Petawawa is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to host a Youth Entrepreneur Market at the Petawawa Container Market on Friday, August 16th, 2024, from noon to 4:00 pm. This vibrant event marks the conclusion of the town’s annual municipal entrepreneurship camp, designed for children aged 8-12 to learn from local business owners and industry representatives.
Throughout the week-long camp, young participants engage in hands-on activities, creating products to sell at the market. The event offers an invaluable opportunity for these budding entrepreneurs to learn the essentials of pricing and selling their wares. All proceeds from the market sales will go to a local charity chosen by the campers. Past beneficiaries include the Petawawa Pantry and OSPCA.
Rudy Kadlec the Coordinator of Economic Development for the Town of Petawawa explained why the Youth Market was created.
Meghan Ouimet, the Camp Director, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Entrepreneur Camp is a hit every year! Campers learn marketing, budgeting, and product creation from local business experts. It is wonderful to witness everything come together at the end of the week and see the participants proudly display their hard work at the Container Market.”
The success of this program is largely due to the generous support of the local business community, who host the children at their business locations or speak to them about their entrepreneurial journeys. This year, campers enjoyed visits to The End of the Leash Pet Boutique, Quality Inn and Suites Petawawa, and Milano’s Pizza Petawawa. Kadlec added that there is an age limit for this market.
In addition to the camp participants, the Youth Entrepreneur Market invites other youth, up to 20 years old, to join this unique opportunity. Families are encouraged to participate and support their children as they create and learn together. There are no fees to participate, but registration is required. For those considering food products, items must be prepared in a Renfrew County District Health Unit-inspected facility, and vendors must obtain a Special Occasion Food Vendor permit. Kadlec hopes that this year’s Youth Market will be bigger and better than last year.
For more information on the Petawawa Container Market or youth market details, visit the Town of Petawawa municipal website at www.petawawa.ca or go directly to the Youth Market registration form at https://bit.ly/PetawawaYouthMarket
(Written by: Emma Butler)