Eddison Wolf poses with his mother, Stacy, behind a display of merchandise from Lil Dean’s Creations during the Biz Kidz Showcase on July 25 at Yuba Sutter Marketplace.

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - More than a dozen young entrepreneurs set up shop at Yuba Sutter Marketplace in Yuba City on Saturday, July 25, for the annual Biz Kidz Showcase.

"This is actually my favorite event," said Lynette Myers, marketing manager for the marketplace. "It's just so fun to engage with the community and the kids and see what they come up with. They always surprise me."

Many of the booths featured handcrafted items, including bracelets, crocheted stuffed animals and paintings. Others offered popular resale items such as squishies, stress balls, stickers and anime collectibles.

"I like having a mix of items because it attracts more people," said 10-year-old Olivia Harrison, owner of Olivia's Corner. "I feel people would like the homemade stuff a lot better, but the popular items draw people's attention."

Maddie Mark, left, of Crafty Dreams, shares a hug with her brother, Trev, as the siblings sell their products during the Biz Kidz Showcase on July 25 at Yuba Sutter Marketplace.

Olivia sold custom "mystery scoop" bracelets, which she personalized on the spot, alongside trendy items such as dumpling-shaped squishies.

"I enjoy watching all the other kids selling, too, and knowing that I'm not the only one here doing it by myself," Olivia said. "I can also go around and see what other people have for inspiration."

Participants ranged in age from 6 to 17 and were divided into age categories for six awards. Two participants received Overall Best Business awards of $250 each, while four received Best Entrepreneur awards of $150 each.

"These kids are so organized. I mean, it's beautiful," said Sutter County Supervisor Mike Ziegenmeyer, who represented the county at the event alongside Public Information Officer Jake Abbott.

"My vision is to double the turnout next year," Ziegenmeyer said. "That's what I'm going to be pushing for because I love everything about this. My own girls are all doing volleyball tryouts today, or they would be here with their henna tattoos."

This was the first year Sutter County sponsored the showcase, helping fund some of the prizes. ChicoSTART returned for its second year as a sponsor, providing resources and support to the young business owners.

ChicoSTART is a North State entrepreneurial support organization that connects startups and small-business owners with training, mentorship, resources and other opportunities intended to help their businesses grow.

Young entrepreneur Joseph Inman playfully peeks out from beneath his vendor table while selling bagged model cars through his business, Dream It, Make It, Drive It, during the Biz Kidz Showcase on July 25 at Yuba Sutter Marketplace.

"The biggest thing is supporting them in selling their merchandise," said ChicoSTART Executive Director Eva Shepherd-Nicoll. "Some of these kids have been here a couple of years and have other businesses now and are doing things on Instagram. So it's cool to watch them grow and succeed."

Many participants said their favorite part of the event was talking with customers and sharing the stories behind their businesses. Others were honest about the less exciting parts of entrepreneurship.

"The hardest part, probably, is standing and waiting for people to buy stuff," said 7-year-old Trev Mark.

Still others said they hoped their businesses would eventually allow them to become more self-sufficient and support their families.

"It's fun being able to show people what I have and getting to save money to build my brand," said 10-year-old Eddison Wolfe of Lil Dean's Creations. "I hope to give money to my mom and dad."