Budding business owners will again be showcased at the 39th Annual Meet in the Street festival in downtown Wake Forest on Saturday, May 4. Presented by the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and sponsored by Blue Wave Pressure Washing, the Young Entrepreneurs Fair gives students from age 9 to 14 an opportunity to manufacture, market, and sell their handmade products.
As part of its mission to support both entrepreneurship and youth programming, the Wake Forest Chamber invites students to participate at no charge. According to Ann Welton, Chamber president, “We get around 30,000 visitors to Meet in the Street, so it’s the ideal time for young people to market and sell their products.”
New this year are two workshops scheduled prior to the Fair to help students with their business and marketing plans. “By participating in the Fair, students get real-world experience in manufacturing, inventory control, branding, marketing, and sales,” said Welton. “By adding these workshops, we hope to also show them how to make a profit!”
Applications are currently being accepted through February 1, 2019. They can be accessed by visiting wakeforestchamber.org, by calling the Chamber at 919-556-1519, or clicking: https://wakeforestchamber.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Young-Entrepreneurs-Fair-Application-MITS-2019.pdf
Meet in the Street is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. For more information, including the complete entertainment schedule, parking information, an interactive map, and concession offerings, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Meet in the Street.”
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The January Business After Hours will be at the Buku Wake Forest restaurant. Come network with your fellow Chamber members and discover what global street food is all about. Light hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Adult beverages will be available for purchase. Bring your business cards – two Buku gift cards will be raffled off during the event!
The Chamber would like to remind our members that this event ends promptly at 7 p.m. so Buku can continue their regular service for their dinner guests.
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The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a new event in 2019 – a Family Expo to be held Saturday, March 23 at Richland Creek Community Church. It will be an opportunity for area residents to learn about summer and track-out camp, find a local pre-school, childcare, educational center, health care and other family-oriented businesses.
Along with the serious stuff there will be a lot of fun with bounce houses, face painting, food trucks and more.
Booth registration is now open, and those businesses registering by Jan. 15 will receive $50 off both prices over $300. Sponsorships are also available for those eager to market their business. Call the chamber office for complete details and the registration packet.
