This April, our Children’s and Teen Departments worked together to offer a unique opportunity to local youth. Entrepreneurial tweens and teens in grades 3–8 were invited to take part in the Fountaindale Start-Up Academy, a program that teaches financial responsibility and independence through hands-on learning. Each participant built a business plan to create, market and sell their homemade products at our Start-Up Market event on April 20. This was done in partnership with Bolingbrook Bank & Trust, which helped shepherd all participants from brainstorming to the day of the market.

Fifteen students stand and sit on steps indoors, each holding a certificate of achievement and facing the camera.

Tweens Program

The tweens in grades 3–5 attended four sessions focused on financial literacy and helping them prepare for the Start-Up Market. They first developed and wrote their business plans and learned how to properly handle money and keep their earnings safe. They were then encouraged to develop an identity for their business and trained on how to apply that concept to their marketing and promotion.

Teens Program

The teens in grades 6–8 attended two sessions. They first learned the reality of keeping to a budget, creating inventory and developing a business plan through an interactive experience. The teens then learned from Fountaindale’s very own Studio 300 Department how to use Canva to highlight their products through creative signage.

A display of colorful handmade earrings and beaded bracelets on stands, with a small mirror and a "Jewelry" label on a table at an indoor event.

A display of assorted fabric flower headbands in various colors is arranged on a purple tablecloth next to a floral centerpiece and some beaded bracelets.

Several plush toys shaped like mushrooms with different colored caps are displayed on a table, with more plush toys blurred in the background.

Colorful beaded bracelets with letter beads spelling words are arranged around a gold decorative bowl on a gold plate, set on a purple tablecloth.

The Big Day

On Saturday, April 20, the 15 tween and teen participants arrived bright and early to set up their tables and get ready to sell at the Start-Up Market. We are immensely proud of the Start-Up Market participants and are thrilled and thankful that 105 patrons visited the Start-Up Market in support of our tweens and teens.

Each entrepreneur was exceptionally creative and offered a unique variety of products, including crocheted animals, hand-painted shoes and art and a widespread selection of jewelry. The young business owners behaved professionally and admirably as they marketed their products to eager customers.

A young person wearing a hijab sits at a table selling art for $8 at a craft fair, with jewelry and artwork displayed in front of them.

A young girl sits at a table with jewelry displays, a price list on a board, mirrors, and photos of jewelry, in a classroom or event setting.

A young woman sits behind a table displaying handmade crocheted animals, vegetables, and accessories at an indoor craft fair. A child and another adult stand in the background.

A girl stands behind a display table featuring handmade jewelry, signs, and decorative items at an indoor market or craft fair.

Two children sit behind a table displaying handmade clay jewelry, informational signs, and bracelets at a craft fair booth labeled "Emily's Clay Jewelry.

A boy sits at a table with various greeting cards displayed in front of him, including cards for Father's Day, graduation, and thank you messages.

A young girl sits behind a table covered with colorful handmade jewelry, candies, and display items at a sales booth.

A young girl sits behind a table displaying handmade crafts, paintings, and crocheted items at a market stall.

A young girl stands behind a table displaying colorful handmade jewelry at a craft fair. Signs and displays featuring bracelets, necklaces, and business information are arranged on a purple tablecloth.

A young person sits at a table with handmade bookmarks and bracelets displayed for sale in clear plastic bags. A sign shows prices and product information.

A boy in glasses and a suit sits at a table displaying stacked tins of candles labeled "Golden Candles," with a signup sheet and a promotional flyer in front of him.

A young person stands behind a table displaying handmade beaded bracelets and a sign reading "Brynn's Kandi Creations." A mannequin hand also displays bracelets.

A young girl sits behind a table with a purple tablecloth, labeled signs, and plastic containers at what appears to be a market or event.

A person sits at a table displaying colorful anime and dragon eye pendants for sale, with promotional materials and drawing supplies arranged in front.

A boy sits at a table displaying wooden letter keychains, a certificate of achievement, price sign, and papers on a blue tablecloth.

Thank You!

BolingbrookBankTrustWe want to thank the community of Bolingbrook for supporting these budding entrepreneurs and applaud the hard work done by these ambitious children. We were also fortunate enough to have Diana Sorescu, branch manager of Bolingbrook Bank & Trust, to represent the support the bank gave us throughout this program. In addition to the bank, we also had a representative from the Illinois Treasury present to provide parents and attendees the chance to learn about their services, including finding unclaimed funds through ICash.

This was our second Start-Up Academy and we are pleased to share that we will repeat this program in 2025, dates and details to be determined. Until then, we encourage you to support your local small businesses and enjoy the multitude of programs offered at Fountaindale Public Library for all ages.