The 2014 Kids Business Fair winner of “Highest Business Potential” for grades three through five was Talia Holder, Mentone. The second annual fair will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, North Webster Community Center. (Photo provided)

The second annual Kids Business Fair is coming from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, March 14 to the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St. (SR 13).This is a great opportunity for kids in Kosciusko County to run their own business for one day.

Kids can sell items that they have created, provide a service or market an idea. Some of the businesses in 2014 were homemade pet treats, pet sitting, tutoring, homemade jewelry, desserts-snacks, duct tape purses and pens and games. They keep all of the money as scores of area shoppers visit their booths.

The event is open to kids in grades K through eight and the entry cost is $10. All participants will receive a T-shirt. Applications are available at the North Webster Community Center or nwcommunitycenter.org. Also, check with your school or local library. Entry deadline is Saturday, Jan. 31.

Erin Smith, director of operations for the North Webster Community Center explained, “Kid business owners can team-up with a couple of friends, a sibling or go solo. Maybe the entire family can become employees of the young entrepreneurs? Kids learn life-long lessons in using their imagination, hard work, investing, and the value of managing money.”

Cash prizes will be given in all age groups for these categories: “Best Presentation,” “Most Original” and “Highest Business Potential” as judged by successful business owners from around the area.

The center asks that kid business owners do their part for the community by supporting a not-for-profit or like cause at their booth. Some of these young entrepreneurs chose to give back to their community by supporting families struggling with illness, the humane shelter or other pet rescue, and the local food pantry.

“In 2014 we sold-out the community center banquet hall with 18 kid businesses and had 125 shoppers who found some great deals. Admission to shop is $1,” noted Smith. Sponsors for the 2014 event are the North Webster Community Center, Kids Market Inc., Shopko and the Dekko Foundation.

Join in on Saturday, March 14 to see what the kids come up with this year!