ST. AUGUSTINE – During this holiday season, there is a special market to support local businesses with a twist.
It’s the 6th annual Holiday Kidz Entrepreneurial Market. Children and teenagers aged 4-17 will set up shop at the Tringali Barn in St. Augustine.
“You’re actually going to see kids in action selling their items and trying to convince customers, the community to come out and buy items for the holiday season,” said Tyrone Bennett the event organizer. “This is going to be made by children, inspired by children and sold by children.”
Bennett owns Heart & Soulfood Truck in St. Augustine. As an entrepreneur, he said he knows the importance of exposing younger generations to an alternative career path.
“There is college, there are degrees, there is working in a career field, but there is also self-entrepreneurship,” Bennett said. “Being a small business here in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, in Florida generally small businesses thrive”.
Bennett told News4Jax’s Briana Brownlee that this market aims to connect younger entrepreneurs with experienced entrepreneurs.
“It’s not just a one-off where they come out and just sell. Every time we have done this they have improved, they have gotten better, and come up with new tactics,” Bennett explained. “We have had business owners come out and really talk to them and say ‘Hey what you are doing is great, but here is how you can improve’”.
The Kidz Entrepreneur Holiday Market will occur Sunday, from noon- 4 p.m. at The Tringali Bar. Over 40 young vendors will offer seasonal gifts, and admission and parking are free. Guests can also meet Santa.
