The 2024 Youth Business Showcase proved to be another success with ten business showcase participants attending. The showcase offered a variety of products such as woodworking, paintings, plants, jewelry, bakery items and even power washing as a service of their business. The Youth Business Showcase has proven to show all the amazing talent and skills Paulding County youth have!
Paulding County Economic Development (PCED), in collaboration with First Financial Bank, Ohio Small Business Development Center, Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Fall Creek Festival staff have again organized the 2nd annual Youth Business Showcase for young entrepreneurs. This event was held at the Paulding County OSU Extension building and offers youth up to age 18 to display and sell their products or services.
This event aims to provide a platform for our young innovators, offering them an opportunity to turn their dreams into reality, by showcasing their creations to a broader audience. We want to continue to promote that our community is overflowing with so many talented youth. This showcase is a way of encouraging their entrepreneurial pursuits.
Each Participant was judged for People’s Choice, and Judge’s Choice awards, in addition to receiving feedback from local business leaders. The Paulding County Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored all the winning gift baskets for this year’s event. This year’s Judge’s Choice award went to Banks Woodworking, owned and operated by Mr. Jordan Banks. He received a $75 savings account from First Financial Bank and a gift basket. Banks Woodworking offered many different types of woodworking and outdoor decorations. The 1st place People’s Choice Award went to Beads Delight by Londyn, owned and operated by Ms. Londyn Dargenson. Beads Delight by Londyn offered a large range of different beaded bracelets and other homemade jewelry pieces. The final award was 2nd place People’s Choice Award that went to Small Town Sisters, owned and operated by Ms. Allison, Sophie and Amelia Bollenbacher. Small Town Sisters offered everything from jewelry to wax melts. All ten businesses did well in sales during the event.
“This event teaches each young entrepreneur how to engage with others as well as learn how hard work and dedication pays off. It is important to continue encouraging and supporting each student as they learn so many imperative skills and give them a head start in their future endeavors” stated Jessica Stechschulte with the PCED office.
PCED appreciates the collaborative partnerships of Paulding County Area Chamber of Commerce, First Financial Band and Ohio Small Business Development Center for the help and thank you to all of the participants who were apart of this event. Everyone did a great job marketing and selling their businesses. Watch for new ideas to come as everyone looks forward to next year’s festival event.
