Shoppers can support Mat-Su youth business owners at this free community expo
The event will feature products and services from dozens of young business owners.
What you need to know:
- A market-style business expo this month will showcase products and services developed by dozens of young Mat-Su-based entrepreneurs.
- The event aims to build entrepreneurial skills, provide community feedback and offer a platform to support youth business ventures financially.
- The expo is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. April 26 at Everett’s Restaurant in Wasilla. It will include a market and a judged business competition organized by age group.
Dozens of young Mat-Su business owners will have a chance to showcase their work and peddle their wares at a new event scheduled in Wasilla this month.
The market-style business expo, the first to host youth from across the region, is open to school-age children and teens. It is organized by youth support organizations Thrive Mat-Su, Youth 360 and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska.
The Young Entrepreneur Expo is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. April 26 at Everett's Restaurant in Wasilla and is free to attend.
Organizers said they expect about 40 enterprising students to participate, selling items ranging from handmade jewelry and metal prints to baked goods and canes. Students paid a $10 registration fee for each booth.
“There’s a huge variety,” said Tyler Healy, director of Mat-Su-based Youth 360, which hosts youth clubs throughout the region.
The event “is designed to showcase the creativity and business skills of young people, to highlight what they’re up to and give them feedback and guidance,” he said.
Shoppers can also check out a competition in which young entrepreneurs will compete for cash prizes, event organizers said. Local business owners will serve as judges, selecting winning booths based on presentation and products offered in three age groups: elementary, middle and high school, they said. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to vote for People's Choice awards.
“We’re trying to showcase their creativity, but also give them tangible skills as they move forward — and hopefully put some money in their pocket to support their businesses,” Healy said.
All tables have been reserved, so no additional registrations will be accepted, event officials said. Waitlist registration is available online. Waitlisted participants are not required to pay the $10 registration fee unless a seat becomes available, they said.
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