LGJPE: having fun understanding local entrepreneurship

Next June 17 will be held the 4th edition of The Big Day for Small Entrepreneurs across Quebec. First born in Quebec City in 2014 with nearly 300 small entrepreneurs for a single day, the concept spread at breakneck speed in the summer of 2015 and spread throughout Quebec as that nearly 2,000 children took part in this entrepreneurial day. Last year, more than 3,200 budding business leaders tried the experience and the objective for this year is set at 4,000 participants. wow!

With these data on participation as well as the media visibility of the event since its inception, there is little chance that we will not know what I am talking about at the moment... But I will still take a few moments to describe the concept of this day for those who have not yet heard of it and of course invite you to participate in large numbers.

The great day of small entrepreneurs is first and foremost a fun way to light the entrepreneurial flame among young people aged 5 to 12 in Quebec. To do this, the non-profit organization Petits entrepreneurs , which oversees the event, creates a family, festive and educational pretext in which entrepreneurial qualities are valued (creativity, leadership, autonomy, sense of responsibility). Beyond this objective, it's also the perfect time to discuss local purchases with the children!

Credits: LGJPE by Léonie G Photographie

For children, there are two ways to take part in the activity and thus develop their sense of entrepreneurship.

• Just like the self-employed, it is possible for small entrepreneurs to work from home! Nothing could be simpler, just target your business idea and register your small business with the home address, which will allow mom and dad to continue their household chores normally.
• The second option allows the child to take part in a real business network, alongside several other businesses in the area. The regional gatherings are managed by different local collaborating organizations, you just have to look for your locality on the LGJPE website and register the child there.

Next June 17, it will be my 3rd year as a regional collaborator for The Big Day for Small Entrepreneurs and I am even more excited to participate. Year 1 of my involvement consisted of traveling 120km during the day, quenching my thirst with 2 liters of lemonade or flavored water and ingesting a dozen muffins and cookies with the recognition of twenty small smiles of satisfaction . The second year, I created a regional gathering where small, medium and large entrepreneurs rubbed shoulders, elected officials from all levels and everyone, and where local entrepreneurship was showcased. I do it again once again with the desire to increase the desire to transmit the taste for entrepreneurship and local encouragement.

Credits: LGJPE by Léonie G Photographie

This event wouldn't have the same impact if adults didn't take a few moments from their Saturdays and a few pennies in their wallets to encourage the next generation. Nothing could be simpler, just consult the interactive map at www.petitsentrepreneurs.ca or download the mobile application, and go to the places marked with a star to meet a curious young entrepreneur. and ambitious. With your glass of lemonade at 50 cents, you will have the most beautiful smiles and little eyes shining with pride!! Another great way to encourage buying local, isn't it?!

Reviewed by Louise Lanctôt

Cover: LGJPE by Léonie G Photographie