Every Saturday for 6 weeks
Chamber Event
Conference / Workshop / Seminar
About the Program
The Youth Mini Market Program is a 6-week course designed to teach young people the basics of running their own business. It is set up as 5 separate lessons covering various business fundamentals, each hosted by a local Bay Area-based guest speaker. All lessons will be pre-recorded. The content and workbooks will unlock via a code emailed to you each Saturday morning. It is recommended that the lesson and associated workbooks be submitted by the following Friday. All 5 workbooks must be completed to graduate the program. The final week (week 6) participants will have the opportunity to submit questions to a team of experienced booth operators who specialize in youth development.
The course is taught at a sixth grade learning level, ideal for young people aged 11 and up.
All graduating participants will be given the opportunity to host a small booth at this year’s Foster City Fun Run on May 10th, 2025. They can demonstrate their knowledge and earn some well-deserved cash! Please note, booths selling food or drink items will not be permitted without appropriate insurance and certification from the CA Dept of Public Health provided in advance.
Join us this spring for a fun, interactive, and rewarding experience!
The cost per participant is $50.
For any questions, please contact info@fostercitychamber.com.
Course Program:
Session 1: Start-Up Fundamentals
This course will cover the key business set-up milestones, including business name, licensing, paperwork and administrative requirements, bank accounts, and other key formalities.
Session 2: Business Planning and Pricing
Students will be taught how to create a business plan, including core cost modeling. The session will cover the cost of goods sold, profit margin, and pricing principles.
Session 3: Marketing and Customer Service
With the business officially planned, let’s prepare to go live and bring in customers! This session covers the basics of marketing and best practices, and the importance and challenges of customer service.
Session 4 : Money Management
What to do when you start making money? Here, we will cover the importance of money management, including decisions around savings, re-investment, reserves, and future profits.
Session 5: Safety & Booth Preparation
The final session will prepare the students for opening their booth, including creating their own safety guidelines and protocols specific to their business. This will allow them to prepare to design and build their displays and be ready for Mini Market Opening Day.
Session 6: Q&A with an experienced team
Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions and gain insight from local booth specialists.
(phone: 650-398-5947)