvases and notebooks.
Additionally, nine-year-old Anders has decided to sell baked goods and plans to donate all proceeds to the Victoria Hospital Foundation in memory of his father.
Co-founder Dr. Brock Smith said Canada needs more entrepreneurs and Kidveit provides a space for young people to learn hands-on, grow into themselves and their ideas, and build on their skill sets. He commented that he has carried this into his adulthood and continues to inspire others.
“It takes a community to create entrepreneurs,” added co-founder Dr. Claudia Smith.
“Kidobate’s aim is to help kids try and scale entrepreneurship and help them discover that it’s a learnable skill rather than a personality trait. ”
Hundreds of customers are said to have visited Kidobate Market Day last year, and they hope to see even more this year.
The more people these young people interact with, the more social skills they acquire and the more successful they become.
Additionally, children are taught that contributing to the community and being socially responsible is an important part of becoming a good entrepreneur. Therefore, we encourage you to choose a local charity to support by donating a portion of your profits.
Resources offered through Kidovate include graphic novel workbooks, access to UVic student mentors, and study guides for teachers and parents.
To learn more about this entrepreneurship initiative, please visit: Kidbait website.
See you at Kidvate Market Day this weekend!
Kidobate Market Day
- where: Bay Center, 1150 Douglas Street
- when: Saturday, April 13th from 10am to 4pm
