The scene inside the America’s Center Convention Complex on Saturday was electrifying as kids bounced gleefully in an inflatable bounce house or slid down the inflatable slide or fearlessly rode bumper cars or just flat out enjoyed the numerous attractions, rides and even an onsite petting zoo.
The activities were all part of the “Urban Expo Back to School and Community Empowerment Festival” hosted by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and St. Louis Public Schools. The festival offered free food, groceries, free haircuts for kids, live music performances and resources for families and free school supplies.
If you happened to walk down the isles with vendor booths in front of red and white curtains, chances are a kid would have accosted you asking if you’d like to purchase a candy bar, art, T-shirts, puzzles, books or other accessories. The youth were part of the “Young Biz Kid Day” marketplace. The event provided a platform for young entrepreneurs, aged 4-21, to display their businesses and gain valuable experience in entrepreneurship.
Founded by Arriel Biggs, Young Biz Kid (YBK) Day is an experiential program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their very own business. Almost 50 young “kid-preneurs” participated as vendors. Biggs started the program in 2016 and boasted that Young Biz Kid Day was going on simultaneously in 8 additional states.
Biggs was proud to introduce her children, Mikey (17) and AJ (9), both entrepreneurs at early ages. According to AJ, who sells cards and bookmarks and the author of “Pink Cupcakes for a Cause,” said her inspiration came from her mom and her big brother, author of “Mikey Learns about Business” and “Biz is a Wiz.”
Biggs, who said she started YBK to “empower kids to become productive individuals,” said she recognized her son’s developing entrepreneurial instincts at an early age and wanted to veer him toward a path of responsibility.
“I knew that if I didn’t support him with the right things, the wrong things would get into his head. So, I learned about entrepreneurship, ‘cause I wanted him to learn about it.”
Mikey, who also owns about 12 vending machines, said entrepreneurism has opened many opportunities in his life. The Hazelwood Central student said he’s not 100 percent sure what path he’ll pursue as an adult but, he said, his passions are leaning toward real estate investment.
Jessica Haynes sat at a vendor’s booth with her daughter, Ariyana Carr. The 13-year-old has her own line of custom made bedazzled and sparkling phone cases.
“I wanted her to be independent and do things for herself,” Haynes said in describing why she motivated her daughter’s desire to be her own boss.
“It feels good to be creative and make my own money,” Ariyana beamed.
The Gateway Legacy Christian Academy student and budding entrepreneur was not at all shy about her future aspirations.
“I want to be a pediatrician, a nail tech and a lab tech,” she confidently stated.
Nikki Joseph’s daughter Cassidy made her entrepreneurial debut at the expo. The City Academy student sold hand-made tie-dye-shirts, bracelets, cups of colored slime and custom-made puzzles.
“It’s fun and I get to make a little extra money,” Cassidy confessed in describing her business.
Cassidy said entrepreneurism was always in her daughter’s spirit. That’s why she encouraged her to give it a try. Sales were slow at first, so Nikki had to console Cassidy.
“She has to understand that every day is not going to be a high-sales day, but the money will come. Just keep your head up, keep your chin up and keep pushing on.
Cassidy, who attends City Academy said she plans to be an architect and graphic designer when she grows up.
By all indications, Young Biz Kid at the Urban Expo was a resounding success. At least that was the opinion of the young entrepreneurs working the crowd.
The founder of YBK, said the nonprofit focuses on African American youth and aims to “turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.”
Biggs added: “By investing in these young innovators, we not only enrich their lives but also contribute to building a more inclusive and vibrant economy.”
Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.