The free Kidovate Young Entrepreneurship program, which gives middle and high school students the chance to learn business skills, has opened for registration.
The program, which runs through UVic’s Gustavson School of Business, culminates with a market day on April 15 at Victoria Bay Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Kidovate market day is an incredible feelgood experience for youth and customers,” said UVic business entrepreneurship professor Brock Smith. “Learning-by-doing is a powerful way to connect with and inspire young people.”
Students are provided with selling tables at no cost. Participants offer products or services created during the weeks leading up the market, including spring break. It focuses on encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit, developing and understanding business and instilling social responsibility. Resources to help participants include a graphic novel-style workbooks, UVic student mentors and a learning guide for parents and teachers linked to the new B.C. curriculum. In 2022, a total of 100 students took part.