Young entrepreneurs get biz buzz at Black Expo

While Ahmad's Quick Snacks drew in hungry folks with juice boxes and ziplocked pickles, Venture Crew #469 from Mt. Moriah Baptist Church kept business booming next door with crowd-favored cookies.

Saturday's Black Expo brought stiff competition among businesses vying for the attention of tens of thousands of Expo-goers at the Charleston Area Convention Center. But the youngsters at the Junior Entrepreneurial Pavilion were not to be outdone by their adult counterparts.

Charleston Development Academy's Men of Distinction were on the floor in full force in suits and ties.

"I'm really learning how to get people to buy our coffee and other products," said the Men of Distinction's vice president, Michael Tyler, 11. "I've personally helped like 25 people already."

Three tables down, Sharmaine George, adviser to crew #469, looked on as members exchanged cookies for cash.

"The best thing they can learn is that they can do anything if they put their mind to it, whether it's selling cookies or something else," she said.

"This is a really great part of the Expo. The kids learn they don't have to do the norm and veg out in front of the television. They can be productive by having their own little business."

Venture Crew #469 member Trey Edge, 15, agreed.

"If I didn't come here today, I'd have been inside, being lazy and watching TV. But I came out and I had a lot of fun selling things and met a lot of new people."

Next door, 11-year-old Ahmad Pryor was flying solo at his snacks booth, handling the public and making a profit with expertise. Like any grown-up, Ahmad has plans for his cash.

"I like to spend it, but I have to save up," he said. "First, I pay my dad back for the food and supplies he bought me to get started, then I have to put some in my bank. Around this time of year, I go on a trip with my mom to Houston, so I have to save for that, too."

Black Expo coordinator Darrell Givens said that seven groups encompassing more than 50 kids were selling their goods throughout the day at the pavilion sponsored by the Charleston Police Department.

"Chief Greg Mullins graciously embraced the idea. We thought it was important for kids to have hands-on experience with entrepreneurship," Givens said. "Hopefully, it will encourage them to go on and have their own business some day."

Perhaps most importantly, the entrepreneurial kids seemed inspired by what they were doing.

Trey said the experience gave him ideas about what he might do in the future. "I don't want to be the guy that has to live from paycheck to paycheck," he said. "I want to be the person that works hard and lives in a nice house."

Actor and special Expo guest Idris Elba was impressed with the young entrepreneurs. "It's good that children are encouraged to stay away from negativity. They are often influenced by their peers and led astray, so it is important that the older generation reach back and give them direction," he said. "We already know what can happen if we don't."

Carolyn Brown is the CPD Weed & Seed coordinator who helped organize the junior pavilion, and she agreed with Elba. "If all you know is wrong, that's all you will do. But if you're at least shown an alternative, that makes a big difference."

Givens said the Black Expo plans to expand the pavilion every year. "Eventually it would be great to reach the point where we do this year around, giving kids an opportunity to learn more about business."

Ahmad said he would enjoy more time to flex his money-making potential. "The Expo is really the only time I get a chance to sell my own things, but I've learned a lot from school fundraisers," he said. "When I see someone come by I say, 'Excuse me, would you like to buy a pickle or Skittles or gum?' I always remember to say 'Thank you,' even if they don't want anything."

Reach Lauren Adderley at ladderley@postandcourier.com 937-5560.