PALM COAST, Fla. – The next generation of Flagler County entrepreneurs was on full display as young business owners filled the room with creativity, confidence and determination during the 4th Annual Children’s Business Fair, hosted by Culinary Wellness on Saturday. From handmade jewelry and original artwork to toys and specialty services, children of all ages are showing their enthusiasm for business in the role of CEO at the Palm Coast Community Center.
For founder and CEO Maria Delgado, the event is about much more than selling products—it’s about building confidence and showing young entrepreneurs that their ideas matter.
“I am so grateful that they have chosen to participate again here at our annual children’s business fair,” Delgado said. “I love how they have evolved, and how they’ve matured and how they are handling their business compared to a year earlier. It’s been amazing, and I’m forever grateful.”
The fair welcomed both first-time participants and returning entrepreneurs, many of whom have grown alongside the event over the past four years.
For Delgado, seeing those familiar faces return each year is one of the most rewarding parts of the event.
Jennifer Melendez, sponsorship and marketing coordinator for the fair, said the event has grown tremendously since its early years thanks to increasing community support.
“I think for the first three years, we were really trying to build that momentum, trying to get sponsorships and really advocate for the kids and get that exposure,” Melendez said. “Now that we have a lot more supporters and returning sponsorships, we’re able to put that money into more marketing, the T-shirts and promotional materials.”
This year’s sponsors helped make the day even more memorable for the young entrepreneurs. Chick-fil-A returned for a second year, with event and catering coordinator Inna Futko providing meals for participants and helping judge the competition, while Swillerbees Craft Donuts donated free products.
Melendez said watching young business owners return each year is proof the event is making a lasting impact.
“It actually makes me feel really good and proud,” she said. “It gives the kids an opportunity to get some exposure and try something that they haven’t before. You see their faces light up. Everyone is so impressed by what they create. It gives them that confidence boost, and then they want to do another event or come back next year with even more ideas.”
She added that many participants inspire one another.
“They see other kids and think, ‘Oh, I want to try this,’ or ‘Maybe I’ll do that.’ Then you see their products evolve and get better over time. The fact that some of them are returning for their fourth year shows us that we’re doing a good job.”
Among those encouraging the young entrepreneurs was Pete Melendez, owner of Pistol Pete’s Automotive Detailing and a 2025 Children’s Business Fair winner, who has continued to grow his own successful business.
Sharing advice from experience, Pete reminded participants that entrepreneurship requires perseverance.
“If you have an idea, and if you have passion at what you’re doing, keep going,” he said. “It’s going be tough. You’re going have your slow months, your high months, you’re going have your dead months questioning if you should continue doing what you’re doing. But at the end of the day, follow your heart and follow your passion.”
He also encouraged the young business owners to focus on serving others well.
“Make sure with everything you do, you make an impact on whoever you serve or provide a product to,” Pete said. “Honesty, authenticity and consistency are going get you where you want to be in life.”
Palm Coast Vice Mayor Teresa Pontieri, who served as one of the competition judges, helped evaluate the young entrepreneurs’ creativity, presentation and business potential, applauding the participants for the professionalism and enthusiasm they brought to the event.
“The community support for our young entrepreneurs, from the sponsors to the organizers to the parents, is absolutely amazing. We need to continue to encourage our young people to shoot for the stars and be fearless,’ Pontieri said.
The fair also attracted shoppers from throughout the community, including Linda Sanders, who brought her grandson to experience the event firsthand.
“I think this event is remarkable,” Sanders said. “What a great opportunity to showcase these bright and talented kids. I think it’s a great venue and an inspiration for the other kids in the community.”
Her grandson didn’t leave empty-handed.
“He’s already found something he wanted,” she laughed. “He’s already spent a good portion of his $20 budget. This is the second table he’s bought something from.”
Sanders said today’s young entrepreneurs are showing remarkable creativity at an early age. Long gone are the days of paper routes and babysitting.
“These kids are young business owners. They’re smart. They’re very creative, they’re very clever. I have to give their parents kudos, but the creativity is really remarkable. The opportunity for Palm Coast to give them a chance to showcase their work—I think it’s brilliant.”
The annual event has become much more than a marketplace. It has become a launching pad where children gain confidence, learn real-world business skills, and discover that with creativity, hard work and community support, even the youngest entrepreneurs can dream big—and succeed.
“The most important part is seeing the kids shine,” said Delgado, closing this year’s event.
“This is a day especially for them, to support them wholeheartedly. It’s to let them know that they are valued in this community, and they are totally CEOs and bosses.”
NOTE: Winners from the Fourth Annual Children’s Business Fair will be featured on the WNZF radio show and podcast Lifeline to talk about their experience in August 2026.
2026 Children’s Business Fair Award Winners
Ages 6–10
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Most Original: Ava’s Brick Creations
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Highest Business Potential: Chic Shells by Elise
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Best Presentation: Gracie’s Slime Lab
Ages 11–13
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Most Original: Fox Designs
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Highest Business Potential: Blumbar Flower Shop
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Best Presentation: Sea Me Shine
Ages 14–17
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Most Original: Mitchell Art
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Highest Business Potential: Handcrafted by Navii
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Best Presentation: Two Gems Jewelry
