Kids Can be Vendors Too

Become A Young Entrepreneur -- applications by April 3 for Derwood Market.  By June 15 for Shady Grove Market.  

We support young farmers, bakers and artisans who produce their own items and sell directly to customers at our local markets.  Our program was featured in the Washington Post. We want to support budding young entrepreneurs by giving them market space and guidance to start their first enterprise.  Any youngster aged 12-18 who submits an application will be considered.

Market space fees are reduced for young entrepreneurs, who also receive ongoing mentoring about managing their market presence, business accounting, and the importance of saving.  All items must be produced by the young entrepreneur and follow any applicable health code guidelines.  Past young entrepreneurs have made lemonade, soaps, cupcakes, decorative wreaths and flowers and herbs.  Find something you like or learn from a local workshop.  Work with a friend as a partner… make it fun! 

Eligibility 
This is a great opportunity for self-motivated, conscientious kids.  You get a subsidized space, mentoring and a location to run your business at Shady Grove and Derwood farmers markets.  Any youngster ages 12 to 18 who submits our simple business plan and if their business is a good match for the market, can be eligible to receive sponsorship from the market to start their businesses at the market.  We will contact you for an interview and full application. 

Application  
To apply, youngsters must submit an application here: http://www.milkladymarkets.org/young-entrepreneur-application.html   Click here for entrepreneur market fees or see here: http://www.milkladymarkets.org/fees--payments.html

Signage 
Each accepted young entrepreneur must hang a weather-proof professional quality sign that is no less than 2’ x 4’ in size with lettering approximately 14″ high to be legible across the market.  Prices must be posted, clearly marked and large enough to be visible to passing customers 10 feet away. 

Booth Responsibilities – All items must be produced by you.
– Your booth table must have a clean neat table cover.
– Booth must be clean and neatly maintained.
– Bring a trash receptacle with trash liners for trash your customers generate.
– Bring an old broom to sweep your booth space if needed.
– Bag up and remove trash at market close on each market day.
– Attend each market day; unexcused absence is cause for market termination.
– Be completely set up by 30 minutes before market opens.
– you may not break-down your booth until after the market closes.  
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Bookkeeping 
The young entrepreneur must keep a log of all expenses, all receipts and all earnings and report daily sales revenue.  That log must be tallied after each market, a composition notebook works fine for this.  The market manager will guide you in this activity.