Want to start a business? Give it a try at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market

Have you ever thought about turning your hobby or passion into a business?

High school students who live in Lake Oswego can learn and grow as entrepreneurs in the first Young Entrepreneur Program at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market.

The program is open to all Lake Oswego residents, who attend any school, in the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grades.

Interested students should RSVP for the last orientation session at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at the Lake Oswego Maintenance Center,17601 Pilkington Road.

“It's going to be a good educational opportunity,” said Emily Liu, Lake Oswego event coordinator and farmers’ market manager. “They’ll learn entrepreneurship practices, learn the business side, learn finances, learn marketing — all sorts of things that they would want if they want to start a new business, but also they get direct access to the farmers’ market customers and it’s such a well-attended market. That kind of direct-to-consumer access is pretty rare for a new business.”

The Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market features 80-100 vendors during the peak months of June, July and August. The estimated attendance for a busy market during the summer is around 8,000.

The program gives future business leaders the opportunity to showcase their talents during markets throughout the summer while receiving guidance and mentorship from experienced vendors and entrepreneurs. It also incorporates programming to help the high schoolers build their understanding of running a business.

“I'm really excited about just that entrepreneurial spirit. The entrepreneurial spirit is something that is just really fun to see in young people,” said Shelley Burgess, community events volunteer coordinator.

Lake Oswego students interested in becoming a Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market young entrepreneur should RSVP for orientation here or email Shelley Burgess at sburgess@lakeoswego.city.

Liu and Burgess recommended bringing a laptop to orientation, if possible, to look through and understand the online application. Students in the program will apply the exact same way as professional vendors do and the orientation allows prospective student entrepreneurs to ask questions and understand requirements specific to their business venture.