The 2024 Richmond Children’s Business Fair, also known as Central Virginia’s premier youth entrepreneurship expo, saw dozens of young innovators ages 5 to 17 showcase their businesses on Sunday, March 10, at the Dewey Gottwald Center on Leigh Street.

Sponsored by the Metropolitan Business League, the free event featured inspiring business owners who shared their products and services to the general public.

Left, Acacia Smith, 12, prepares a tasty Cajun pasta dish at the Culinary Coach.

Top right, Amenptah Haskins, 9, started his business, Ptahs Penny Candy, at age 5.

Above left, Makenzie Gilbert, 12, right, created Sassy Girl Cosmetics, which sells an array of cosmetics such as body butters and lip oils. Makenzie set up her booth next to her twin sister, Mariah, who also showcased her products during the fair.

Right, Jade Bryant, 4, shoots a basketball while his dad, Demon Bryant, gives him a boost at the business fair’s Richmond Ram Chargers Basketball booth. The Richmond Ram Chargers is a new pro basketball team in Richmond. Demon Bryant is a neighbor to the team’s owner, Hassan Fountain.