Young Entrepreneurs Showcase Talents at Market in Grand Rapids

60 vendors under 18 to sell handmade products at SILVA event space

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Young Entrepreneur's Market is returning to Grand Rapids this Saturday, featuring 60 unique vendors under the age of 18 selling their own handmade products like pottery, paintings, custom jewelry, and even a self-developed board game. The free event, organized by Merchants and Makers, aims to support the next generation of young entrepreneurs in the community.

Why it matters

The Young Entrepreneur's Market provides a valuable platform for young people to showcase their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and business skills. By encouraging kids to participate as vendors, the event helps foster a culture of innovation and self-empowerment among the next generation.

The details

The Young Entrepreneur's Market will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday at The Big Room event space at SILVA in Grand Rapids. The 60 vendors, all under the age of 18, will be selling a wide variety of handmade products they have created themselves, including pottery, paintings, custom jewelry made from recycled LEGO pieces, and even a self-developed board game. This is the first year the market is being held in Grand Rapids, after successful events in Grand Haven the past two years.

  • The Young Entrepreneur's Market will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2026 from noon to 4 p.m.

The players

Shyle Lyons

The owner and market director of Merchants and Makers, the organization hosting the Young Entrepreneur's Market.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is our first year in Grand Rapids. We did it in Grand Haven for the last two years.”

— Shyle Lyons, Owner and market director of Merchants and Makers (woodtv.com)

“They all make their own products. There's a real variety of items.”

— Shyle Lyons, Owner and market director of Merchants and Makers (woodtv.com)

“They created it and developed it. They're selling it there.”

— Shyle Lyons, Owner and market director of Merchants and Makers (woodtv.com)

“It's a really great opportunity to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

— Shyle Lyons, Owner and market director of Merchants and Makers (woodtv.com)

What’s next

Kids interested in participating in future Young Entrepreneur's Market events are encouraged to submit an application online through the Merchants and Makers website.

The takeaway

The Young Entrepreneur's Market in Grand Rapids provides a unique platform for young people to showcase their creativity, entrepreneurial skills, and business acumen. By supporting these young vendors, the community is investing in the next generation of innovators and leaders.