GONZALES – Jeremy Molley, founder and owner of Hero’s Journey Academy and Hero’s Martial Arts, is gearing up for the upcoming Ascension Children’s Business Fair, set for November 2. The event, which has grown steadily over the past five years, offers young entrepreneurs aged 6-15 the chance to showcase their business skills.
Initiated by a local school five years ago, the fair has grown significantly despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So we started this five years ago with our school, and we just did it internally. And then we were like, Man, this is going so well. We should open this up to all the kids in the parish,” Molley said.
Last year’s event saw 29 booths, and organizers anticipate even more participants this year. Molley, an active advocate for youth development, says the fair provides a comprehensive learning experience for children, teaching them valuable lessons in market research, logo creation, and financial management.
Sponsored by Acton Academy and several local organizations, the fair includes activities such as martial arts demonstrations led by Molley’s team and many more elements of fun.
“We’re gonna have a haunted school bus that we did last year, which was freaking awesome. It’s like the 13th gate on wheels,” he added.
“The fair is really an opportunity for kids to learn hands-on about running a business,” Molley said. “They’re doing everything from product development to understanding supply and demand. And the best part is, they do it all independently.”
One of the fair’s unique aspects is its strict rule against parental involvement. If parents step in to help, their child risks disqualification. This independence, Molley believes, is essential in fostering true entrepreneurial spirit. “They’ve got to talk to the customers, they’ve got to create the product. They’ve got to pay with their own money for this thing,” Molley said.
Last year, $1,000 in prize money was awarded, with hopes for an even bigger prize pool this year. The Kids Entrepreneur Fair will take place on November 2, from 9 a.m. to noon in Gonzales, offering an exciting platform for the next generation of business leaders.
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