Young Entrepreneur Initiative - 2026
Small starts. Big impacts. Boundless potential. The Young Entrepreneur Program is proud to showcase our latest cohort of founders and creators. These students have taken the leap from big ideas to real-world ventures, proving that age is never a barrier to leadership. Scroll down to meet the collective energy of this year’s class and discover the individual stories of the entrepreneurs who are reshaping our tomorrow.
There will be a dedicated “Young Entrepreneur” section at the Chico Thursday Night Market for 4 consecutive weeks: April 23, April 30, May 7 and May 14. Look for the bright green flags to meet these amazing students and support their businesses. While the program is only for 4 weeks, many of these young entrepreneurs will continue to be at the Thursday Night Market for the entire season. You can check the weekly market map here.
This program has been made possible by Tri Counties Bank.
Pre-Market Orientation
Students at the Market
Meet the Young Entrepreneurs
Threads and Treasures
Threads and Treasures is a teen-owned business that serves as a creative outlet for its owners, Nick and Josephine. With their work that spans from crocheted animals to beautifully thrown pottery, there’s sure to be something for everyone at their booth. Come visit them at the Thursday Night Market!
Drop Vintage
Visit 3-time youth entrepreneur, Oscar, at his booth, Drop Vintage. Here he sells curated vintage and second hand clothing including graphic tees, sweatshirts, denim, jackets, and accessories. All items are individually sourced, cleaned, and quality-checked before sale.
530 Enchilados
Aaron saw people making Mexican candy online and began doing the same as a hobby. He’ll be at the Thursday Night Market selling gushers, peach rings, watermelon rings, and Skittles mixed with regular or spicy chamoy for a balance of sweet, tangy, and heat. Come check out this yummy treat!
Petal + Paste
My name is Kayla Tyson and I am currently a senior at Pleasant Valley High School. Ever since I can remember I loved getting henna designs done at markets and amusement parks, which led me to start my journey as a henna artist a few years ago. I started out by doing my own and friends henna, and this past year I have taken my craft more seriously. I started Petal + Paste, my own business, and have done appointments and markets. I am so excited to continue my journey and expand to the Thursday Night Market! You can find me doing henna art at the Thursday Night Market, playing music across town, hiking in upper park, and attending local concerts and events. I hope to see you soon!
I.K.O. Ceramics
Pottery: Mugs, cups, bowls, pots, vases etc.
Ceramics: incense holders, flower frogs, jewelry dishes, magnets, plates, etc.
Schweet Shave Ice
Schweet shave ice is a teen owned business run and operated by Olivia Liles. This is the first year of the small-business, with many hopeful ones to come. The menu holds a variety of flavors, which provide variety weekly. The flavors range from Blue raspberry to butterscotch. The shave ice is Hawaiian style, bringing a fresh new flavor to Chico.
Kay's Henna
My name is Kaylee Kriebel, I’m a senior at Corning high. I am a self taught henna artist and I create free hand designs of many styles with all natural henna paste! I started my business 4 years ago and have been independently running it since.
Collectors Closet
I will be selling jewelry, small curios, and a curated collection of clothing, some of which has been hand painted or bleached.
Fruit Basket
Hand sculpted polymer clay earrings and necklaces
Silver Seas Jewelry
My name is Sidney Olson and my business is Silver Seas Jewelry. I began creating jewelry a year ago as merely a hobby, but it expanded into something so much bigger. Through my creations I can express myself and help others do the same. My biggest goal with my creations is to make people feel beautiful and confident wearing them! I sell handmade armbands, bracelets, earrings, and charms.
Madebyhaydenn
Hello my name is Hayden. I’m a sophomore at Corning high. Madebyhaydenn is a teen owned business that serves as a creative space for me. I started this business about a year ago. I’ve always wanted to crochet ever since I saw my grandma crochet and ever since my little cousins showed me. It’s been a long journey and I hope I can stay on this journey forever!! Thank you for all the support!!
Recollect Thrift
Hello! My name is Brooklyn Banks, I’m a sophomore at Pleasant Valley High School. Recollect Thrift is an up and coming teen-run business. My love for resale started when my mom first opened her store in Magalia.
Young Entrepreneur Sponsor:
Program Partners:
Student Participants from These High Schools:
