Northumberland County residents can sneak a peek at the next generation of business through an upcoming opportunity to shop locally made artisan products and services created by area youth and young adults.
The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre of Northumberland (BECN) presents its annual BECN Staples Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday (August 13) at Staples in Cobourg at 1025 Elgin Street West.
Rob Day, Northumberland County’s economic development manager, highlighted for kawarthaNOW the significance of the event for young entrepreneurs and the community alike.
“The BECN Staples Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase is more than just a market — it’s a launchpad for dreams,” Day said.
“The youth entrepreneurship programs offered through the BECN give young people the opportunity to turn their passions into businesses, while building their confidence and enhancing valuable skills like problem-solving, communication, and financial literacy.”
The showcase features youth entrepreneurs from two BECN youth programs: the My Future My Career program for kids aged eight to 14 and the Summer Company Program for those aged 15 and older.
Attendees can explore a wide range of innovative product and service-based businesses, all created and operated by local students.
With more than 20 businesses showcased, some of the products and services will include photography and videography services, window washing services, T-shirts and branded apparel items, lawn care, artistic painted prints and designs, hand-crafted items, jewellery and accessories, home décor, and face painting services.
“What makes this showcase so special is the energy and creativity the young entrepreneurs bring to our community,” Day said.
“Each year, we see so many unique ideas, one-of-a-kind handcrafted products, and innovative services,” Day noted. “It’s inspiring to see what the next generation of local business owners have to offer, and we’re inviting the whole community to come out and support their efforts as they begin their entrepreneurial journeys.”
For those unable to attend the free showcase, the BECN noted some of the young entrepreneurs from the two programs will be selling their products at the Cobourg Farmers’ Market on Youth Day, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 23. The farmers’ market is located on Albert Street at 2nd Street in Cobourg.
The Summer Company and My Future My Career programs are initiatives supported by the BECN. They provide students and young entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, business coaching, and microgrants, aimed at empowering them to launch and run their own small businesses.
The BECN is a key source for business information, strategy, resources, and education for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Northumberland.
A service delivered by Northumberland County in partnership with the Province of Ontario, the BECN offers micro grants, free consultations, training, information and resources, and workshops and seminars for community members thinking of starting or expanding a small business in Northumberland County.
To learn more about the BECN, the young entrepreneurship programs, and to view upcoming events, visit becn.ca.
