Grande Journée des Petits Entrepreneurs

Maria Diamantis
LJI Journalist

Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, QC — In a world where innovation drives progress, fostering entrepreneurial skills from a young age has never been more important. The Grande journée des petits entrepreneurs is doing just that by transforming young dreamers into doers, providing a platform for thousands of children across Quebec to bring their business ideas to life.
In 2024, the event drew more than 8,000 young participants and nearly 200 markets across the province, highlighting an encouraging trend: the entrepreneurial spirit among Quebec’s youth is thriving. This year, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac is gearing up for its third edition of the Marché des petits entrepreneurs on Saturday, June 7, at the Liberté-Jeunesse High School parking lot.
Beyond Lemonade Stands: Building Future Leaders
At first glance, the sight of children selling homemade candles, baked goods, or handcrafted jewelry might seem like simple fun. However, the impact runs much deeper. Events like these serve as a training ground for young people to learn about financial literacy, customer relations, and the basics of running a business. More importantly, they instill confidence and resilience — qualities that are crucial for civic engagement and leadership.
By encouraging young people to transform their ideas into tangible products, the event not only celebrates creativity but also promotes a sense of responsibility and independence. For many participants, this experience becomes the first step in a lifelong journey of entrepreneurship and community involvement.
A Community’s Investment in Its Youth
Local governments play a pivotal role in nurturing these talents. By supporting events like the Marché des petits entrepreneurs, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac is making a deliberate investment in its future citizens. The city’s continued involvement sends a powerful message: young voices and ideas matter.
“It’s not just about selling a product,” says one of the event organizers. “It’s about teaching kids that they have the power to make things happen — that they can build something from scratch and see it thrive.”
The Challenges and Rewards of Youth Entrepreneurship
Running a booth at the market is not without its challenges. Participants must budget for supplies, manage inventory, and interact with customers — all while navigating the pressures of the day. These obstacles, however, are the very things that make the experience invaluable. By facing these challenges head-on, young entrepreneurs gain a realistic understanding of what it takes to run a business.
For parents, seeing their children embrace these responsibilities is a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within their communities. It’s not uncommon to hear parents express surprise at how resourceful and determined their kids can be when given the chance.
Why Civic Engagement Starts Young
Encouraging entrepreneurship in children is, at its core, an exercise in civic engagement. Young people who learn to identify and solve problems, communicate effectively, and manage resources are better equipped to become active, responsible citizens. The Grande journée des petits entrepreneurs plants these seeds early, showing participants that their contributions matter.
As Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac prepares to welcome its next generation of business leaders, one thing is clear: investing in young entrepreneurs is about more than just fun — it’s about building a community where everyone has the tools to thrive.
So, if you find yourself near Liberté-Jeunesse High School on June 7, stop by and support these young trailblazers. You might just be witnessing the start of something big.