A U.S.-based nonprofit organization will help children launch their first businesses, bringing entrepreneurship to Canada for the first time, with its inaugural event set in Alberta for June 19, 2026, in Strathmore.
The Children’s Entrepreneur Market is expected to run from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Strathmore Farmers’ Market, giving young children ages five to 17 the chance to sell products they created themselves while gaining business experience.
The organization began in Utah in 2017 and now hosts youth markets in over 600 cities across the United States. Alberta is the program’s first expansion into Canada.
Julie Carr, Alberta market manager for the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, said the goal is to support children with the same opportunities as in the United States.
“We wanted to give children here in Canada the same opportunities that they have in the States, the opportunity to learn about fiscal responsibility, to build a product, to sell a product and build social skills and confidence and really build an entrepreneurship mindset,” Carr said.
Carr says the program encourages children to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills while developing their confidence in business experience.
“Anything that they want to do is possible in a supported and safe environment with peers and their parents,” Carr said.
Although this is the program’s first time in Alberta, organizers have faced challenges in finding venues available to host.
“It’s been a lot of people saying no to us,” Carr said. “Being a nonprofit and not wanting to increase the price for our kids to buy their own table, we’ve had to look elsewhere for sponsors or people willing to accommodate us.”
Carr credits the Strathmore Farmers’ Market and Millarville Market for supporting the organization.
Carr hopes that the market grows after its first year and attracts more young entrepreneurs across Canada.
“The confidence that they’re walking away with that they did not arrive with– they’re going to be different kids once they leave,” Carr said.
“I would want Albertans to know that this is worth it, that these kids are worth it. Maybe give us a chance, we’re going to show you what we can do.”