If you’ve ever wondered how to get kids interested in business, just put a 70-inch TV on the line.
That was one of the creative prizes up for grabs at this year’s 3rd Annual Young Entrepreneurs Expo & Maker’s Market, hosted by Richard Chaing of Suffolk Executive Offices. On Saturday, November 1, nearly 30 “Kidpreneurs” ages 7 to 17 filled the Hilton Garden Inn in Suffolk with energy, ideas, and products that reflected both imagination and drive. From handmade worry stones and self-published books to LEGO robotics projects, each young founder was the boss of their own business—designing, marketing, and selling directly to real customers.
What started as a family-inspired project in 2018 has grown into a community movement. After his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis sparked conversations about legacy and purpose, and his 12-year-old daughter began selling candles at local craft fairs, Chaing saw a gap: young entrepreneurs needed a space of their own. His wife’s simple advice—“Stop complaining and find a solution”—became the catalyst for an event where kids could learn fiscal responsibility, public speaking, and customer service firsthand.
The Expo now offers more than just a table to sell from. Thanks to the Suffolk Executive Office Foundation, every participating Kidpreneur received a Southern Bank account pre-seeded with $25 to jumpstart their business journey. The event also included awards for Most Original Business Idea, Highest Business Potential, and Best Booth Presentation, adding a friendly competitive edge to the learning experience.
Each year, the Young Entrepreneurs Expo reminds families and local leaders that the next generation of innovators is already here—dreaming big, building boldly, and proving that entrepreneurship has no age limit.
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