Encouraging kids to be entrepreneurs

MANILA, Philippines - I believe that kids shouldn’t have to wait until they grow up to get into business.

I believe that experience is key and that the sooner kids try their luck and make their mistakes, the sooner they’ll learn their likes and dislikes and hopefully, the task of choosing a course in college or a career in life becomes a little bit easier for them (and for the parents, too, since we’ll be helping them chart this path and funding their schooling).

This is why my six-year-old daughter Brielle and I have started the Kiddo-preneur Bazaar — a bazaar for kids, by kids — where the kids themselves are the sellers. Think of the kiddy lemonade stands in the US and now picture a hall filled with homegrown versions of them.

The bazaar will take place on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Palm Grove function hall of the Rockwell Club on 23 Amorsolo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati.

While the goal here is to teach kids about money and starting a business, we’d also like for them to learn how to save, invest and donate to charity. This is why we’ve invited banks, the Philippine Stock Exchange and various charitable organizations to set up educational booths at the event. So with their proceeds from their day of selling, the kids can learn about opening their first bank account, investing in the stock market and donating to a cause that appeals to them the most.

To encourage creativity and quality, the Philippine Stock Exchange will be giving trophies and awards for Best Booth, Highest Sales and Best Service.

The cost for a booth at this kiddie bazaar is P2,500. It’s open to kids ages four to 16. The participants can sell homemade sweets, art projects or even repackaged goods.

Think of the kiddy lemonade stands in the US and now picture a hall filled with homegrown versions of them at the bazaar.

Kids play “store-store” all the time. Let’s give them an outlet to earn while they’re at it.

For more information, e-mail kiddopreneur@gmail.com, call or text 0917-580-0216 or check out www.therockwellclub.com.