Urbana’s KidzBiz Pop-Up empowers young entrepreneurs with real-world business skills

URBANA, Ill. (WICS) — The City of Urbana is once again making room for its smallest business owners.

Another KidzBiz Pop-Up brought young entrepreneurs together Sunday at Lincoln Square Mall, giving children the chance to sell their products, connect with the community and learn real-world skills along the way.

From charcuterie boards and paintings to handmade creations, kids were doing more than making sales — they were building confidence and learning how to run a business.

There were 15 vendors at the free event, which allows children to showcase their products while interacting with customers and neighbors throughout the community.

Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams said he launched KidzBiz before becoming mayor and wanted to expand its reach to impact more children across the city.

Williams said the initiative goes beyond making money and focuses on teaching communication, leadership and interpersonal skills as Urbana invests in its next generation of leaders.

“It’s just one of those things where, you know, obviously the first thing that they’re having to do talk right and then communicate with folks right? Folks are wanting to buy their product right then. So it’s two-fold. It allows for them to get that interacting, you know, those interactive skills up, but it also allows for them to see that, oh my gosh, someone is wanting to invest in me and actually purchase something that I created.”

Among the young entrepreneurs were 9-year-old Victory Jones and 6-year-old Aylen Goodloe, who started their charcuterie board business last year after participating in KidzBiz.

Their family runs a catering business, and the girls enjoy helping with cooking, preparing orders and serving customers.

They said the experience has helped them learn important skills like counting money and proper sanitation.

“It taught me a lot about counting money.This is their second kidbiz event. So they’re learning how to greet people and learning how to serve them and they much have that down for the most part sometimes their just shy.”

The girls said they now hope to grow their business by hosting kids’ parties and expanding their offerings.

They credit the KidzBiz Pop-Up with helping them gain confidence and experience.

The next KidzBiz event is scheduled for early May, and city leaders say they hope to see even more young entrepreneurs participate.

Information on how to sign a child up for the next KidzBiz Pop-Up can be found at foxillinois.com.