The inaugural Kids Commerce Biz Expo & Career Fair showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of Mesa Verde High School students on Nov. 5. Courtesy photo

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The inaugural Kids Commerce Biz Expo & Career Fair showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of Mesa Verde High School students on Nov. 5, giving young innovators a platform to present their business ideas and compete for cash prizes.

Hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce and presented by Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez, the event marked the culmination of a six-week program in partnership with Junior Achievement. The initiative guided students through the basics of creative problem-solving, entrepreneurial thinking and rapid business planning.

“As a first-year program, we were extremely pleased with the level of engagement from the students and our collaboration with Mesa Verde High School teacher, Spencer Murrish,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Merrick “Approximately 35 students participated in the six-week course and two students were selected to advance to the Biz Expo for the opportunity to compete for cash prizes.”

Senior Ashley Guzman took home the first-place prize of $1,000 for her innovative nail salon concept. Courtesy photo

Senior Ashley Guzman took home the first-place prize of $1,000 for her innovative nail salon concept designed to create a peaceful, calming experience for clients who experience anxiety or prefer a quieter alternative to traditional salons. Her presentation included a polished brochure and original nail art designs.

Second place and a $750 award went to senior Jose Cabanas, who presented a forward-thinking concept for an artificial intelligence company focused on helping businesses reduce overhead costs by automating routine administrative tasks.

The chamber credited Junior Achievement with providing the curriculum that made the program possible.

“We covered Creative Problem Solving, Think Like an Entrepreneur and Rapid Business Planning,” said Merrick. “This provided the students with the foundation needed to start to consider becoming an entrepreneur.”

Local business leaders also joined the Kids Commerce Biz Expo & Career Fair effort, mentoring students and providing real-world feedback during the course. Courtesy photo

Local business leaders also joined the effort, mentoring students and providing real-world feedback during the course. Among them were Dr. Gabrielle Rasi of Almond Orchard Dental Care, Stephen Veldhuizen of VeldTech IT & Network Solutions, Miranda Viani of All Stage Canine Development and Allison Bermudez from the City of Citrus Heights.

“Everyone that attended the event truly was impressed with the program and with the students that were able to attend,” said Merrick. “We had vendor booths for some of our local businesses so that the students could continue to learn what promoting a business looks like and get feedback from professionals on lessons they’ve learned.”

For the chamber, the event represented more than just a competition; it was an investment in the city’s future.

Second place and a $750 award went to senior Jose Cabanas, who presented a forward-thinking concept for an artificial intelligence company. Courtesy photo

“This is what economic development looks like,” said Merrick. “This is workforce development at its purest form. This is homegrown talent and we want to keep it right here in Citrus Heights.”

Reflecting on the students’ efforts, Merrick said that the most inspiring part of the experience was their determination.

“The resiliency of these kids and what a lot of them are going through at home is sometimes hard to hear,” said Merrick. “However, they have that fighting spirit and came up with some amazing business ideas and I hope they never stop working to achieve their goals.”

After a successful launch, the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce plans to make the Kids Commerce Biz Expo an annual event.

“Year one is always the hardest because of the unknowns,” said Merrick. “But we’ve already come up with creative ways to incorporate even more students next year and expand participation. We’re also connecting our winner with Junior Achievement so they can compete in the NAWBO program and perhaps win even more prizes.”

Hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce and presented by Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez, the Kids Commerce Biz Expo & Career Fair marked the culmination of a six-week program in partnership with Junior Achievement. Courtesy photo