Raleigh, N.C. — The first Raleigh Children’s Business Fair will be held on September 10, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at The Commons at North Hills. The event is free and open to the public. The John William Pope Foundation and John Locke Foundation are organizing the event to promote an entrepreneurship learning opportunity. With over 40 booths, participating children will sell their original products in a farmers-market style setting. Local business leaders will serve as judges to award prizes in five categories that include ‘Most Original Idea,’ ‘Best Customer Service,’ and ‘Shoppers’ Favorite.’ Children applied to participate in the Fair earlier this year.
“When we were presented with the chance to bring this event to Raleigh, we knew it would be a match for our growing city” said Pope Foundation Vice President Joyce Pope. “The Fair gives children the chance to be entrepreneurs in an original venture, and Fair attendees get to shop for unique products and support their hard work. It’s a great way for children to learn in a safe environment with the support of our community.”
Sponsors for the Raleigh Children’s Business Fair include Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP, BB&T, Kane Realty, Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios, and Mura restaurant. In-kind sponsors include Chick-fil-A (North Hills), Moe’s Southwest Grill (North Hills), and Aesthetic Images Photography of Greensboro. Community partners include North Hills, Boy Scouts of America Occoneechee Council, Junior Achievement of Eastern North Carolina, and StepUp Ministry.
The Children’s Business Fair program has its roots in Austin, Texas, but is now offered across the country with events in California, Arizona, Michigan, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Idaho, among others The John William Pope Foundation is a Raleigh-based grant maker that has supported education causes in the Triangle since 1986. The John Locke Foundation is a nonprofit research institute also based in Raleigh. For more information about the Raleigh Children’s Business Fair, please visit www.raleighcbf.org or call Kayla Nguyen at (919) 861-6445.
###