Empowering Youth Through the Mini Market Program
The Youth Mini Market program is designed to equip local youth with essential skills and knowledge through a series of engaging workshops. By participating, young individuals will gain hands-on experience in various aspects of business and entrepreneurship, fostering their confidence and creativity. This initiative not only empowers youth but also strengthens our community by encouraging collaboration and innovation among the next generation of leaders.
Explore The Workshops
The Mini Market Youth Program is back bigger, bolder, and live with the support of the City of Foster City and Visa. After a successful digital pilot last spring, the program is launching as a fully in-person, hands-on experience designed to take young marketeers from idea to execution with real-world guidance every step of the way.
This six-week Saturday morning program runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and blends structured instruction with interactive learning, guest speakers, and peer collaboration. Each participant receives a comprehensive printed workbook that serves as both a guide and a keepsake, covering business fundamentals they’ll use well beyond the program.
Over the course of six weeks, marketeers will learn everything included in the original Mini Market Youth Program, and then some. Topics include budgeting, pricing, branding, marketing, customer service, cost models, and money management, along with expanded lessons on real-world decision-making, problem-solving, and on-the-fly adaptation.
A key enhancement of the in-person program is direct access to local program graduates and business owners, who will share honest insights, lessons learned, mistakes made, and practical tips that only come from experience. These conversations help demystify entrepreneurship and show participants that success is built through learning, adjusting, and trying again.
The program culminates in a live vending opportunity at the Mother’s Day Weekend Market, where participants will launch and test their businesses with real customers in a high-energy community setting. Marketeers who complete the program will also have additional opportunities to participate in a chamber market throughout the year at a discount, giving them extra chances to refine their concept, improve their approach, and grow their confidence.
This program isn’t about creating perfect businesses—it’s about building confident young entrepreneurs who know how to think critically, communicate clearly, manage money, and show up with courage. The Mini Market Youth Program gives participants the tools, the platform, and the support to try, learn, and succeed—one market at a time.
Business Planning and Pricing
Students will be taught how to create a business plan, including core cost modeling. The session will cover the cost of goods sold, profit margin, and pricing principles.
Marketing and Customer Service
With the business officially planned, let’s prepare to go live and bring in customers! This session covers the basics of marketing and best practices, and the importance and challenges of customer service.
Money Management
What to do when you start making money? Here, we will cover the importance of money management, including decisions around savings, re-investment, reserves, and future profits.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Youth Mini Market Program
The Youth Mini Market program is designed to empower young individuals through hands-on workshops that teach essential skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial literacy. Below are some common questions and answers to help participants and their guardians navigate the program effectively.
What is the Youth Mini Market program?
The Youth Mini Market program is an initiative by the Foster City Chamber of Commerce Foundation aimed at equipping local youth with practical skills and knowledge to succeed in business and entrepreneurship through a series of interactive workshops.
My child is not in 6th grade, can he/she still participate?
Our material is aimed at children in middle & high school grades. We strongly encourage 6th grade and higher as the minimum age.
Do I need to sign a waiver/permission slip?
CLASS: Yes, we require a permission slip and a sign-in/out sheet for every class. If your child will self-dismiss, an additional form will be required.
MARKET: We want to help market your student’s stand. If you wish to participate in the final market at the Foster City Fun Run (the stand location is TBD), please sign the provided permission slip. Some students may take the classes and decide to launch another day, or would rather market their business another way. We understand this completely. In this case, you would not need to fill out the permission slip.
When does Mini Market start?
The Mini Market program will have two rounds in 2026, with the first beginning January 10th and the second February 28th, with the Market stands held at the Foster City Fun Run in May. There will be an opportunity for an adult program later in the year.
Can I sell …?
We love entrepreneurs! Maybe your student paints? Perhaps they want to start a car washing business? Utilize this coursework to start whichever business works for you. Please note, booths selling food or drink items will not be permitted without appropriate insurance and certification from the Dept of Health provided in advance.
Are there any additional costs?
Mini Market registration cost of $100.00 covers all 6 two-hour classes, the booklets, apparel, and a 5x5ft space in a canopy at the market if they choose to participate.
Students will need funds to start their business (think supplies to make the product, etc.). How to find these funds is covered in the class.
Are there any scholarships available?
We are happy to announce that several local businesses have created scholarships for local students. If you would like your business to sponsor a scholarship or your youth would like to apply for one, please reach out to scott@fostercitychamber.com. To apply for a scholarship, your child will need to write a 500-word essay on why they should receive it and what their intentions are with their new business.
Will students be graded?
As in business, success is measured very differently. We want this fun experience to be a life lesson on how to start a business, create positive customer experiences, manage and save money, and build a brand. There are no grades just an opportunity for learning beyond the classroom.
What materials are required?
To participate in Mini Market, students must show up with their workbook and be ready to work!
When and where is the booth event?
The booth event will be at the finishing line of the Foster City Fun Run, May 2nd 2026. Location is TBD but it will be in Foster City. The booth event will run from 8am to noon. While some support with tables may be available, please expect to have your child be responsible for everything to do with set up and clear down. This is their business after all. The event is sustainable and all trash and recycling will be the responsibility of the booth owners.
Is the booth event mandatory?
No. It is optional for any participant that wants to host a booth. You can still complete the course without joining the booth event.
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Join Mini Market Today
Empower yourself through our Youth Mini Market program! Sign up for our six engaging sessions designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, or financial literacy, there's something for everyone.