NCCU Sponsors Inaugural Children’s Business Fair

Northeast Community Credit Union was the sole sponsor for the inaugural Children’s Business Fair hosted by the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department.

On Saturday, October 6, dozens of young entrepreneurs gathered in Cat Island Park in Elizabethton to sell their products to the public. For many of the participants it was the first time they had made an effort to share their businesses with the public.

“It is important to us to support the youth in the community,” said NCCU Community Development Director Kathy Campbell. “They all have such great ideas, and they have worked so hard. It is really impressive what they have done.”

Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department developed the idea for the Fair and sought sponsors. NCCU sponsored the Children’s Business Fair, and Campbell met with the participants before the event to discuss the financial aspects of running a business. The children learned about saving, how to price their items, budgeting and other age-appropriate skills necessary to keep their businesses going.

Over 20 children manned the 17 booths that made up the business fair. The booths featured a wide range of goods, including vinyl prints on windows, cardboard deer mounts, beeswax candles, watercolor mobiles, crayon drawings, paintings, wood items, baked goods and more.

Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Kelly Kitchens said the event exceeded her expectations.
“The fair went much better than expected,” Kitchens said. “When we started planning, we didn’t know how many would be interested, or how it would go. I’m really impressed with what the kids were able to create.”

With the first year a success, the Parks and Recreation Department is already planning for next year’s Children’s Business Fair.