City of Rochester
News Release
(Wednesday, July 1, 2015) – This week, 10 young BizKid$ entrepreneurs traveled to New York City’s innovative Youthmarket to learn how to develop and operate an urban farm stand business. The group was accompanied by staff from the City Department of Recreation and Youth Services along with staff from Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester.
Youthmarket is a network of urban farm stands that bring fresh fruits and vegetables to underserved communities in New York City. Each farm stand is operated by neighborhood youth who help their communities while learning small-business skills and earning money. The Rochester BizKid$ participated in Youthmarket training, toured a Grow NYC Greenmarket, spoke directly with farmers and engaged in hands-on market promotion, merchandising and customer service activities. They also learned about health, nutrition, the environment and regional agriculture.
BizKid$ is a component of Operation Transformation Rochester (OTR), the City of Rochester’s innovative approach to helping youth and adults make connections and gain the skills needed to find and keep a job. The BizKid$ program begins with a free week-long camp offered several times a year during school breaks to help kids learn how to start their own businesses. The camp is offered specifically to city residents and includes breakfast and lunch, business supplies and cash prizes. Throughout the week students learn to develop a business plan, speak and act professionally, manage money and sell products or services. After finishing the BizKid$ camp, graduates are invited to attend BizKid$ & Beyond seminars to learn such concepts as supply and demand, taxes and licenses, banks and credit and customer relations. Especially promising entrepreneurs are offered a chance to join the BizKid$ Real team and get paid to operate an actual company.
Spots are still available for youth ages 10 through 13 in the August BizKid$ camp session which runs Aug. 3 through 7 at the Norton Village Recreation Center. Registration is required. For more information, including an application, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/bizkids or call 428-7371.
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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo, 428-7135.