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We had another fun-filled day at the Third Annual Detroit Children’s Business Fair this year!
The fair has grown exponentially each year, and this year we had over 30 businesses participating, selling everything from handmade tote bags to chips and salsa.
We had plenty of new and returning faces competing for prizes this year. The winners in each category are featured on the next page.
As fun as the prizes are, however, the most important part of the business fair is the atmosphere of creativity and energy generated by dozens of kids learning and getting excited about entrepreneurship.
Not every child who participates in a business fair will go on to own and operate a business as an adult. But the fair is an opportunity to get a leg up on peers who have never had this kind of hands on experience. It isn’t just about economics, sales, marketing or organization — business fairs build confidence and provide an opportunity for trial and error. Kids can learn about risk and reward in a safe space.
And the fair is just as meaningful for adults. It’s hard not to be hopeful for the future of Michigan and Detroit after encountering so many bright kids bent on improving their lives and their communities.
Detroit Children’s Business Fairs are a joint effort. This year we are proud to have continued our work with Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, and thankful for the sponsorship of America’s Future Foundation, which generously donated prize money. And the Detroit Children’s Business Fair would not have been possible without the hard work of Acton Academy, which created and distributed the model it is based on.
We can’t wait to continue the fair next year!
The Winners:
In the younger age group, Reygan Lowery, age 9, won the prize for presentation and creativity with her business Totally Totes. The high quality of her handmade messenger bags and purses spoke to her dedication to her business.
In the older age group, EenaARTS won the prize for originality. Run by Mena Nasiri, age 13, EenaARTS has participated in all three of our business fairs, selling handmade jewelry and beautiful greeting cards. This is the first time she has won, however — the third time is the charm!
The prize for originality in the younger age group went to Rocks in Jars, run by 9 year old Emmi Sirianni. The judges were impressed by her drive and range of products, which included beaded jewelry.
For business potential, Aliya Farrand took home the prize for her all-natural lip balm business Lip a Dee Doo Dah. Our judges appreciated not only her hard work and knowledge of her product, but also her clear and thorough understanding of microeconomics at the young age of 10.
In the older age group, the prize for presentation and creativity went to business fair veteran Ceciley Boynton, the 15-year-old owner of Kraftabulous Kreations. Last year, Ceciley won the prize for business potential, and her hard work impressed the judges again.
In the older age group, the prize for business potential went to Emerson Tatum for her business Positive Vibes. Selling art, jewelry and skincare designed to improve the well-being of her customers, Emerson earned her first place despite being among the youngest in her age group, at only 11.
