About Madison Youth Entrepreneurs
Empowering youth ages 5-18 to launch and run micro-businesses through markets and workshops in Madison, Georgia.
Our Mission
Empowering youth ages 5-18 to launch and run micro-businesses through markets and workshops. We provide a real, safe place for young entrepreneurs to set up a booth, talk to customers, and earn money from something they built themselves.
Our Vision
We hope this becomes a tradition in Madison that grows with them, shows them what's possible, and reminds them that this community is behind them. If we can make a difference in one child's life, our purpose is fulfilled.
Our Story
How it all began
Madison Youth Entrepreneurs was founded by Mandy Reese, who saw untapped talent among the youth in our community as she went about her work running a salon in Madison, driving a school bus, and volunteering at the Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club and Morgan County Parks and Recreation Services.
"A lot of our kids are already hustlers at heart. They're making crafts, baking, reselling Pokémon Cards, doing hair, making art but they don't have a real, safe place to turn it into a business," Reese said. "I wanted to give them a professional market setting where they can learn how to set up a booth, talk to customers, and actually earn money from something they built themselves."
The idea is not just to give them a table and a day to sell, but to support them in actually learning how to run a business through workshops on setting prices, tracking profit, budgeting, recordkeeping, branding, display, customer service, and the legalities of operating a small business.
Featured in local news
Youth Served
Markets Per Year
Vendors Per Market
Youth Per Workshop
Our Core Values
What drives everything we do
Community Support
We partner with local businesses to cover operating costs and provide resources for young entrepreneurs.
Inclusive Access
First-time vendors can participate at zero cost through our Gear Library program.
Real Experience
We give youth a professional market setting to learn real business skills hands-on.
Ongoing Education
Monthly workshops teach setting prices, budgeting, branding, customer service, and more.
Our Journey
Milestones along the way
Inaugural Market
First Madison Youth Vendors Market held at the Madison Flea Market on Eatonton Highway.
Workshop Launch
Monthly business development workshops launched in partnership with The Wheelhouse.
Growing Impact
Expanded to 4+ markets per year, serving 50-70 youth entrepreneurs annually.
Our Partners
Working together for our youth
We partner with local organizations to provide venues, resources, and mentorship for our young entrepreneurs.
The Madison Flea Market
Market Venue
The Wheelhouse of Madison
Workshop Partner
Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club
Community Partner
Join Our Mission
Whether as a vendor, workshop participant, sponsor, or volunteer, there's a place for you in our community.