31 Young Minds To Shine At Manhattan's Young Entrepreneur Market

MANHATTAN, IL — An effort to highlight and support young entrepreneurs in Manhattan has grown in its second year, and will showcase the creative minds all in one place Saturday, July 22.

In a shift from last year's approach of participating businesses setting up shop in their driveways, this year's Young Entrepreneur Market will take place in the parking lot of Village Hall, 260 Market Place. The market—organized by the Village of Manhattan and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce—will be held rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and boasts a total of 31 businesses.

A ceremonial ribbon cutting for all those exhibiting will be held at 8:55 a.m.

The market is a chance for individuals ages 17 and under to show off their enterprising side, selling homemade items, showcasing skills, and displaying their talents.

"When I was elected two years ago, myself and the mayor, we decided to create more family-oriented events," said Village of Manhattan Trustee Justin Young. "This is one of the ideas I had, to make us more fun and likable. To try to create events where kids can interact with the Village."

The event is aimed at showing its participants the ropes of business ownership—engaging with the chamber, pricing and selling their items, and interacting with customers.

"It's to teach little kids what hard work’s like," Young said.

The Village even gives them a business license, he added.

Young drew some inspiration from his own children, whose eyes—like most kids'—always twinkle at new things they'd like to have, but who might not understand just how much those things cost and where the money comes from.

Young ticked off the types of items visitors can find Saturday—Cake pops, shells, frames, bracelets, crocheted items, cookies. Candles, lip gloss, slime, bookmarks. Dog treats. Homemade crafts, balloon artists & face painting. Wooden crafts, shaved ice, critter pillows, jewelry—even cotton candy.

He's impressed at the variety.

"I thought originally it would just be a bunch of lemonade stands," he said he worried early on in the process. "But it looks to be pretty diverse offerings."

Young said he's noticed how fervently the town supports its youth.

"Our town does well with supporting little kids," he said. The market, he said, is a "chance to come out, support the kids, and have an uplifting event."

The businesses will all accept cash only, so come prepared, he nudged.

He hopes the young minds will feel inspired by a good turnout and support, maybe even inspiring a long-term love of their town.

"... if they stay here and live here," he said, "maybe they’d like to open up a business in town."