Sheena JavierBiz Kids Year 2 takes the spotlight to Kidspreneurs
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” this is a question we all have heard as kids. I used to dread this because I literally had no idea what I wanted to be. Other kids would answer that they want to be a doctor or a teacher. Some would say a firefighter or a pilot. Only very few would say that they want to run their own business. The word “business” is often linked with someone who is wealthy or gutsy. But over the years, its meaning has changed for the better. Kids have become incredibly open to the idea of seeking other options. Nowadays, self-made young entrepreneurs are no longer considered uncommon.
THE EVENT
Commercenter Alabang held its 2nd annual weekend fair called BIZ KIDS last May 17 and 18. It featured 15 Kidpreneurs aged 5 to 12 to showcase their products. This event was meant to nurture the business-minded youngsters by allowing them to show off their entrepreneurial spirit and giving them an avenue for their business ideas. “We wanted to empower the kids,” says Ms. Ana Liza Maquinay, Operations and Leasing supervisor of Commercenter Alabang. “Entrepreneurs help the country’s economy and we wanted to nurture that.” She also added, “Commercenter Alabang is a kid-friendly mall, not only because of the education institution on site but also because of the kiddie and small family foot traffic.”
The annual event, which started last year, brought in various products from baked goods, gift items, arts and crafts to bath products—all sourced or crafted by the budding entrepreneurs themselves. Not all the participants were new to the whole thing. Some of the kidpreneurs joining this year’s fair already had the privilege to be part of this unique experience last year. However, this year’s turnout was much better. Aside from the increase in number, there were more unique and competitive new sets of products from the participating kiddie entrepreneurs.
Prior to the event, a two-weekend seminar was conducted in order for the kids to really get to know the ins and outs of starting a business—or at least the basics of it. Maquinay also noted that running a business would entail a lot of challenges. “It’s a good exposure for them on how to slowly get into it and how to market their business.”
If you were wondering about the process of selection, agencies and departments worked closely together to do research about the pre-selected participants. They had to look into their social media accounts and make sure that no two products are alike so customers have more to choose from. It was important for the organizers to find a diverse selection of new products this time around.
THE WINNERS
The two-day event will not be complete without recognizing the best among the bunch. Four awards were handed out to 7 participants on the last day of the fair. Maquinay said that there’s a valuable lesson behind this move. “We wanted them to learn that in business, some people have to be winners and some will have to learn from defeat.” She adds, “this is why they have to do their best.” Here’s the list of the awards and its awardees:
Most Innovatize Biz: Flubber Blubber Soaps & Scrubs by Hidde & Rinke Bartlema and Lucius Manalac
Best Booth Design: Lois Faith Gourmet Recipes by Lois Faith Berino
Sales Genius:
Desserts – Grand Slam Cookies by Beatrice Veloso
Snacks – Yummy Bites by Zac & Zion Jimenez
Handicrafts – CLAYthings by Natalie Sumagpao
Arts – Sandy’s Little Nook
TAP Biz Kid 2019 – Crisps Gourmet Snacks by Aria Gacutan, Anree Ignacio, and Almond Wong.
THE FUTURE
The success of BIZ Kids 2019 will hopefully encourage young entrepreneurs to continue working hard for their dreams and looking for ways to do better. “Always research,” says Ms. Maquinay when asked what her advice would be to young kiddie entrepreneurs. “…to know what the demand of your market is. Research is very important for them to know what their customers’ needs and wants. It is up to them to fulfill these.” She concludes. In the coming years, more participants are expected to showcase their talents and inspire other young minds like them to explore more business venture. Not only do they have the opportunity to share what they have to offer, but they also get to make new friends.
A wise woman once said, “I believe that the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. “—Well, Whitney Houston was indeed a very wise woman. There is no denying that the young ones are the future. And it is our job as adults to mold them into the best they can be and help them see all the beauty they possess inside.
