American children are learning to start businesses.

HNN - While many elementary school children in Vietnam are often busy with homework, extra classes, or exam preparation after school, in many states in the United States, children as young as 5 years old have the opportunity to engage in business activities, financial management, and crowdfunding outside of school hours. These skills, which were once thought to be "only needed when they're older," are taught very early, becoming an important part of liberal arts education in America.

American children have the opportunity to start businesses from a young age through the Children's Entrepreneur Market program.

Learn about entrepreneurship from… elementary school.

On a weekend morning in Watauga, Texas, dozens of green and red tents were set up in a community park. This wasn't an adult trade fair, but the Children's Entrepreneur Market – a startup market run by children themselves. For a fee of $20 per stall, the children prepared their own products, set up their stalls, set prices, pitched their wares, and calculated profits. The items were incredibly diverse, ranging from handmade bracelets, handcrafted soaps, 3D toys, LEGO models, and origami to services like lemonade, face painting, and colored hairspray. All were run by the children under parental supervision, but without any help, fostering greater confidence in the young entrepreneurs. This "startup market" is held almost year-round and consistently attracts large families.

Priya, an Indian parent living here, shared: “My son used to be quite shy, but since he started selling his own products, he has become much more confident. He has learned how to communicate, calculate prices, and take responsibility for his own choices. As an Asian parent, I realize that hands-on experiences like this are just as important as grades in school.”

The children's startup marketplace model in the United States isn't limited to major cities; it's spreading to many smaller local communities. That's why, after registering for the program, I regularly receive email notifications about similar events, both large and small, near where I live.

Recently, upon learning that Children's Entrepreneur Market announced its participation in "Douglas Railroad Days" in Wyoming – a major annual event organized by the Douglas Railroad Museum – I followed the program for my daughter to learn from. The market, which ran through lunchtime, brought together hundreds of young entrepreneurs with many fun activities. It was an opportunity for children not only to sell goods but also to understand how a miniature economy operates, from display and marketing to communication, negotiation, and cash flow management. To make their stalls more impressive and attract more customers, many children brought various decorative items, even pets to display.

Fundraising – a social responsibility sown from a young age.

Beyond simply engaging in profit-making business activities, many school and group activities help children in the United States better understand their social responsibilities.

One cold evening, my sixth-grade daughter, bundled up in a warm coat, took a sign and flyer advertising a cookie fundraising campaign for her school's choir and went door-to-door. Seeing an Asian student smiling and proud of her work despite her numb hands, most families ordered a few boxes to show their support. She would deliver the boxes of cookies to the families before Christmas after receiving them from the school, and the money raised would go towards the choir's operating fund in 2026.

Perhaps this is not just a fundraising activity, but also a display of courage, communication skills, and a way for children to learn that the community is always ready to help when they are proactive and make an effort.

Not only native-born children, but many Vietnamese-American children in the United States are also quickly and strongly integrating into fundraising activities – an important part of the educational culture in this country. Besides starting businesses at "Children's Entrepreneur Markets," they also participate in popular community programs such as Girl Scouts and Scouting America, where selling cookies, popcorn, or crafts not only raises funds but also fosters discipline, self-confidence, and a spirit of community service.

Ms. Pham Lan, the parent of a Vietnamese girl participating in Scouting America in Texas, shared: “Here, my daughter not only learns business skills but also how to serve the community, appreciate money, and be grateful for any help. I consider these to be invaluable life lessons.”

Phan Quoc Vinh

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/doi-song/tre-em-hoa-ky-tap-khoi-nghiep-165582.html