Not just lemonade stands: How a new wave of 'kid-preneurs' are making their own money
The article highlights a growing trend of 'kid-preneurs' across Canada, featuring young individuals like Castillo who sell various products at markets and online. Initiatives such as Kids Markets, BizKids Market, and Lemonade Day are supporting children aged 5-17 in developing their own businesses. Experts attribute the recent surge in youth entrepreneurship partly to social media, which makes it easier for children to see and be inspired by their peers' ventures.
Why it matters
This trend fosters crucial financial literacy, creativity, and practical business skills in young people, potentially shaping future economic landscapes and individual career paths. It also reflects evolving cultural attitudes towards entrepreneurship from an early age.
Three years later, she’s still at it, even adding new products to her lineup and taking them to more customers.
In July, Castillo joined the first Kids Markets event held in Millarville, Alta., near Calgary, selling a variety of items including bracelets, earrings and 3D-printed toys she makes herself, as well as hand sanitizers and squishies she sources from wholesalers.
So far she's saved hundreds of dollars for a trip to Japan and the Philippines, and has something else planned, too.
“I really wanna treat my parents to a good dinner,” Castillo told CBC’s Cost of Living .
The Kids Markets initiative, which gives children ages five to 17 a chance to sell their own products, isn’t the only program helping young entrepreneurs take their ideas to market.
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