Small Hands, Big Dreams: Supporting the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Contributed by Deborah Waisanen
Step into the world where creativity meets ambition—where young minds are not only dreaming big but doing big. This past week, a handful of students, from ages 9 through 16, held a craft fair at Three Bears located in Palmer where they were able to sell stunning soaps, cards, bracelets, and custom art pieces—all imagined, created, and sold by young entrepreneurs who are learning the ropes of small business, one project at a time.
Deborah Waisanen and Scott Andrews have offered, for the past two years, a free financial literacy class for grades 3–8 to teach children the financial skills needed to start a small business and earn their own money. Students were engaged in activities to promote money management, record keeping, how to make change, and creative advertising while producing handmade items to be sold at a market. During class time, positive suggestions and interaction are encouraged between all young entrepreneurs to help each other create an optimum product to sell. In the past, classes were held after school at Our Lady of the Valley School. This year, Collins Construction and The Alaska Food Company have donated space so that more and older students may participate. In addition, space will be provided at a separate time for students who would like to learn leadership skills and make a positive impact on local and community service by being involved with the Rotary Interact Program sponsored by Susitna Rotary.
Thank you to Palmer’s Three Bears for providing this opportunity to sell their products after months of hard work. Additionally, thank you to the patrons for browsing their creations, making purchases (or even just a kind comment), or donating money—especially to our foreign exchange student who is earning money for her year-long trip to Taiwan next month. Know that when you buy a product from these students, you’re investing in confidence, creativity, and the spirit of innovation.