Founders Market - A Youth Entrepreneur Showcase

Founders Market – A Youth Entrepreneur Showcase
In Partnership with the Buffalo Community Center

Date: April 27th, 2025
Location: Buffalo Community Center, 206 Central Ave, Buffalo, MN 55313
Free Entry – Open to parents, students, schools, and community organizations.

For questions, contact and reach out to Adam Leiferman or Teri Welter.

The Founders Market is an interactive youth entrepreneurship showcase designed to empower young business minds. This event provides a dynamic platform for young entrepreneurs to exhibit their businesses, engage with potential customers, gain mentorship from industry leaders, and develop essential real-world business skills. Hosted in partnership with the Buffalo Community Center, this initiative fosters youth innovation and business development.

By participating, young entrepreneurs will:

• Gain Exposure – Present their ideas to the public and potential investors.
• Develop Entrepreneurial Skills – Learn about branding, customer engagement, and business operations.
• Connect with Industry Leaders – Receive mentorship and valuable feedback.
• Grow Confidence – Practice pitching their business in a supportive environment.

• Young Entrepreneur Booths – Explore a variety of student-run businesses showcasing products, services, and innovations.
• Founders Bingo Challenge – Complete challenges at booths to win a raffle prize.
• Mentorship Speed Networking – Gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
• Photo Station: "Future Business Stars" – Celebrate your entrepreneurial journey with a professional snapshot.
• The Future Founder Pitch-Off – Pitch your business idea to a panel of mentors and business professionals for feedback and prizes.
• Awards Ceremony – Recognizing outstanding booths, creativity, and innovation.

• Young Entrepreneurs – Students looking to launch, grow, or promote their business ideas.
• Parents, Educators & Schools – Support student entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Business Leaders & Investors – Connect with the next generation of business minds.
• Community Organizations – Engage with young talent and support youth initiatives.

If you are a student entrepreneur with a business, product, or innovative idea, this is your opportunity to showcase your work, gain real-world experience, and connect with industry professionals.

Eligibility:

• Open to students aged 10-18 who have a business, product, or service to showcase.
• Businesses can range from handmade crafts, tech innovations, and food products to service-based businesses or community initiatives.
• Participants may register individually or in groups of up to 3.

What You Get:

• A booth space (table and signage) to showcase your business.
• A chance to participate in The Future Founder Pitch-Off and receive expert feedback.
• Recognition through the Awards Ceremony, with special prizes for standout booths.
• Networking opportunities with community leaders, investors, and potential customers.

Booth Expectations:

• Each booth should have a clear business display (e.g., signage, product samples, or service demonstrations).
• Participants should be prepared to engage with attendees, answer questions, and explain their business concept.
• Selling products is optional but encouraged if applicable. Participants handling sales should comply with any local regulations.

Application Process:

1. Apply for a Booth Participant Ticket on Eventbrite.
2. Complete the participant application form included in your confirmation email.
3. Applications will be reviewed, and selected participants will receive a confirmation with further instructions.

The Future Founder Pitch-Off is an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a panel of business professionals and mentors. This challenge helps participants refine their presentation skills, gain feedback, and compete for potential prizes.

How to Participate:

• Booth participants are automatically eligible to compete in The Future Founder Pitch-Off and will receive an invitation upon booth confirmation.
• If you do not want a booth but want to compete in The Future Founder Pitch-Off, register for the Pitch Challenger Ticket on Eventbrite. Approved applicants will receive event details and participation instructions.
• Each participant (or group of up to 3) will have 3-5 minutes to present their business idea, followed by Q&A from the panel.
• Judges will provide constructive feedback and select winners based on creativity, business potential, and presentation skills.

If you are an industry professional, business owner, or organization looking to support young entrepreneurs, you can participate as a mentor or event sponsor.

• Provide one-on-one guidance to student entrepreneurs during the event.
• Share expertise in areas such as marketing, business strategy, product development, or finance.
• Serve as a Future Founder Pitch-Off panelist to give professional feedback.

• Support the event by sponsoring booths, awards, or activities.
• Provide prizes for The Future Founder Pitch-Off or Founders Bingo.
• Donate business tools or resources to help young entrepreneurs grow.

Interested mentors and sponsors should select the Mentor & Sponsor Ticket on Eventbrite. A team member will follow up with additional details.

This event is free, but tickets are required for entry.

• General Admission (Free) – Grants access to the event, including exhibitor booths, networking sessions, and activities.
• Booth Participant (Application Required) – Reserved for young entrepreneurs who want to showcase their business. A booth space is provided upon approval. After registering, applicants will receive an email with additional details and next steps.
• The Future Founder Pitch-Off (Application Required) – For young entrepreneurs interested in pitching their business idea to a panel of mentors and industry leaders. Booth participants are automatically eligible, but standalone pitch applicants must apply separately.
• Mentor & Sponsor Ticket (Free, Application Required) – For industry professionals, business leaders, and organizations interested in mentoring young entrepreneurs or sponsoring an activity. After registering, a team member will reach out with more details.

1. Select your ticket type based on your role at the event (attendee, booth participant, pitch challenger, or mentor/sponsor).
2. Complete the registration form and provide any required details.
3. Check your email for confirmation and additional event details.
4. For booth participants, pitch challengers, and mentors/sponsors, expect further instructions after review and approval.

Booth spaces and mentorship slots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Info: Booth participants arrive and set up their stations.
Event staff will be available for assistance.

Info: Welcome message from the Community Center representatives.
Overview of the event and schedule highlights.
Welcome table and event program distribution.
Networking and booth exploration begin.

Info: Attendees explore student-led businesses and interact with exhibitors.
Founders Bingo begins – attendees collect stamps from booths for a chance to win prizes.

Info: Students participate in small-group discussions with local business leaders and mentors.
Sessions rotate every 10 minutes to maximize networking opportunities.

Info: Selected participants pitch their business ideas to a panel of professionals.
Judges provide feedback and select winners for prizes.

Info: Booth breakdown and exhibitor wrap-up.
Networking and final conversations.

Info: Final words of encouragement and gratitude to participants, mentors, and attendees.

Host or Publisher Chelsea Sande