Youth, newcomer markets showcase businesses

Community markets are giving aspiring entrepreneurs practical experience selling products, promoting their work and engaging with customers. In Cochrane, a fall market will pair newcomer business-program participants with established newcomer-owned businesses, letting participants apply lessons from a 13-module course and build community connections. Youth-focused events in Southern Maryland, Oklahoma City and Killeen similarly offer children and teens chances to sell crafts and other goods while learning business skills; organizers emphasize confidence, marketing and financial literacy, with another Oklahoma City market planned for spring. Killeen’s second annual market featured 21 booths for vendors ages 10 to 18 and served as a feeder event for Fort Hood Area Lemonade Day.