Math. Language Arts. Science. Typical subjects taught in homes and schools across America. But what about entrepreneurship? Seems innate for children to peddle pine cones, mold mud pies, or bake cupcakes hoping customers will flock to their “stores”. Cultivating a child’s intrinsic interest to sell something might one day blossom into an entrepreneurial adventure leading to the designing and marketing of a distinctive service or product. FPEA purposes to come alongside parents and young business owners who seek to nurture the natural entrepreneurial spirit.
In an effort to support home educators who endeavor to raise entrepreneurial leaders, FPEA launched Budding Entrepreneurial Showcase of Talent (BEST), at last year’s state-wide convention. BEST is one of the few venues offering young business owners an opportunity to promote their business in a high-traffic, real-world marketplace, interfacing with customers and mingling with fellow entrepreneurs.
Last year’s BEST EXPO pilot program was a huge success. Students learned invaluable lessons preparing for the event, building inventory, planning sales strategies, pricing products, projecting profits, and manning booth space. One young entrepreneur, Eve, owner of Dress It Up Boutique, “started building her inventory two months before the convention” to make sure she would have a large enough selection for the attendees. “I had business cards printed and made labels for my receipts.” Eve continued. After the event, the participants calculated the return on their efforts and investments. Robert of RobertKlubenspies.com described BEST as “one of the most rewarding experiences he had taken part in.”
FPEA is once again offering this venue at this year’s state convention. BEST showcase will feature businesses owned and operated by young entrepreneurs. This year’s showcase will take place in Vender Hall B (the Food Court) on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. BEST is currently accepting applications for booth space. Children and teen business owners are invited to apply. Application deadline is April 1.
Whether new business seeds have just been sown or a bountiful customer base is blossoming, FPEA wants to encourage and equip home educated youth with the tools needed to cultivate a thriving business. According to Julian, owner of Ballonstompers.biz, BEST EXPO “was fun and rewarding.” FPEA’s BEST EXPO provides an innovative venue for budding entrepreneurs from around the state. Visit http://fpeaevents.com/events/223/05-24-2012/2012-fpea-florida-homeschool-convention/best for details.
We are so glad to be able to give older children and teens, an opportunity to take part in BEST. This venue allows them to spread their wings, within a safe environment of homeschool families. This is open to FPEA member’s children who are at “their” stage of owning a business. Plan to share this with information with an entrepreneur that would love a venue like this!
This is an awesome idea! Can’t wait to see what the kids have this year!
My daughter was part of the pilot program last year. As a new business owner with experience at smaller venues, FPEA was her first LARGE venue. Her experience at BEST EXPO–which included communicating with customers, restocking product while also providing service, continual traffic, marketing, and recording sales after the event for tax purposes–gave her confidence to seek out larger venues. Since last year’s FPEA BEST EXPO, she has applied and showcased her business at three local venues, built her custom order market and added products to her bow and headband lines. I would encourage teen entrepreneurs, whether new owners or seasoned business owners, to consider being a part of this year’s BEST EXPO experience. The experience is extremely valuable. Application information is located in the BEST are of the convention page. The deadline is April 1.