SPOKANE, Wash. — Young entrepreneurs will test their business skills through baking when River City Kitchen hosts the 3rd annual Great Startup Bakeoff Holiday Market next month at River Park Square.
The event will bring together 50 participants ages 14-24 who will form 10 teams to plan, create and market baked goods for sale to the public.
“The whole point of the event is to give students just a taste of what it’s like to run a small business,” said Clay Cerna, River City Kitchen owner and Bakeoff founder. “They all start off with the same budget and decide what they are baking, how they are packaging it, and what they are selling it for, just like the rest of us. After that, it’s up to the public to decide what sells and what doesn’t.”
Inspired by Spark’s Weekend, the competition challenges teams to create products using only five ingredients while receiving guidance from industry experts. Each team must make decisions about product development, packaging and pricing strategies.
“River Park Square is thrilled to host the Great Startup Bakeoff Holiday Market and celebrate Spokane’s next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Rita Koefod, senior director of marketing at River Park Square. “This event perfectly captures the spirit of creativity and community we value – where young talent, local collaboration, and a dash of holiday magic all mix together.”
Teams will sell their creations during the Holiday Market on Sunday, Dec. 7, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Food Court on the third floor of River Park Square, with live holiday music from the Spokane Falls Community College Music Department.
The team that generates the highest profit at the end of the Holiday Market will win golden aprons, while all participants keep their earnings as compensation for their entrepreneurial efforts.
The event aims to provide real-world, hands-on business experience. BakeMark, River Park Square, Spokane Public Library, StartUp Spokane, NewTech Prep and Forty Acres Printing sponsor the competition.
For more information and to register, visit www.greatstartupbakeoff.com.
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