Originating in 2021, the Hendersonville Farmers Market Young Entrepreneur Program helps support young makers who want to sell their products at the local farmers market.

Dakota Parker, Hendersonville’s Downtown Events and Marketing Assistant, and Terry Jacobs, the City’s Downtown Event Coordinator, work together to help make this program known to the area’s youth as well as help the youth find success in their ventures.

The Hendersonville Farmers Market opened in 2020, and Parker’s predecessor realized that due to COVID, people were spending more time doing crafts. Also understanding that the ages between six and 17 years old are an important growth period, the program was developed with the goal of allowing young people to develop social and business skills while using their talents to create products.

“This was a time where everyone was texting or on social media, and there was not much one-on-one, face-to-face interaction,” Jacobs said. “This program helps kids develop people skills and communication skills, learning the social aspects of participating in the community. I love seeing the kids interact and sell their products. They have a lot of zeal and a go-get-it attitude. They’re the greatest.”

Since the program began, 10 young entrepreneurs have participated in the Market. These youth began with a hobby, and like any entrepreneur, some of them became very serious. Not only have they learned about integrating with the world, according to Parker, they have built brands for themselves.

“They come to us with their passion; they’re not recruited,” Parker said. “They have an idea and a craft and want to take it to the next level.”

A lot of support comes from the parents of these young entrepreneurs, but each participant is vetted to make sure the children are the ones making the product. They are also the ones talking to market visitors and handling sales transactions.

Participants’ products cover a variety of items, including Rachel's Scarves, Mama Llama Freeze Dried Candy, Kassandra Grace Candles, Willa Crochets, A Piece of Maine whoopie pies, and Raymond's Forge — a young blacksmith.

These participants are held to the same standards and rules of any market vendor. They must bring quality items, arrive early, and stay for the six-hour window the market is open. Jacobs and Parker say these children are happy to rise to these standards and quickly get used to that environment.

“It’s a big commitment, and these kids are very business-minded,” Jacobs said. “They take it very seriously, and we get the feeling that it’s way more than a hobby. They are grateful for the opportunity to be here.”

Participants are learning a business practice. They are charged a manageable entry fee, then keep their earned revenue and learn the value of their products. Many see this opportunity as a business incubator, and they are surrounded by role models, some of whom have started their business at the Market, grown, and moved into their own brick-and-mortar location. 

When young entrepreneurs age out of the program, they, like other market vendor businesses, can work closely with Blue Ridge Community College’s Small Business Center to boost their business. This office offers a plethora of information and guidance, and if Jacobs and Parker can make connections or offer any help, they are happy to do so.

“We want to help them take the next steps to follow their dream,” Jacobs said. “Success is not about a piece of paper; it’s about doing what you love. If you’re willing to go for it, you can do it, and you can be much more successful.”

Most of the Young Entrepreneur Program participants have continued with the program for several years, which Jacobs and Parker say is a testament to their dedication and work ethic.

“They are happy to be there and take pride in their work,” Parker said. “They are putting in the time and the effort, and they love their craft. They have some of the best quality items at the market. They are the definition of the ideal market vendor because they bring that passion and excitement every week.”

Parker said young entrepreneurs interested in participating in the program can sign up on the website, HendersonvilleNC.gov/Events/Hendersonville-Farmers-Market, and he also has a goal of working with local schools to boost awareness of the program. His goal is to give more children the chance to turn what they love into a business opportunity.