Spring is a season of new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and planting seeds that will lead to a great harvest. Just like in nature, entrepreneurship is all about planting the right seeds, nurturing them, and watching them grow!
This issue we talk about what seeds you can plant for your child’s business. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to grow their existing business, now is the time to plan, plant, and nurture the future they want to create.
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Check out what's new in this edition:
- Helping your child explore new business ideas.
- Learning new skills to strengthen your business.
- Setting business goals for the next quarter
- Rising Star Ke'Nyzjah Ferebee of Kayke! Bakery
- Tips for Supporting Your Youth Entrepreneur
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Rising Stars: Ke’nyzjah Ferebee - A Virginia Kidpreneur!
Started by a girl with a passion for baking and cake decorating!
Ke'nyzjah Ferebee is the owner of Kayke! Bakery, an in-home custom cake shop! What started as a hobby for coping with the boredom of the COVID-19 pandemic, turned into a long-term business venture that's featured her on The Virginian Pilot, The Daily Press, Virginia This Morning, and more!
Some may recognize her as an attendee of our Kid Expo! We at The Bennett Center have loved watching Ke'Nyzjah grow into the wonderful business owner she is now.
To learn more about her story and view her outstanding cakes, click below!
Secure Your Spot in Our Program!
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.
Does your child want to start a business but their unsure of how to?
At The Bennett Center we believe that entrepreneurship is one of the most valuable skills a child can learn—and we created a resource to make getting started easier than ever!
Kid Business Success is a Bennett Center published guide designed to help young entrepreneurs turn their ideas into real opportunities.
Inside, kids will find 50 profitable business ideas and a step-by-step roadmap to launching their very first business.
This book helps young entrepreneurs:
🚀 Discover the right business idea based on their passions and strengths
📊 Create a simple business plan to turn their ideas into action
💡 Build confidence in selling, marketing, and managing money
💰 Develop lifelong skills in leadership, problem-solving, and financial independence
Parents will also learn how to support their child’s business journey, making entrepreneurship a family effort that strengthens bonds and creates generational opportunities.
🌟 This is more than just a book—it’s a tool for success!
Setting Business Goals for the Next Quarter
Every successful business has a plan—and that starts with setting clear goals. Just like in school or sports, having a target to aim for keeps young entrepreneurs motivated, focused, and moving forward.
As we head into a new quarter, now is the perfect time to sit down with your child and set achievable business goals. Here’s how to make the process fun and effective:
Step 1: Reflect on the Past Quarter
Ask your child:
- What went well in their business?
- What challenges did they face?
- What would they like to improve or try differently?
This reflection helps them see what’s working and what they can adjust for better results.
Step 2: Set SMART Goals
Encourage your child to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals for the next three months. Here are some examples:
- Increase sales – “I will sell 10 handmade bracelets by the end of the month.”
- Boost marketing – “I will post about my business twice a week on social media.”
- Improve money management – “I will save 50% of my profits for reinvestment.”
- Expand product or service offerings – “I will test one new product or service to see if customers like it.”
Step 3: Take Action!
Once they’ve set their goals, help them break it down into small steps. What will they do this week to move closer to their goal? Keeping a business journal or progress tracker can be a great way to stay on track!
Put it into action! Write down three business goals for the next quarter. Post them somewhere visible as a reminder to stay focused and keep working toward success!
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:
Learning New Skills to Strengthen Your Business
Starting a business is exciting, but growing it requires learning new skills. Just like a plant needs water and sunlight to thrive, a business needs knowledge, practice, and continuous improvement to succeed.
Here are a few key skills that can help your child take their business to the next level:
Communication & Customer Service
Being able to talk about their business confidently and connect with customers is essential. Help your child practice their sales pitch or role-play customer interactions to build confidence.
Financial Literacy
Understanding money basics is a must! Teach them how to track earnings, set prices, and reinvest profits into their business. A simple budgeting system (like setting aside a portion for supplies, savings, and spending) can make a huge difference.
Marketing & Promotion
Even the best business idea needs visibility! Encourage your child to think about creative ways to promote their business, whether it’s through word-of-mouth, social media, or participating in vendor events.
Problem-Solving & Adaptability
Not every sale will go as planned, and that’s okay! Help your child analyze what’s working and what needs improvement. Did they try a new product that didn’t sell well? Encourage them to tweak their approach and learn from the experience.
Put it into action! This week, have your child pick one skill to focus on improving. Whether it’s practicing how to talk about their business, learning more about money management, or testing out a new marketing idea, every step forward builds confidence and success!
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)