National kid-led entrepreneur market finds successful Sioux Falls expansion

A kid-led entrepreneur market expanding nationwide also is gaining momentum in the Sioux Falls area.

The Children’s Entrepreneur Market — a nonprofit —  was launched in 2017 in Utah. Since then, it has expanded to 46 states and plans to reach 50 by the end of this year.

“We offer children between the ages of 5 and 17 a space where they can come and run their business, even if just for a day,” Sioux Falls market manager Amber Meyer said.

While not required to participate in the markets, the program offers a 14-week curriculum where participants learn the basics for running their business. From there, they decide on a product and work out a price.

While parental attendance at the event is required, they are encouraged to take a back seat and let the kids lead.

Parents agree not to interact with customers by answering questions, taking orders or handling food or money.

“I think it teaches kids a lot more than just running a business,” Meyer said. “It also helps build confidence, resilience, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills and financial literacy.”

At the latest Sioux Falls market in June, Meyer watched as the kids collaborated and communicated among themselves — learning from each other’s mistakes right in the moment.

“They can make changes right there,” she said. “I think it just makes its own little community.”

With 20 kids participating, the market was abundant in options — from jewelry and baseball cards to dog treats and dirty sodas.

On the big day, children are expected to bring their own supplies — any necessary tables, canopies or chairs — which they can set up any way they wish. Each booth is priced at $25.

The venues themselves also are chosen to make the process as easy as possible.

“The goal is to partner with established events that have a lot of foot traffic so we can provide the kids as many potential customers as possible,” Meyer said. “This way, the kids can focus on their product and their sales pitch as opposed to marketing and all the other things that go into running a business as an adult.”

The last Sioux Falls event of the season will be Oct. 18 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m., with doors opening at 8:30 a.m. and closing at 3 p.m.

“I think it’s good for all communities,” Meyer said. “Who can say no to kids?”