By Marisa Dawson, Courtesy Graphic

Young entrepreneurs in Bennington will have a new opportunity to put their creativity and business skills to work this fall with the community’s first-ever Bennington Youth Market.

Hosted by the Bennington Chamber of Commerce and Bennington Farmer’s Market, the inaugural event is scheduled for September 20 from noon to 3 p.m. at Centennial Park. Organizers hope the event will give local kids a chance to experience what it is like to create, sell and interact with customers in a real-world marketplace.

Chamber Coordinator Kelsay Brohimer said the idea came from watching the Bennington Farmers Market continue to grow while recognizing the creativity and talent already present among the community’s youth.

“Our Bennington Farmers Market has grown so much, and we have such a big community of creative, talented kids that I wanted to give them a chance to see their own potential,” Brohimer said.

While the community already provides plenty of opportunities for children to participate in activities such as sports and the arts, Brohimer wanted to create an opportunity focused on another skill set: entrepreneurship.

“Our community already does a wonderful job supporting kids in arts and sports. I wanted to create a space where kids could see a future for themselves as business owners and leaders, too. That’s the gap we’re hoping to fill… that true entrepreneurial spirit,” she said.

The Youth Market is designed to be largely run by the young vendors themselves. Parents and guardians can assist when needed, but the children will be encouraged to take the lead by displaying their products, making sales and interacting with customers.

“This is a kids-run market. Parents and guardians are there simply to help when needed, but for the most part, they sit back and watch,” Brohimer said. “The kids themselves are the ones showing off what they’ve made, making the sales, and building that connection with customers.”

There are few restrictions on what young vendors can sell. Children are encouraged to bring anything they are interested in creating or offering, allowing the market to showcase a wide range of ideas and talents.

The only listed guidelines are that vendors may not bring large trucks, and generators must operate below 65 decibels.

For children who aren’t sure what they could sell, Brohimer encourages them to start with something they already enjoy.

“I’d ask them what they’re interested in,” she said. “Do they love reading? Maybe try writing a book. Do they love baking? Maybe bake some cookies or cupcakes. Are they into art? Maybe try drawing or painting.”

The goal, she said, is not simply to make a sale, but to give children the opportunity to build confidence and discover what they are capable of accomplishing.

“More than anything, I hope this helps kids see their own potential and feel empowered. I want them to believe in themselves, and I want this to help build their confidence,” Brohimer said.

The Chamber hopes the inaugural event will become an annual tradition in Bennington. Rather than a one-time experiment, organizers envision the Youth Market as an ongoing way to encourage children to think creatively and explore entrepreneurship at a young age.

“We want to host this annually,” Brohimer said. “My hope is that it gets kids thinking a little outside the box and shows them just what they’re capable of.”

The Bennington Youth Market will take place September 20 from noon to 3 p.m. at Centennial Park. Young vendors interested in participating can sign up using the QR code on the event flyer.