Welcome to the Young Entrepreneur Fair!

Sunday December 14, 2025 | 1:00 PM | 525 Church Street Honesdale, PA

Join us for an inspiring day of innovation and creativity at the Young Entrepreneur Fair, hosted this year at 6th & River and led by local entrepreneur Amanda Briggs.

After a tremendous success last year at New Leaf Farm, we’re thrilled to bring this year’s event to downtown Honesdale during the holiday season — giving our young entrepreneurs even more visibility and the opportunity to share their work with the community.

Open to Western Wayne and Honesdale students in grades 3 through 12 (as well as homeschooled students within those districts), the fair invites participants to design their own businesses from the ground up and sell their goods or services to attendees. While space is limited, all aspiring young entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each age group. We are also seeking sponsors to help support these prizes and other aspects of the event.

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to nurturing creativity, confidence, and leadership through hands-on learning. Our judging panel of local entrepreneurs will evaluate participants on Marketing, Customer Engagement & Presentation, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Business Potential, and Creativity & Innovation.

Not every path looks the same . College, trade school, or entrepreneurship all offer different opportunities for success. The Young Entrepreneur Fair was created to show students that owning your own business is possible and that creativity, initiative, and hard work can open just as many doors as any traditional route. This event is a chance to explore what it means to build something of your own and to experience the excitement of bringing an idea to life. Participants will gain real-world experience, valuable feedback, and encouragement as they present their ideas to the public. There’s no cost to participate — simply complete the application linked below to get started and learn the next steps.

The fair will be open to the public, and we invite the community to come out, shop, and support these incredible young innovators.

We can’t wait to see the creativity and talent that the students of Western Wayne and Honesdale School Districts bring to this year’s event. Together, let’s celebrate and empower the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can my business have more than one entrepreneur?
Yes, you can collaborate with a team. If you have team members, please list their names and roles in your application.

Is there any fee to participate in this event?
Thanks to the support of our local community, donations from vendors, and our amazing sponsors there is no fee for young entrepreneurs involved in this event.

Will the participants be broken up into age groups?
Yes! Students will be judged against their peers of similar ages:
Elementary school students grades 3-5 
Middle school students grades 6-8
High school students grades 9-12

Am I responsible for purchasing the materials?
Yes, participants are responsible for purchasing all materials required for their products or services. However, if a student wishes to participate but faces financial hardship that may make it challenging to cover these costs, please reach out to us. We believe in removing barriers, and we would be more than willing to discuss the possibility of sponsorship to ease the financial burden. Our goal is to ensure that every young entrepreneur has the opportunity to participate, regardless of financial constraints. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you require assistance.

How will the winners be chosen?
Judges will use a grading rubric that will be provided to them before the event. Each entrepreneur will send their business plan prior to the event and will have a copy on their table, and judges will grade based on the business plan, client interactions and much more!


How will judging work at the fair?
Local entrepreneurs will judge participants based on categories such as Marketing, customer engagement, entrepreneurial spirit, business potential, and creativity. Winners will be announced on the day of the event

Can I sell baked goods or cooked items?

Yes, you may sell baked or cooked items as long as they are prepared and packaged safely. All food items must be clearly labeled with ingredients and allergens. Please note that perishable items requiring refrigeration or on-site cooking are not permitted due to health and safety regulations. A kitchen may be available to a very limited number of participants. Please inquire if you are interested.

Who is eligible to participate?
At this time the fair is open to students within the Western Wayne and Honesdale School Districts who are between 3rd-12th grade. In the future we will be opening it up to other school districts, but for the time being it is only available to Western Wayne and Honesdale Students - as well as homeschooled children within those districts

Will I really be selling my products or services at the fair?
Absolutely! That’s the whole point! The fair is an opportunity for you to showcase and sell your products or services to attendees. Please note that All products, displays, and presentations must be appropriate for a family-friendly environment. The use of foul language, offensive imagery, or inappropriate messaging on goods, signage, or within presentations will not be tolerated. Any participant found in violation of this policy may be asked to leave the event at the discretion of the venue owners and event organizers.


Can my parents/guardians help me with my business?
Parents/guardians are certainly allowed to provide recommendations, and advice, brainstorming sessions, and teach you how to create a specific product. However, the products/services that are being sold must be entirely created by the student. Parents are also not permitted to complete the business plan for the young entrepreneur.

Do Parents/Guardians need to be present at the fair?
It is required that at least one parent/guardian is present with their child or group for all middle and elementary students. Parents may monitor financial transactions and assist with digital payments as needed, but will be asked not to participate in customer interaction or selling of products. Doing so will result in points being deducted from the Young Entrepreneurs final score

I am interested in being a sponsor - How can I help?
Thank you for your support! At this time we are accepting donations towards prizes, infrastructure rentals (such as tables and linens) and individual sponsorships for young entrepreneurs on an as needed basis. All funds raised will go directly to the program.

I have a few questions. Who can I contact?
Amanda Briggs will be your primary contact and can be reached at hello@6thandriver.com

The Founder's Journey: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs

At 32 years old, Amanda had a career that she loved, but had the desire to embark on something more fulfilling than the conventional career path she had been following. It wasn't until a chance encounter with a fellow entrepreneur that she realized the potential within herself to start her own business. Inspired by this newfound belief, Amanda took a leap of faith. Armed with nothing but a computer, a cup of coffee, and a million ideas, she established her first LLC. This began her journey of building her business up from a simple idea to a thriving company.

However, Amanda's entrepreneurial journey was not without its challenges. The path to success was filled with uncertainty, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. Yet, through it all, she found strength in the support of the local entrepreneurial community. It was the guidance and encouragement of fellow business owners that helped her navigate the rough patches and keep moving forward. Three years later, Amanda stands proudly as the owner of multiple successful businesses including 6th and River, Briggs & Co., New Leaf Farm, Lovely Weddings and Events, and The Kitchen at 6th and River.

Recognizing the invaluable role that support plays in the journey of an entrepreneur, Amanda felt compelled to give back to her community in a meaningful way. She realized that many young people may never have the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship or be encouraged to pursue their dreams. Thus, the idea for the Young Entrepreneur Event was born: a program designed to empower and inspire the next generation of business leaders. For Amanda, this initiative became more than just a project; it became her passion. She was determined to provide young entrepreneurs with the same support and encouragement that had propelled her own journey to success. And so, with excitement and anticipation, Amanda embarked on this new chapter, eager to empower young minds to achieve their goals and chase their dreams.

Next Steps

  1. Use the link below to sign up!

  2. You will automatically receive an email with the application link, business plan requirements, Integrity Agreement, and grading rubric for your reference.

  3. Submit the application no later than November 8th, 2025. Applications submitted after this date are not guaranteed to be accepted.

  4. Complete the business plan requirements and Integrity agreement and send via email to hello@6thandriver.com no later than December 6th, 2025. Please note that Business plans must be sent in a single file format via email. Individual photos of the pages or printed copies will not be accepted.

  5. Participants will be permitted to load in and set up beginning at 10am on the day of the event. Each participant will be given a 6ft table with an ivory linen. Table locations will be assigned at random. If your booth requires electricity please advise the organizers at least 2 weeks prior to the event. The event will begin at 1pm and the winners in each age group will be announced at 4pm.

SIGN ME UP!

How can I help?

  1. Join the Judging Panel
    We’re looking for local business owners, lenders, and entrepreneurs to help evaluate our participants and offer insight, encouragement, and feedback.

  2. Sponsor Cash Prizes
    Help celebrate the winners in each age group by sponsoring one of our 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place cash prizes. Your business name will be recognized at the event and in promotional materials.

  3. Support a Young Entrepreneur
    Some students need help covering the cost of supplies to bring their ideas to life. You can sponsor a student’s participation or donate funds to assist with materials and display items.

  4. Spread the Word
    Share the event with your network, encourage students to apply, and invite friends and family to attend and shop during the fair!

If you are interested in becoming. a part of our event, please email hello@6thandriver.com to learn more!

Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who continues to support the incredible students participating in the Young Entrepreneur Fair. Your encouragement, sponsorships, and presence make a lasting impact not only helping these young entrepreneurs grow their businesses, but also giving them the confidence to dream bigger. Together, we’re building a community that believes in the next generation of innovators and business leaders.

Prize Sponsorships

Support our young entrepreneurs by sponsoring one of the prize categories. Please email hello@6thandriver.com. Prizes can also be sponsored by more than one business/person

High School Prizes:
1st Place Prize:  $500 cash prize - Sponsor TBA
2nd Place Prize: $250 cash prize - Sponsor TBA
3rd Place Prize:  $100 cash prize - Sponsor TBA

Middle School Prizes:
1st Place Prize:   $300 cash prize - Sponsor TBA
2nd Place Prize:  $200 cash prize - Sponsor TBA
3rd Place Prize:   $100 cash prize - Sponsor TBA

Elementary School Prizes:
1st Place Prize:   $300 Cash Prize - Sponsor TBA
2nd Place Prize:  $200 cash prize - Sponsor TBA
3rd Place Prize:   $100 cash prize - Sponsor TBA

Judging Panel

Our judging panel will feature local business owners, lenders, and community leaders who bring valuable experience and insight to the event. Full list to be announced as confirmations are received. If you are interested in becoming a judge for this event please email Amanda Briggs at hello@6thandriver.com

Cheryl - Camp Umpys

Stacy - Get Flexy

Jessie - Rustic Charm Vintage Rental

Carly - CAPES

Laurie - The Mustard Seed Cafe

Full list to be announced as confirmations are received.

Community Supporters

We’re deeply grateful to the local businesses and individuals who have already donated their time, resources, or support:

Get Flexy

Rustic Charm Vintage Rental

The Kitchen at 6th and River

New Leaf Farm Weddings and Events

Briggs & Co.

Borrowed Somethings Sign Rental

Full list to be announced as confirmations are received.

Student Sponsorships

Help a student bring their business idea to life. Donations in any amount go toward supplies and materials for participants who need financial assistance. If you are interested in sponsoring a young entrepreneur please email Amanda Briggs at hello@6thandriver.com

Full list to be announced as confirmations are received.