Young Entrepreneur Events in the Surrey Community
What have we been up to?
This past winter semester, several PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs took part in notable events that challenged them to utilize the skills they learned through their participation in the classroom and extracurricular programming. Students were invited to exciting marketplace opportunities that comprised of setting up displays, selling products, and interacting with other businesses and entrepreneurs in the Surrey community!
On October 13th, the Charles Chang Institute of Entrepreneurship hosted the #MadeBySFU marketplace at Simon Fraser University’s Surrey Campus Mezzanine. #MadeBySFU is a product-based competition that celebrates do-ers, creators, and DIY makers. Six young entrepreneurs were invited to showcase their products and business ventures along with several University students and small business owners This exciting event welcomed various community members with vendor sales totalling over $2000. Some of the student products included keychains, a storybook, shower scrubs, and home décor.
Many of the judges and mentors present at the #MadebySFU event were impressed by the level of professionalism and creativity that the young entrepreneurs presented. The SFU students who came by to shop at the marketplace also enjoyed connecting with the youth and they noted how inspirational the student’s enthusiasm and energy were.
Breanna Leeper, a grade 8 student and one of the participating young entrepreneurs stated, “PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs’ programs have given me wonderful insights into the world of business. The activities have been very beneficial for me and my peers to learn skills we will use forever. The events that I have participated in have been great experiences and I always look forward to the next one”. Breanna sold Horseshoe Dreamcatchers, which are upcycled, authentic horseshoes transformed into beautiful decorative items.
Soon after, on December 8, the Surrey Board of Trade hosted their Seasonal Sizzle Event at the Guildford Sheraton Hotel. The Seasonal Sizzle is a business reception for the Surrey Board of Trade members and their community. Approximately 500 people were in attendance and among those were 4 young entrepreneurs. The students were able to connect with professionals and business owners from diverse industries. Throughout the evening, many of the guests purchased products like Christmas tree ornaments and small gifts that the young entrepreneurs created.
Many of the parents who came to support their children at the event expressed how grateful they were for the various opportunities and the students’ exposure to entrepreneurial activities. They identified how the skills that the young entrepreneurs are currently learning through PowerPlay are applicable to their current jobs as adults. The powerful feedback that they shared is further reinforced by their consistent willingness to encourage and cultivate the entrepreneurial mindset within their children.