Excitement Builds for the 2nd Annual Steinbach Children’s Business Fair
Steinbach, MB – The anticipation is palpable as the 2nd Annual Steinbach Children’s Business Fair gears up for a vibrant showcase of youthful entrepreneurship this Saturday at the Clearspring Centre. Following the successful inaugural event last year, organizer Jordan Hammond has expanded the fair significantly, doubling the number of participants eager to display their creativity and business acumen.
"The first year was such a big success, we just had to bring it back," Hammond shared, highlighting the community’s enthusiastic support and the priceless experience it offers to children. This year, Hammond expects 30 booths, nearly double the 13 from the previous year, promising an even broader array of innovative products and ideas.
Participants aged 7 to 16 will present a diverse selection of goods—from hand-carved wooden swords to homemade baked treats and natural remedies. Children will work individually or in teams, fostering collaboration and creativity. Hammond emphasizes that the fair’s mission extends beyond mere sales: "It’s about teaching kids important life skills like responsibility, hard work, and the value of taking risks," he noted.
In a spirit reminiscent of the biblical message found in Luke 12:48, "To whom much is given, much will be required," the fair encourages young entrepreneurs to take initiative and learn through their endeavors. Every effort made by the participants reflects both their creativity and the support of their families, embodying the principle of stewardship—using one’s gifts wisely to benefit others.
One notable element of the fair is the emphasis on growth through experience. Hammond has witnessed firsthand the apprehensions of the children: “A lot of the students I’ve talked to are worried that no one will buy their product… But the real lesson is that failure is just part of the process." Through this lens, the event serves as a powerful reminder that risk-taking is an intrinsic part of growth, a principle echoed in Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
As part of the judging process, each booth will be evaluated based on three criteria: product presentation, marketing effectiveness, and customer interaction. Jarrett Bishop, a prominent local community leader, will engage with each young entrepreneur, offering guidance and feedback. Prizes awarded to the top three booths include business grants that aim to propel these budding businesses forward—$500 for first place, $250 for second, and $100 for third.
The fair runs on Saturday, November 9, from 10 am to 4 pm, inviting community members to support young entrepreneurs and partake in some early holiday shopping. Hammond encourages attendees saying, “If you’re looking for unique Christmas gifts, this is a great place to start… just the act of stopping by and supporting them goes a long way.”
Looking ahead, Hammond has ambitious plans for the future: “Next year, we’d love to see 50 or 60 booths and maybe even take over the whole mall.” Such aspirations echo the biblical principle of growth and expansion in one’s pursuits, reminding us that with community support and faith in one another, we can achieve great endeavors.
As the community gathers this Saturday, let it serve as both a celebration of young entrepreneurship and a reflection on the broader spiritual lesson of stepping out in faith. It’s an opportunity to witness the heart and talent of the next generation, fostering an environment that nurtures their dreams while enriching the community at large. In the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up," a sentiment that rings true as the fair promotes a future of leaders ready to make a difference.
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