Raising Young Entrepreneurs: The Tampa Bay Kids Market
A monthly market in the Tampa Bay area is reshaping kids’ learning about entrepreneurship. From lessons on money to creativity to confidence, Kids Market, managed by Regina Hord and Kelly Gersonde, is a youth-run marketplace where kids create, brand and sell their own products. With roots as a small, neighborhood initiative, Kids Market has grown into a sought-after experience — drawing young entrepreneurs from across the region.
Inside the market, kids take full ownership of their booths, interact directly with customers and navigate real-world challenges in real time. Kids have ample opportunities to be consumers. Kids Market amplifies opportunities for kids to be creators.
How did Kids Market begin?
Regina Hord: For me, it really started when I was a kid. I was always trying to start little businesses — walking dogs, making seashell candles, selling bracelets, doing the classic lemonade stand. When I became a mom, I started doing marketing events and tabling at places like the Hyde Park Fresh Market. Another mom mentioned, “Someone should do something like this just for kids” And, I thought, why not me?
In 2013, we launched the Tampa Kids Market. It was a way for kids to sell in a safe environment instead of going door-to-door.
How has Kids Market evolved?
Regina Hord: We ran it until about 2016, then paused for several years, especially during COVID. Last year, we brought the market back, rebranded as Kids Market and re-established our partnership with Tampa Bay Markets.
Kelly Gersonde: I came on as Regina’s business partner, and it’s been such a fun year. We’ve added new elements, like our membership program, and reimagined ways to make Kids Market as resourceful as possible for families.
What has surprised you most about this new chapter?
Regina Hord: Kids proficiency with technology. They’re creating logos and elements of branding that look incredibly professional. It’s amazing to see how much more tech-savvy they are compared to when we first started.
Kelly Gersonde: The excitement from both the kids and the parents. Parents keep asking, “What’s next?” They love being part of it and watching their kids grow. That energy is what pushed us to expand into more educational opportunities.
What role should parents play in the experience?
Regina Hord: We encourage parents to be hands-off at the market. Kids actually do better when they’re the ones interacting, handling money and making decisions. Kids develop numerous skills faster when parents support kids’ autonomy and don’t hover.
Of course, parents are important behind the scenes — helping with things like baking, safety and managing payments — but during the market, it’s the kids’ time to shine.
For families interested in getting involved, where should they start?
Regina Hord: Come visit a market. Seeing other kids engaged in the process makes it feel less intimidating. Our Kids Market program helps guide kids every step of the way — whether they already have a business idea or need help coming up with one.
Beyond selling products, what skills do kids gain through the Kids Market program?
Kelly Gersonde: Confidence is the biggest one. At first, kids stand behind their table and use it almost like a shield. But, over time, they come out in front, engage with customers and really own what they’re offering. Through Kids Market, they also learn resilience. Not every market is a success — weather, attendance and many variables play a role. Experiencing a slow day or people walking by without stopping can be tough, but it teaches kids how to keep going.
Do you have a memory that captures what Kids Market is all about?
Kelly Gersonde: There’s one entrepreneur who comes to mind—her business is Phoenix Does Doodles. Starting out, she was exceptionally shy. We saw her at an event at USF, and she told us, “I love this. This has helped me grow so much. I want to do as many markets as I can before I age out.”
Seeing that transformation — her confidence, her excitement — that’s what Kids Market is all about. When the kids come up and say, “Thank you. This is such a great opportunity,” it makes us want to cry every time.
What ages participate in Kids Market?
Kelly Gersonde: Typically ages 7 to 17. If they’ve been with us, we let them stay through 18 and help them transition into adult markets. Rather than coming to a hard stop, we want to guide them into the next steps.
How do you see Kids Market impacting the future of small business in Tampa?
Kelly Gersonde: Connecting our area’s growing kids to the broader business community is one of our primary goals. Then, as kids are emerging adults, they will have spent ample time developing the skills needed to grow their own business — while supporting others — in the Tampa Bay area.
We’re intent on complementing skills around finance and entrepreneurship.
How can the Tampa Bay community support the Kids Market?
Kelly Gersonde: Community involvement is key.
We are always looking for business owners and community partners who want to support young entrepreneurs through things like speaking engagements. Helping young entrepreneurs grow is a community effort, and the impact lasts far beyond the market.
What does the Kids Market membership program include?
Regina Hord: It’s something we just launched, and we’re really excited about it. We offer a “Kickstart Your Kid-Owned Business” course that walks them through everything, from brainstorming ideas to pricing and creating a business plan.
Kelly Gersonde: We also have monthly virtual workshops with local professionals, quarterly networking events and hands-on experiences like headshots and product photography.
It’s about more than providing kids a place to sell. Kids Market is aimed at giving kids both education and community. For these young entrepreneurs, the lessons go far beyond the booth. In many cases, Kids Market kids are just getting started.
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Originally published in the May 2026 Issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine | Images courtesy of Tampa Bay Kids Market