Monday, May 8, 2017

Contact:
Chantal Lovell
Communications Manager
989-698-1914

DETROIT — Children from across metro Detroit will get a taste of entrepreneurship this weekend at the second Detroit Children’s Business Fair.

This free event, hosted by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy and Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, provides a safe space for kids to try their hand at running a business. The marketplace will showcase up to 25 businesses, offering everything from art and jewelry to food and snacks.

The Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Chronicle and America’s Future Foundation are also supporters of this year’s event.

“Good businesses create good jobs and support strong communities,” said Mackinac Center Vice President for Marketing and Communications John Mozena, whose son participated in the inaugural fair last year. “We want kids to experience the opportunity there is in business and the rewards and sense of satisfaction that come from a hard day’s work. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn these valuable life lessons in a supportive and safe environment.”

Children’s business fairs take place across the country and have already launched several successful businesses, including BeeSweet Lemonade, available at Whole Foods and featured on Shark Tank.

“I want to go to the business fair to sell goods that are less expensive than you would find in stores,” said Jay Jay, age 11, one of three children behind Pic Detroit, a business that plans to sell photos of the city at the fair. “I think it’s exciting because you get to actually see what it feels like to have a business that you run by yourself.”

In addition to experiencing entrepreneurship, kids have the opportunity to earn prizes. Judges will present awards for businesses with the best presentation, creativity and business potential.

“There’s really no better place to have a children’s business fair than in Detroit, which rose through the success of its entrepreneurs and is turning to a new generation to lead its revitalization,” Mozena said.

WHEN:
Saturday, May 13, 2017
11:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public

WHERE:
The Streets of Old Detroit
Detroit Historical Museum
5401 Woodward Ave.

For more information, visit detroitchildrensbusinessfair.org

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About the Mackinac Center for Public Policy
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Michigan residents by promoting sound solutions to state and local economic policy questions. As a free-market think tank, the Mackinac Center is guided by its belief in free markets, individual liberty, limited government and the rule of law. Founded in 1987, it is headquartered in Midland, Michigan. For more information, visit www.mackinac.org.