When 12-year-old Emma Brady first heard about KidBiz—the entrepreneurial program that provides kids with an opportunity to participate in an open-air market along Elmwood Avenue—she saw an opportunity to both use her imagination and think seriously about what people might actually want to buy.
“I knew I wanted to do something creative, so right away I decided I was going to make my products instead of buying some and reselling them,” says Emma, who has been participating in KidBiz for three years. “I like to keep an open mind when it comes to creativity, so I took some of me and my mom’s ideas and mashed them together.”
The result? Epoxy resin magnets, spray-painted wooden magnets, greeting cards, bookmarks–and an unforgettable experience. Emma’s mom, Kimberly Brady, says participating in KidBiz has made a real impact.
“I’ve loved watching Emma grow from quietly standing behind her stand as people passed by to confidently engaging them in conversation and drawing them in,” she says. “Her confidence and ability to connect with new people have grown significantly.”
People are also reading…
These are the stories KidBiz Coordinator Olivia Harbol loves to hear about the program.
“When participants sign up, they’re interested in making money and having the opportunity to sell their items,” she says. “Then, they realize how fun it is. More importantly, the adults in the young entrepreneurs’ lives see a difference in the young entrepreneur after a season with KidBiz.”
KidBiz was started by business advisors at the Greater Buffalo Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the SBDC still runs the program, which is hosted by Buffalo State University. KidBiz eventually partnered with the Elmwood Bidwell Farmers Market, which now hosts the young entrepreneurs—kids in grades 3-6—on the third Saturday of June, July, and August each summer.
Olivia says the market has become an eagerly anticipated treat for shoppers, who get to support budding businesspeople and snag some unique items. “Shoppers can get an affordable sweet treat, some lovely art or jewelry, and give back to the younger generation in an uplifting way.”
For Emma, part of the experience has been modifying her wares over time based on sales and feedback and enjoying her expanded people skills.
“I’ve learned how to give a correct price to my products so they aren’t too expensive or too cheap,” she explains. “I’ve also learned how to interact with my customers. It’s actually useful not just in sales, but in life, too. I’ve met some really nice people that came to the market by simply talking to them. I even met some tourists from China who bought a buffalo magnet for a souvenir.”
“Having the kids realize that they can run a business stand, make money and interact positively with new people in a new environment is incredibly meaningful,” Kimberly adds. “Their sense of accomplishment and pride is building a foundation that will set them up for success in the future.”
Save the date
See this year’s KidBiz entrepreneurs in action at the Elmwood Bidwell Farmers Market on July 18 and Aug. 15.
