February is flying by! With Valentine’s Day behind us, we hope you had a successful sales season. If you’re a Black business owner, we encourage you to take advantage of this time to showcase your business and boost sales during Black History Month.
This issue is full of more goodies! Keep reading to learn about our newest spotlighted Kid CEO, updates from The Bennett Center, informative tips from our Founder, and more!
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Check out what's new in this edition:
- Frankie Martinez, an 11-year Old Hot Sauce Brand Owner
- Upcoming events.
- Vendor Opportunities
- Buzz Spotlight
- Tips for Supporting Your Youth Entrepreneur
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Frankie's Spicy Farm - The Hot Sauce Brand Owned by An 11-Year-Old
Made by a kid who was only 8 and had a vision to incorporate flavors into his homemade hot sauce.
Frankie Martinez is the owner of Frankie's Spicy Farm, a hot sauce brand. Frankie started by selling his hot sauce at his local farmer's market, where people loved it and encouraged him to start his own business. But he wasn't prepared for the uphill battle he would have to endure.
After selling 1,400 bottles of his homemade hot sauce, the Virginia Department of Agriculture learned of his success and instructed him to get FDA-approved before he could continue to sell his hot sauce.
Despite the warning from his mother that it would take a lot of hard work and money, Frankie decided to take on the challenge. Digging his heels into the ground and doing the necessary work to get his business back up and running.
Now two years later his sauce has been FDA approved, he's found a company willing to commercially package his hot sauce, and he's on the road to launch his spiciest hot sauce yet, Blowtorch.
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
"Sharing her passion while encouraging others to explore their creativity."
At just nine years old, Evie Shaw is proving that creativity knows no age limits. As the founder of Abstract Impact Art, Evie transforms blank canvases into stunning works of abstract fluid art, inspiring others to embrace their artistic side. But it hasn't always been easy. Evie has learned that success takes patience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace challenges.
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Want to be spotlighted next?
Click the link below to enter your information for a chance to be the next Buzzz Spotlight.
Overcoming Setbacks in Your Business
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Every entrepreneur—no matter their age—faces challenges and setbacks in business. Whether it's slow sales, a failed idea, or unexpected obstacles, the key to success isn't avoiding setbacks—it's learning how to overcome them.
Here’s how to turn setbacks into stepping stones for your business:
Shift Your Mindset: Setbacks Are Learning Experiences
Instead of seeing a setback as a failure, see it as a lesson. Every successful business owner has faced obstacles—it’s how you respond that matters.
Ask Yourself: What can I learn from this? How can I improve next time?
Example: If a product didn’t sell well, maybe you need better marketing, a different price, a different audience, or a new approach.
Stay Flexible & Adapt:
Great entrepreneurs pivot when necessary. If something isn’t working, adjust your strategy.
Try This:
- If an event didn’t bring in sales → Try selling online or at a different market.
- If a product isn’t selling → Ask customers for feedback and improve it.
- If you're struggling with time management → Create a schedule and set priorities.
📌 Lesson: Business success is about trial, error, and improvement!
Focus on What You Can Control:
Some things—like bad weather at an event or shipping delays—are out of your hands. Instead of stressing, focus on what you can do.
- Lost a sale? Follow up with customers or improve your pitch.
- Low engagement on social media? Try new content, post at different times, or ask your audience what they want.
- Short on funds? Get creative—offer discounts, bundle products, or find free marketing options.
📌 Lesson: Worry less about what you can’t change and focus on what you can improve.
Keep Moving Forward
The most successful business owners keep going, even when things get tough. Your setbacks don’t define you—your actions do!
Remember:
✔ Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it.
✔ Every great business owner had struggles before they succeeded.
✔ You only truly fail if you quit.
📌 Lesson: Keep learning, stay determined, and use setbacks as fuel to grow!
Ready to Bounce Back?
Every challenge is a chance to learn, grow, and come back stronger. Need support? Join The Bennett Center’s business workshops and mentorship programs to get expert guidance and encouragement!
Visit www.thebennettcenter.com/programs to learn more!
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.
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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 • 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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 • 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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!
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Tip for Parents of Kidpreneurs:
Build a Community for Support
Being a parent of a young entrepreneur comes with unique challenges—balancing business, school, and family life can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone!
Surrounding yourself with like-minded parents who understand the ups and downs of raising a young business owner can make all the difference.
- Share experiences and advice – Learn from other parents who have navigated similar struggles.
- Find encouragement – Business setbacks can feel discouraging, but having a support system keeps you motivated.
- Exchange resources – From vendor opportunities to time management tips, connecting with other entrepreneur families can open doors.
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!
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“The goal of The Bennett Center is to close the gap of poverty.”
— Alasha Bennett (Founder)