Young Entrepreneurs Put Their Businesses to the Test at the VEND × BOP Young Entrepreneur Market
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
More than 15 young businesses recently came together for the VEND × BOP Young Entrepreneur Market, giving students from Years 4–12 the opportunity to test their ideas in a real marketplace environment. Students from public schools, private schools and homeschooling communities took part, selling everything from handmade products and artwork to accessories and creative designs.
Best of all, every participating business made a sale.
Putting Business Ideas Into Action
The free market was designed to give young people a low-risk opportunity to experience what running a business is really like. Students set up their stalls, spoke with customers, promoted their products and processed real sales, building confidence and learning about customer service, branding, pricing and presentation along the way. For some students, it was their first ever market. For others, it was another opportunity to grow an existing business and learn more about what their customers wanted.
What Does A Young Entrepreneur Need For A Market?
Getting market-ready does not need to be complicated. Students simply need a product or service to sell, clear pricing, enough stock for the day and a simple way to take payments.
It also helps to think about how their stall will look. A tablecloth, small sign, product displays, packaging and business cards can all help make a stall feel more professional.
Most importantly, students should be ready to talk about what they sell, answer customer questions and have a go at promoting their business.
And of course, the most important part is a supporting family enviroment who is open to encouraging and driving the budding business owner around.
Why Opportunities Like This Matter
Learning about entrepreneurship is valuable, but there is nothing quite like putting an idea in front of a real customer. Market experiences give students the chance to test products, receive feedback, develop communication skills and understand what it takes to turn an idea into something people are willing to buy.
By removing stall fees and creating a supportive environment, the VEND × BOP Young Entrepreneur Market gave students a free opportunity to simply have a go. A huge thank you to VEND Marketplace, the families who supported the day and everyone who came along to shop and support the next generation of creators.
Keep an eye out for upcoming Young Entrepreneur Markets, school holiday workshops, activity packs and Young Entrepreneurs Hub opportunities to get involved.
See our upcoming events here: www.bopindustries.com/events
Interested in finding out more about our Programs, Hands-On Resources, or Teacher Professional Development? Head to this link to find out more information!
About The Author:
Coby Lee is the Head of Partnerships and Growth at BOP Industries, where she leads strategic collaborations that connect education and industry to create meaningful opportunities for young people. With a background in Business Management and Psychology and currently completing her Master of Education, Coby is passionate about empowering students to think entrepreneurially and build the skills needed for the future workforce.
Having studied internationally in the United States and Italy, Coby brings a global perspective and engaging facilitation style to her work. In her additional role as Young Entrepreneurs Hub Coordinator, she supports the delivery of programs and school incursions focusing on entrepreneurship, design thinking and the future of work, drawing on her own entrepreneurial journey as an author to inspire resilience, confidence and authentic leadership in the next generation.
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