The Young Entrepreneur Showcase at the Cherokee Trail Craft Fair is a special space created for the next generation of makers, creators, dreamers, and business owners.

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Open to elementary and middle school students, the Showcase gives young entrepreneurs the opportunity to take something they’ve imagined and share it with thousands of shoppers in a real craft fair environment. From handmade crafts and artwork to baked goods and completely original creations, every table represents an idea brought to life through creativity, effort, and a little bit of courage.​ And while selling their creations is certainly part of the fun, the experience is about so much more.

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Young entrepreneurs get a firsthand look at what it means to build something of their own. They think about what they want to create, what it costs to make, how to price it, how to present it, and how to talk with customers about something they’re proud of. Along the way, they’re practicing creativity, communication, problem-solving, money management, marketing, and customer service, without it ever needing to feel like a lesson.​ Most importantly, the Showcase gives students a chance to discover what they’re capable of.

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There is something pretty incredible about watching a young person stand behind a table filled with something they created and realize that other people see value in their ideas, too. Maybe it sparks a lifelong love of entrepreneurship. Maybe it builds confidence. Maybe they discover a talent they didn’t know they had. Or maybe they simply walk away proud that they tried something new.​ All of those outcomes are worth celebrating.

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The Cherokee Trail PTCO created the Young Entrepreneur Showcase because we believe young people deserve opportunities to dream big, try something new, and see where their ideas can take them.​ We can’t wait to see what they create.