Kidpreneurs mean business

August 11, 2026

Published in: Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, Service

UND-hosted Kidpreneur Program gives Grand Forks students hands-on experience with branding, pricing, sales and entrepreneurship

Twlve young people line up to hold certificates for the camera. — The 12 participants of Kidpreneurs hold the Certificates of Achievement they were awarded for completing the four-day camp. Photo by Haylee Bjork/UND Center for Innovation.

By Haylee Bjork

For 12 young entrepreneurs in Grand Forks, the Kidpreneur Program, held July 27-30, was about more than summer activities.

Throughout the week, participants developed products, built brands, priced inventory and prepared to sell to real customers.
Students in fifth grade through high school took part in the fourth annual Kidpreneur Program, hosted by the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers, the UND Center for Innovation and the Middleton School of Entrepreneurship & Management.

The program expanded this year from a one-day event to four half-days, giving participants more time to develop business ideas and prepare for selling at the Downtown Grand Forks Street Fair.

While sitting at a table with his prduct on display, a young entrepreneur talks with a potential customer. — One of the participants in this year’s Kidpreneur program takes part in a mock Street Fair. Photo by Haylee Bjork/UND Center for Innovation.

“Young people do not have to wait until adulthood to explore entrepreneurship,” said Tiffany Ford, state director of the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers. “The Kidpreneur Program gives them practical tools, honest feedback and real opportunities to put their ideas into action.”

Participants represent a variety of businesses, including handmade art, jewelry, books and food products. Some are first-time entrepreneurs, while others returned to grow businesses they launched in previous years.

Throughout the week, students learned the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including branding, pricing, inventory management, customer service, product pitching and booth design. A new addition this year was a visit from local entrepreneur Matt Winjum, co-owner of Rhombus Guys Pizza, who shared his experiences as a business owner and answered participants’ questions about entrepreneurship.

While sitting at a table that displays the products she has made, a young entrepreneur talks with a potential customer. — Another of the participants in this year’s Kidpreneur program takes part in a mock Street Fair. Photo by Haylee Bjork/UND Center for Innovation.

The Kidpreneur Program also moved to a new home this year at UND’s Nistler College of Business and Public Administration. Hosting the program within the college gives young participants an opportunity to spend time in an environment dedicated to the study of business and entrepreneurship.

The program concluded with a mock vendor fair, where the kidpreneurs practiced setting up booths, pitching products and interacting with customers before selling at the Downtown Grand Forks Street Fair.

“Through the Kidpreneur Program, I’ve learned so much about marketing, pricing my products and even taxes,” said Kinley Welch, founder of Planet Sloth, a business she created to sell her handmade crafts.

“Those are all things that have helped me grow my business and made me feel more confident as an entrepreneur.”

Man at the front of a classroom delivers a presentation — Matt Winjum, co-Founder of Rhombus Guys, makes a presentation to the participants in the 2026 Kidpreneur program. Photo by Haylee Bjork/UND Center for Innovation. presenting the the Kidpreneurs (Photo by Haylee Bjork)

Participants will put those skills to the test at the Downtown Grand Forks Street Fair on Aug. 21-22, where they will manage inventory, engage with customers and experience the realities of running a business in a live marketplace.

Offered at no cost, the Kidpreneur Program teaches entrepreneurship alongside communication, problem-solving and confidence. While not every participant will pursue business ownership, each leaves with firsthand experience turning an idea into reality and the confidence to take the next step.