This one is for kids and teens
Julie Arora is encouraging children to go into business, but not after earning a master’s degree in finance. She wants them to hang out their shingles now.
The Garrison resident is organizing the area’s first Children’s Business Fair, to be held on the St Mary’s Church lawn in Cold Spring on Aug. 17 from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Philipstown children between the ages of 6 and 14 are invited to set up a table to promote their goods and services.
Arora said she organized the fair after realizing that financial literacy is typically not part of school curriculums. She discovered a model for children’s business fairs developed by a Texas firm, Acton Academy.
Thirteen entrepreneurs have already registered, she said. “One is service-based but most offer products they make and sell,” Arora said. “We have a kid who will clean your screens and earbuds, a jewelry maker, a dog biscuit maker and one who has grown flowers and is selling bouquets.”
“After the fair, participants can join the Young Entrepreneurs Club,” Arora said. “We’ll help kids understand profits and costs and debrief their selling experiences,” while enabling them to connect with other young operators.
Arora said members of the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce are also lending their expertise, helping her think about follow-up events.
Booth spaces for the fair are $15, or $25 with a table and chair provided. Register at childrensbusinessfair.org/coldspring-ny.
