Thursday and Friday mornings the East Dining Room was packed with young Hamlin entrepreneurs and their adult mentors. Girls shared their various business plans, discussing things like market research, prototyping, identifying target audiences, and many other facets of launching a product. The mentors asked probing questions, providing guidance and encouragement.

The Student Ventures Program allows our students to sell their own creative items at this year’s Winterfest, December 7. Winterfest is Hamlin’s much-anticipated, magically festive annual event to celebrate community.

What is the purpose of this program?

-To create and develop a product
-To market and sell this product at Winterfest
-To learn about entrepreneurship
-To give back to Hamlin
-To earn a profit

How does it work?

-Interested students filled out an application
-Students applied as individuals or in groups
-All participants have a sponsoring adult (parent or guardian)
-Participants complete a business plan
-Students meet with Hamlin parent entrepreneurs to receive feedback and support
-All participants will have a selling space at the Winterfest marketplace

What products are being sold?

There are well over one hundred girls selling a variety of items. The major categories include:

-Jewelry, Hair Accessories, Food, Spa-related products, and Crafts

Our December 7 Winterfest takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so don’t miss this opportunity to support our young entrepreneurs.