BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – Bedford County 4-H is inspiring kids to become young entrepreneurs through a new program. It’s called the Next Generation Youth Farmers Market.
Bedford County youth ages 10 to 18 can attend two sessions this spring to learn what it takes to run a business then build their own if they don’t have one already.
After, they’ll sell their products at the Bedford Farmer’s Market alongside adult business owners so they can ask questions and get that real-life experience.
4-H extension agent, Maribeth Martin said the 2020 holiday season had multiple youth markets that had large turnouts of participants and shoppers. This program will give these young people another chance to learn outside of the holidays.
“People love to see what kids are doing in the community and really seeing them take the initiative. That was kind of where the name came from “Next Generation”, thinking about these are the kids that are going to be doing this into the future and so how can we give them opportunities to put their skills out there,” said Martin.
13-year-old Clay Jackson is the owner of Clay Custom Crank Baits. It started when he received an airbrush kit for Christmas a few months ago. Now, he airbrushes detailed designs on lures.
The Next Generation Youth Farmers Market is something Jackson knew he had to be a part of and is grateful it is being offered.
Jackson believes the skills and experience he’ll gain will help take his business and future to the next level.
“I’m grateful for learning things like public speaking and getting out there to talk to other people so that way I’m not as nervous when I get around crowds. So it’s a great skill to learn in life,” said Jackson.
For more information on the market and to fill out an application, click here.