Geneva Children’s Business Fair Showcases Young Entrepreneurs

The spirit of young entrepreneurship was evident on Saturday in downtown Geneva. The occasion was the Geneva Children’s Business Fair, held at 100 S. Third St. Despite anticipated rain, tents sheltered a record number of enthusiastic participants. Among them were Amber Salzman and her 11-year-old son, Will, from Geneva. They were there to sell rainbow bracelets. Amber highlighted the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset early, stating, “Understanding that there is effort involved is crucial.” She added, “They need to learn how to set up, have supplies, and communicate with customers.” Discussions about customer interaction and making change with bills were part of their preparation. Will expressed an interest in future business ventures, saying, “I might have a business when I get older, but I’m unsure about specifics.”

Cam Fozo, co-president of the Geneva Children’s Business Fair, mentioned the popularity of the annual event. He said, “We have 83 booths this year, our largest yet, with around 160 young participants.” Last year’s participation ranged from 80 to 100 children. A marketing drive at local schools, alongside collaborations with three elementary schools, aided in reaching more community members. The fair catered to children aged 6 to 16.

The diverse booths featured food-related businesses like bakeries, lemonade stands, and even a dirty soda booth. There were also 3-D printing businesses offering products for attendees. Many businesses returned year after year due to positive experiences. Fozo noted, “Participants keep coming back, enjoying the selling and marketing aspects.”

Returning participant Frankie Perna, 11, from Geneva, ran a lemonade and popcorn stand for the third time. “We added popcorn after the first year of selling just lemonade,” Frankie shared. She has made about $200 each year, using some earnings and saving the rest. Frankie emphasized the importance of presentation, understanding the business, and pricing appropriately. Her father, Dustin Perna, described her as “entrepreneurial and hard-working.”

Fozo observed that the business fair’s lessons extend beyond sales. He remarked, “Being a business owner builds resilience. We want today’s youth to adapt to change and solve emerging problems.”