By Hailey Evans
The Des Moines Home + Garden Show is coming to the Iowa Events Center Feb. 12-15. Visitors can tour pop-up gardens created by local landscapers, meet project experts, shop the annual plant sale, enjoy educational sessions and peruse the Made in Iowa Market for home goods and more.
New this year, the Children’s Entrepreneur Market is offering spots for local kids aged 5-17 to run their own booths during the show. The national nonprofit gives young entrepreneurs a chance to experience a real trade show. For $25 per booth, kids get a designated spot and hands-on learning experience running their own business. The children’s market also provides materials that help kids learn about entrepreneurship, conduct market research, refine their business plans and more to prepare for selling. The nonprofit also gives away scholarships to children who want to expand their business into a full-time gig.
The children’s booths don’t have to be Home + Garden related, and Jess Swartzendruber, the market manager for the Des Moines area, said she’s seen kids sell plants, home goods, jewelry and even roasted coffee. At previous events, her own two girls sold baked goods. “Seeing kids’ creativity with their businesses is amazing,” she said.
Parents can register kids for a spot at the market, as long as they are available, up to 24 hours before the event, and volunteer to help set up booths.