Sixth-grade enTREPreneur$ Host Annual Marketplace

On Thursday, May 15, sixth-grade entrepreneurs introduced their businesses to the public at the TREP$ Marketplace, selling a diverse array of original items.

TREP$, short for enTREPreneur$, is a project-based learning program that teaches Middle School students how to start their own businesses. Through workshops, business challenges, and mentorship, students learn about the concepts of product development, finance, marketing research, advertising, merchandising, and salesmanship..

After “pitching” their business plan and product(s) to a group of “Sharks” earlier this spring, the young entrepreneurs added some finishing touches to prepare for the marketplace. The products did not disappoint!

Lily Doyle, Leela Emany, and Lily Kang developed Dream Boards. Prices range from $3.00 to $7.00, with the option to add a magnet for $1.00. “We created Dream Boards to help make people feel good,” the girls said. “We want people to have a Dream Board to motivate them, whether it's in their car, in their bag, or in their room. Dream Boards will be there to motivate you and keep you happy.”

Mackenzie Terhune and Brie Peterfreund created Dragon Eggz — green and gold Chumley-themed bath bombs in the shape of eggs. “We charged $5.00 per egg and made around 45 eggs,” they said. “We also ran a deal: two eggs for $9.00.”

Maddie Daggett, Melanie Hoffman, and Imani Gerald named their business Light Books. “We wanted to help people with both marking a page and reading in the dark,” they said. “We researched the best options for how to make the bookmarks light up — using little to no plastic. When the prototype was first made, we ran into a few issues, which were resolved in the second prototype. Bookmarks are priced at $12.00, based on our budget and how much it costs to make one, for materials and labor.” 

You can learn about all of the businesses, including the students’ processes and products, on the digital marketplace. Thank you to the community for supporting Kent Place’s young entrepreneurs. 

Did you shop at this year’s TREP$ Marketplace? What did you buy? DM us on Instagram or email communications@kentplace.org. We’d love to see a picture of you with your product!