January has flown by, and we're already into the second month of 2025! You’ve probably already planned a promotion for Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. In this issue, we’ll share tips on how to boost your business during these holidays.
Wherever you are in your journey, we hope to provide valuable insights and opportunities to help you have a successful and profitable February!
Keep reading to learn about our spotlighted Kid CEO, exciting updates from The Bennett Center, tips from our Founder, and inspiration to help you and your family thrive!
|
|
Check out what's new in this edition:
- Sebastian Wilson, an 11 Year Old Brooklyn Entrepreneur and Pizza Shop Owner
- Upcoming events.
- Vender Opportunities
- Buzz Spotlight
- Tips for Supporting Your Youth Entrepreneur
|
11 Year Old Entrepreneur Opens Brooklyn Pizza Shop
A celebration of Caribbean culture, Spices and Slices was created after Sebastian was inspired by his parents who are also entrepreneurs. – "My parents are hard workers, and I want to be hard workers just like them." - Sebastian Wilson (Owner)
Sebastian Wilson is an outstanding Kidpreneur who opened his own Caribbean pizza shop in Flatbush (Brooklyn), New York. Inspired by recipes his mom made for him, he decided to open up his own pizza shop to share the goodness of Caribbean food with the Brooklyn community.
Child labor laws limit how much he can do but Sebastian is still learning key lessons in balancing school and business. While also being involved in all vital decisions for the pizza shop (and helping out around the restaurant).
His biggest takeaway, "It doesn't matter what age you are, you can still have your dreams come true."
Our Program is Starting Soon!
Let us help turn your child's idea into a ready to launch business. Secure a spot today!
Vision to Impact
Discovering and Launching Your Vision
This 12-week foundational track is designed for youth who are ready to explore entrepreneurship, whether they already have a business idea or are starting from scratch.
Participants will learn the essentials of entrepreneurship through engaging lessons, hands-on activities and mentorship. Participants will leave with a ready-to-launch business or a fully developed plan to bring their vision to life.
Buzz Spotlight
"Specially crafted lemonade sure to thrill your taste buds."
At just 12 years old, Mallory Jackson is shaking things up in the world of youth entrepreneurship with her business, Mallory’s Lemonade Stand! Known for its inclusive menu of unique and delicious lemonade flavors, Mallory’s business caters to adventurous taste buds. The winner of Best Product 2024 and Best Concept 2024 at the Kid Expo, Mallory is just starting and has even bigger goals she's working to achieve.
|
|
|
Want to be spotlighted next?
Click the link below to enter your information for a chance to be the next Buzzz Spotlight.
How To Boost Your Business During The Upcoming Holidays
Align Your Offerings with the Spirit of the Season:
For Black History Month: Highlight the importance of Black culture and contributions. If you're a Black-owned business, share your story, mission, and the inspiration behind your brand. Consider collaborating with other Black entrepreneurs, featuring local artists, or promoting products that celebrate cultural heritage.
For Valentine’s Day: Focus on products or services that celebrate love, friendship, and connection. Create bundles or gift packages that make it easy for customers to purchase meaningful gifts. Think beyond romantic relationships—highlight self-love, family appreciation, or community connections
Create Themed Marketing Campaigns:
Design eye-catching social media posts, email newsletters, and website banners that reflect the theme of each holiday. Use hashtags like #BlackHistoryMonth, #ShopBlackOwned, #ValentinesDayGifts, or #LoveLocal to increase your reach. Share stories, quotes, or historical facts related to Black History Month to educate and engage your audience. For Valentine’s Day, use heartfelt messages that resonate emotionally with your customers.
Host Special Events or Promotions:
Black History Month Ideas: Organize virtual events, like webinars, discussions, or showcases featuring Black entrepreneurs, leaders, or artists. Offer limited-edition products or discounts, donating a portion of proceeds to organizations that support Black communities.
Valentine’s Day Ideas: Run a “Share the Love” promotion where customers receive a discount for referring a friend. Host a contest encouraging customers to share stories about love, friendship, or appreciation, with a prize related to your business. By thoughtfully aligning your business with the values and emotions tied to these holidays, you can create meaningful connections with your audience while boosting visibility and sales.
Upcoming Events for The Bennett Center:
MAR 8 - Dave and Busters Fundraiser Event
701 Lynnhaven Pkwy Suite G19 • 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Join us for a fun-filled family day at Dave & Buster's, where games meet giving back! Bring your friends, family, or both! Let’s play, support a great cause, and make lasting memories together.
You can purchase your $10 or $20 Power Cards through the link below! Proceeds go directly to The Bennett Center to help us continue our mission of helping whole families out of poverty.
|
Vendor Opportunities
Looking for vendor opportunities? The Bennett Center has vendor spots open for the following upcoming events.
JUN 14 - The Kidpreneur Expo of Richmond
Greater Richmond Convention Center • 10:00am - 3:00pm
Our Annual Kidpreneur Expo has expanded to Richmond, VA! We are currently looking for vendors who would like to participate. If you or someone you know would be interested, you can apply at the link below!
AUG 2 - The Kidpreneur Expo of Hampton Roads
Hampton Roads Convention Center • 10:00am - 3:00pm
Our Annual Kidpreneur Expo is coming soon and we need outstanding vendors! If you would like to participate or know someone who would be interested, please apply at the link below!
|
Tip for Parents of Kidpreneurs:
When is The Best Time to Invest in Your Child's Idea?
As parents, we get excited when our children are passionate about something and can immediately see the potential in them. However, naturally, we can find ourselves ready to go before the kids themselves know if it's something they are truly interested in.
The most important thing for us to do as parents is not push too hard but give them the resources and space to explore what they like and dislike.
Our kids, while we may not always think it, know exactly what they would like to do. We just have to listen. Whether it's writing a book, making lemonade, or even opening their own pizza shop. Kids dream big and as parents it's our job to help nurture and grow their ideas with them together.
If you're unsure of what to look for in your child when it comes to business possibilities, try the tips below.
- Observe Their Consistency:
Before jumping in with full support, watch how consistently your child engages with their idea. Are they excited about it for a few days and then move on to something else, or do they return to it repeatedly with the same enthusiasm? Consistent interest over time is a strong sign that their passion is genuine and worth nurturing.
- Look for Self-Motivation:
Pay attention to whether your child takes initiative without constant reminders. Are they coming up with new ideas, asking questions, or trying to improve on their own? When kids show self-driven curiosity and a desire to learn more, it’s a great indicator that they’re ready for the next level of support.
- Gauge Their Willingness To Overcome Challenges:
Every business idea will come with obstacles. Notice how your child reacts when faced with a problem. Do they show resilience, problem-solving skills, or creative thinking to find solutions? If they’re willing to stick with their idea even when it’s tough, that’s a strong sign they’re serious—and it may be time to invest in helping them grow.
Invest in Empowering Families- Donate Today!
We’re passionate about our mission, and your donations help us go even further. Support us in empowering families to build lasting financial freedom!
|
|
|
“The goal of The Bennett Center is to close the gap of poverty.”
— Alasha Bennett (Founder)