Karen Duffy, the provincial coordinator, says the Young Millionaires Program is designed to assist kids with learning and developing business skills through a series of workshops.
“We teach them business basics from accounting, record keeping, customer service skills, marketing skills, and we will fund them up to $100 to get their business started. And if they are in a partnership then we will fund $150 to get the business started,” she said.
Golnar Saegh, 10-years-old and originally from Iran, says she became involved in the program after learning about it while attending West Kent Elementary School in Charlottetown.
“I’m making mason jars, perler beads, and cookies. My mom got the idea for me to make the key chains and I just really enjoy cooking because I am from another country and I enjoy making Iranian traditional cookies.” Saegh added, “I sell my products at the local markets.”
The Young Millionaires program has been running since 1991, and is funded through Innovation P.E.I., and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Business Development Program.
“This year we have a lot of children making homemade dog biscuits, selling bath salts, artists creating jewellery, photos, babysitting and dog walking businesses,” noted Duffy. “We follow them throughout the summer to help guide them with their business and make sure they are working on it.”
More than 200 youngsters are involved in the program that is offered around the Island.
Darby Lea, nine-years-old and from Charlottetown, says she has started a beach craft business.
“I get starfish, sea glass, and driftwood and things like that from the fishing tracks and beaches for making key chains. I have an ice-cream stand right beside my house, so I set up there and sell my crafts, as well as yard sales,” explained Lea, who hopes her creativity will turn into a successful business venture.
The celebration, held at the trampoline park “Off the Wallz” in Slemon Park on Saturday, included a barbecue, cake, refreshments, and copious amounts of jumping fun.
For more information visit: http://www.youngmillionairesprogram.ca
