The Space Coast's youngest entrepreneurs are ready to shine at the 3rd Annual Brevard Children's Business Fair.

In January 2018 an angel-faced four-year-old from Viera looked at her dolls and felt something was missing.

Ah ha! Every good outfit needs accessories. So, Ella Grace Helton picked up some plastic beads, let her curly brown hair fall in her face and got to work making little bracelets for her inanimate friends. Soon, neighbors and family were placing orders. Just like that, an entrepreneur was born, and Brevard County gained a new small business, Ella Bella Beads.

Little did Ella know, her business, in just one short year, would lead to starring in a national TV commercial alongside soon-to-be Hall of Famer and beloved New York Yankees team captain Derek Jeter. The heartwarming American Family Insurance TV spot highlights Ella Bella Beads’ partnership with The Children’s Hunger Project (proceeds of every bracelet are donated to the Brevard County charity).

Ella was passionate about her love of jewelry making and ready for the big leagues. So, as any small business owner would, she tested her business concept at the Brevard Children’s Business Fair, an annual event held at The Avenue Viera.

Every year, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Avenue Viera sponsors and hosts a unique, one-day marketplace showcasing the creative goods and services of 65 businesses run by brilliant, young entrepreneurs ages six to 16. It is the only event of its kind in Brevard County where kids are the boss. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Central Florida families will experience a vibrant mix of delicious food, inventive crafts, cool artwork, hilarious comic books and so much more! The Avenue Viera and FLVS (Florida Virtual School) have sponsored the event since its inception.

“There’s no other local platform available that allows our community’s youth to explore and tap into their inner entrepreneur like the Brevard Children’s Business Fair,” shares the nonprofit’s Executive Director Nora McFarland.

“This event teaches all the fundamental skills of operating a business— from concept to creation to execution. The application process requires prospective vendors to submit a rudimentary business plan. These children are thinking as entrepreneurs from day one. The level of talent, creativity and commitment from our local children is incredible!”

Brevard County’s savvy future leaders develop their talents and also compete for prizes. The 2019 judging panel, comprised of Michelle Reyes of The Avenue Viera, Joshua Adams of Rock Paper Simple and Scott Benjamin of FIT School of Business, visited with each vendor at the event and determined the following four winners who were awarded certificates and cash prizes:

Best of Show: The Grom Squad, by Dylan Geiger of Satellite Beach;
Most Business Potential: 3 Bros Bakery, by Cocoa Beach residents Carson Sisler, Nolan Hyatt and Joshua Hannemann;
Most Creative Idea: Wanderlust Creations, by Satellite Beach’s Rachel Gold;
and Most Impressive Presentation: Jersie’s Fizzies, by Melbourne’s Jersie Ramos.

When asked why the community should attend, Marketing Coordinator Michelle Reyes of The Avenue Viera said, “It’s important to show up for our kids. Supporting this event encourages them to work hard and have fun. When kids feel seen and supported, they grow up to be happier and more productive adults. Happy and productive adults make up strong communities.”

Check out the Third Annual Brevard Children’s Business Fair for a first glimpse of tomorrow’s leaders.

To receive application information and updates visit www.brevardcbf.org and follow BrevardCBF on Facebook.
Brevard Children’s Business Fair | 321.243.5373 | info@brevardcbf.org | www.brevardcbf.org | Facebook: Brevard CBF
Saturday, March 28, 2020
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Avenue Viera (2261 Town Center, Viera, FL)