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Published on August 28, 2023
Kzoo Parks and the Kalamazoo Youth Action Council (KYAC) will host a Youth & Teen Entrepreneur Fair on Saturday, September 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Community Room at Mayors’ Riverfront Park (251 Mills St).
This new event will give youth and teens the opportunity to showcase their businesses to the community, network with other young entrepreneurs, and sell their products. The event will feature 12 youth vendors selling handmade goods and products ranging from jewelry to candles to custom paintings:
“We’re so excited to help young, aspiring business owners get experience marketing and selling their products and help connect customers with local makers and products,” said Kya Mitchell, special events coordinator for Kzoo Parks. “Stop by to shop unique, handmade products and support a new generation of entrepreneurs in our community!”
All vendors will be accepting cash, and some will also be accepting payment by card, PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo.
The event will also feature guest speaker Artazijah Julian. Julian is a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and a Kalamazoo Promise Scholar studying Marketing & Entrepreneurship at Grand Valley State University. She is the owner of Julian Sweet Treats and has her own scholarship called the Artazijah Julian RAWK scholarship for college freshman of Kalamazoo.
The Kalamazoo Youth Action Council was formed in 2020 by Kzoo Parks as a way for youth in Kalamazoo to guide youth programs and activities while developing leadership skills, learning about city government, networking, and making friends. The council currently includes 13 members between 13 to 18 years of age. The KYAC also helps support and expand events for youth and teens in Kalamazoo. Earlier this year they hosted a Karaoke Game Night and Dive into Summer event at the Kik Pool.