ESTHER SHORT — The Greater Vancouver Chamber announced that its Junior Market, powered by Lemonade Day Greater Vancouver and presented by iQ Credit Union, brought $25,000 in profits. The collected amount went directly into the pockets of 200 young CEOs ages 6-16 from across the region who participated in this event to run their businesses for a day and sell handmade or homegrown products to thousands of Vancouver Farmers Market’s consumers.
From more than 100 junior booths, the business Love ‘N Stuff, managed by Louie Heikkinen and Oliver Deligio-Busha, took in the most significant revenue at $800. Framed crayon art, tinted mason jars, wax bead bowls and magnets, doggie bandanas, notecards and postcards were some of the products sold by these young entrepreneurs.
After a successful day of sales, Heikkinen and Deligio-Busha became the Vancouver Youth Entrepreneurs of the Year and won a new bike from Lemonade Day National. Representing the Greater Vancouver chapter, these young CEOs will advance to the national level to win a $500 cash prize and a trip to the Lemonade Day National City Directors Conference in Houston Texas.
The kids met dignitaries and community stakeholders who stopped by the market to support and check out the creative business ideas. Rep. Monica Stonier, of the 49th Legislative District, and Vancouver City Councilmember Erik Paulsen were also part of the event and helped to officially open the market with the traditional ribbon cutting.
