GVC’s Junior Market Returns for a Spectacular Second Year, Showcasing the Next Generation of Owners & CEOs

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER’S JUNIOR MARKET RETURNS FOR A SPECTACULAR SECOND YEAR, SHOWCASING THE NEXT GENERATION OF OWNERS & CEOs

Over 300 kids from across the southwest Washington region had the opportunity to test their sales skills and to operate their own businesses for a day. This year’s Junior Market brought $40,000 in sales that went directly into the pockets of the young CEOs.

Vancouver, WA - Lemonade Day Greater Vancouver is proud to announce the success of its highly anticipated Junior Market event (co-located with the Vancouver Farmers Market), where over 300 talented young entrepreneurs, 6-16 years old, came together to showcase their handmade and homegrown products. The event, brought to the community by the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) and presented by Main Squeeze OnPoint Community Credit Union, captivated thousands of Farmers Market’ consumers with an impressive array of creative and innovative offerings, highlighting the immense talent and potential of the youth in the southwest Washington region. This year’s Junior Market brought $40,000 in sales that went directly into the pockets of the young CEOs.

The Junior Market officially opened for business from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm after a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony held Saturday, June 3rd, at 8:50 am just prior to the Jr. Market opening, with the participation of Representative Monica Stonier, of the 49th Legislative District, Superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools John Boyd, Lemonade Day National CEO Nicole Cassier-Mason, and Tim Clevenger, Chief Marketing Officer at OnPoint Community Credit Union. The event garnered support from community leaders, financial institutions, business owners, and non-profit organizations who joined the ceremony to celebrate and uplift these young entrepreneurs.

From artwork, bookmarks, bird houses, keychains, and meticulously crafted jewelry to candles, bath bombs, organically grown produce, and more, the junior vendors took over Esther Short Park to present a range of high-quality products, each embodying the passion and dedication of its young creator. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the market booths, engage with the young entrepreneurs, and witness firsthand the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within our community. Additionally, each junior vendor participated in a Business Pitch contest, sponsored by Palm Beach Tan, that give them a real-world experience and allowed them to perfect and amplify their ideas, network with local business owners, and get expert guidance and mentorship. From over 175 booths, the business "Gnomie's Garden Treasures, managed by McKinley & Brendan Murphy, won this contest. Raffles took place throughout the day, which was full of family entertainment and local shopping.

After a successful day of sales, the kidpreneurs calculated and submitted their business results to the Greater Vancouver Chamber for an opportunity to win a tablet from Lemonade Day National. By turning in their business results, the kids were also eligible to become the Vancouver Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, that will be announce by the end of the week.

"The Junior Market exceeded our expectations hosting more than 175 booths; and we are incredibly proud of each and every young entrepreneur who participated," said Janet Kenefsky, VP Operations of the Chamber, and City Director of Lemonade Day Greater Vancouver. "At the Chamber, we are committed to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among our youth and providing them with a supportive environment to explore their talents; and it is impressive to see this dream come true. This event exemplified the potential of our youth and the bright future they hold as the next generation of business leaders," added Kenefsky.

The Junior Market served as a unique platform for budding entrepreneurs to display and test their entrepreneurial skills in a profitable location. Months prior to the market, these future CEOs, guided by a mentor or parent, participated in the interactive and easy-to-use Lemonade Day Program to learn life skills such as business operations, responsibility, financial literacy, goal setting, and teamwork with the end goal of starting, owning and operating a business. The kids benefited from the program’s lessons outlined in their youth workbooks or via the My Lemonade Day app while they were at home. Thanks to program investors like OnPoint Community Credit Union, this program has been made completely free to use.

“Lemonade Day inspires these young people to use their innate sense of curiosity. We are proud to partner with the Greater Vancouver Chamber to provide more kids in our community with access to the Lemonade Day curriculum. It was an honor to meet the young entrepreneurs at the Junior Market and see firsthand the power of teaching kids about entrepreneurship,” mentioned Tim Clevenger, Chief Marketing Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union.

The success of the Greater Vancouver Vancouver’s Junior Market would not have been possible without the support of our proud partners: Main Squeeze Investor, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Fresh Squeezed Investor, Chick-Fil-A Cascade Park; Lemon Drop Investor, Keller Foundation; Investor Pitch "Secret Shopper" Contest Sponsor, Palm Beach Tan; Pucker Pal Investors, Burgerville, Freight Trac Services, WellHaven Pet Health, and Waste Connections; Simply the Zest Investors, The Columbian, Salsbury & Co., Rivermark Community Credit Union, IDM Companies, Mackenzie, US Bank, Columbia Credit Union, and VITALCARE; Spoonful of Sugar Investors, Allen Gabriel, Partners in Careers, and Vancouver Farmers Market; Junior Market Photo Booth Sponsor, iQ Credit Union; Junior Market Bag Sponsor, Grassa; Sponsor a Class, CALPORTLAND, Delta Dental, HAPO Community Credit Union, Palm Beach Tan, Port of Vancouver USA, and Unitus Community Credit Union; Junior Market Gift Card Sponsors, Big Al’s, Battle Ground Cinema, Nothing Bundt Cakes, NW Escape Experience, and Bessolo Pizzeria; and Junior Market Logistical Sponsor, ANC Movers.

For further information about how to get involved in My Lemonade Program or the Junior Market, please visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/lemonadeday.