Mini entrepreneurs gear up for Children's Festival

A group of 34 young entrepreneurs are learning how to present, price and sell their products through a series of workshops, ahead of the Mini Makers Markets at Tanks Arts Centre on Sunday 17 May.

Part of the Cairns Children’s Festival, the Mini Makers Markets provide a platform for entrepreneurs aged 7 to 17 to showcase their ideas while developing practical business skills by putting young creators in front of the thousands of families attending the festival.

This is the first time the Cairns Children’s Festival will be taken over by young stallholders, spotlighting the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The 34 “Mini Makers” are preparing for the event through two mentoring workshops hosted by Cairns Regional Council.

The workshops offer practical insight into running a market stall, from planning and pricing to presentation and customer interaction.

The sessions also provide an opportunity to ask questions, network and build confidence ahead of market day.

Mayor Amy Eden said Cairns has always been a place where people roll up their sleeves and give things a go, and the Mini Makers carry that same spirit in smaller hands.

“It’s creative, it’s practical, and it’s exactly how the next generation finds its footing,” Mayor Eden said.

Both workshops are supported by mentors with real-world experience, including Summer Adams from Summer Spirit, Angelica Picco from Angelica’s Artistic Designs, Rupert and Hugh Todd from the Ginger Brothers and Maddi Wright, representing the Wright Bros, who have recently been signed by a publishing agency.

The first workshop, held last week, provided participants the chance to hear from experienced young stallholders and take part in a venue walk-through to familiarise themselves with their allocated sites and facilities.

The second workshop on Sunday 26 April will take place at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, coinciding with the regular Tanks Market day, giving participants the chance to observe a full-scale market in operation.

Among the young stallholders is 10-year-old Chelsea Daley, who will be selling homemade pony treats inspired by her own horses.

“It is nice to do it. I like meeting people and getting advice,” Chelsea said. “I have been selling online, but this will be my first market.”

Twelve-year-old Ellexis Ives will bring a mix of dragon puppets, oil pastel artworks and driftwood lamps to the market through her brand, Elle’s Fantasy Crafts.

“I wanted to express my creativity and just have a bit of fun selling things,” Ellexis said.

Eight-year-old Lola Graham is behind Lola’s Growing Gardens, selling a range of homegrown plants including passionfruit, beans, strawberries and herbs, with proceeds supporting sea turtle conservation.

“We have been learning about it at school and I wanted to do more to help,” Lola said. “I am really excited.”

For the full program and to purchase tickets, visit the Cairns Children’s Festival website.