OC Rescue Mission Teaches Kids Entrepreneurial Skills

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — On Saturday, April 27, over 300 people attended Kids on a Mission, OC Children's Business Fair, to support some of Southern California's youngest entrepreneurs.

The Business Fair featured 31 booths staffed by children aged 6 to 14 who were showcasing homemade products ranging from tamales and chocolate-covered strawberries to edible slime, bookmarks, jewelry and toys made from recycled materials. Throughout the course of the day, the entrepreneurs were able to share their business strategies with shoppers.

In 2019, participants included 7 booths featuring children from Village of Hope, 10 booths featuring students from Currie Middle School and 14 booths staffed by children from all over Riverside and Orange Counties.

“The Business Fair gives children in Orange County the opportunity to express their creativity and understand business fundamentals, which sets them up for personal and professional success,” says Jim Palmer, President of Orange County Rescue Mission. "This is directly in line with our commitment to ensuring everyone who walks through the doors of Village of Hope is given the tools to thrive."

A panel of judges comprised of local business leaders and representatives from the Tustin Chamber of Commerce awarded cash prizes to booths that demonstrated excellence in a variety of areas, including Best Presentation and Most Creative Business Idea.

Kids on a Mission, OC Children's Business Fair is presented by Orange County Rescue Mission in partnership with The Lincoln Club Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the ideas of fiscal responsibility and free markets. The purpose of the Business Fair is to encourage and develop business skills among Orange County's youngest entrepreneurs.

The next Kids on a Mission, OC Children's Business Fair will be held on Saturday, November 2.

For more information or to register your child for the event, contact Ashley Binder at ashley.binder@rescuemission.org.