A real good deal in Neepawa Children’s Business Fair surpasses expectations

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The next generation of entrepreneurs showed off their creativity at Neepawa’s inaugural Children’s Business Fair. The event was held on Thursday, Aug. 10 at the Yellowhead Hall and featured 20 different business ideas developed by local youth.

The future tycoons were asked to create a product or service, build a marketing strategy around that idea and then open to customers at a one-day marketplace. The ideas and sales were then judged by a group of local community and business leaders.

This event was organized through Neepawa’s Economic Development office with support from the Acton Academy and the Acton Next Great Adventure.

Neepawa’s EDO Marilyn Crewe told the Banner & Press that the response from interested local entrepreneurs exceeded their expectations.

“So when I applied to actually host the Children’s Business Fair, I had to say how many booths I expected to get, and I estimated 11, based on similar events in Brandon and other communities in Manitoba that have tried this already.

So, this result blew that [expectation] right out of the water,” said Crewe.

Another positive from the day was the variety of different ideas, the young magnates were able to come up with. Crewe said that added tremendous value to the Fair, as it showcased the creativity of the young business people.

“Seeing the creativity of these kids, and what they are capable of making and marketing, it’s just exciting to see the potential these kids have going forward. Who know’s what they’ll do as adults.”

On top of the solid response from the youth, the general public also stepped up to show support, as several hundred interested customers came out to see what was on display. Considering a last minute shift in venue had to be made from outside the ArtsForward Cultural Centre to indoors at the Yellowhead Hall, there was concern that it could impact attendance figures. Crewe said that doesn’t seem to be the case.

As for actual sales, the most important part of any successful business, a combined $3,727.25 in products and services were sold over the course of the three hours in which the event was staged. Crewe said they probably could have had even more sales than that, had they stayed beyond their allotted time.

While all the displays received honours for their work, three were specifically recognized with awards. The Best Business Idea was awarded to Buster MacPherson with Pug’s Parfait. The concept awarded with highest business potential was Hadley Ferguson with Sugar Cloud. And finally, the Presentation and Creativity Award from the Fair was recognized for Emerie Ferguson and Kamryn Michaluk of Bracelet Besties.

As for what’s next for Children’s Business Fair, Crewe said the amount of interest from local youths, along with the response from the public suggest this could become an ongoing summertime experience.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people who came out today, because you always risk you’ll lose people when you change venues. [As for the entire experience] I’ve enjoyed working with the kids and making this a great community event. So, next summer, I think it’s good to have something for the kids to do during summer holidays. So, yeah, I think we probably will fill this venue.”

Award winners for the Children’s Business Fair in Neepawa, held on Thursday, Aug. 10. Top picture: Buster MacPherson - Pug’s Parfait (Best Business Idea). Middle picture: Hadley Ferguson - Sugar Cloud (Highest Business Potential). (Bottom picture: Emerie Ferguson and Kamryn Michaluk - Braclet Besties (Presentation and Creativity Award).