PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – On Saturday, businesses gathered in the streets of St. Andrews for “Small Business Saturday,” an annual nationwide event to encourage customers to shop locally.

“We always say you vote for the community you want with your dollars, so this day shows the citizens of Bay County really want little Mom and Pop stores,” said Brad Stephens, owner of Sunjammers.

But this year the owners decided to do something different. On Saturdays, kids interested in someday owning their own business brought their own tables and set up their store.

“I’m just here to sell and have fun and just kind of be happy and make other people happy,” said Sara Lyons, a young entrepreneur selling bracelets.

Ten children have created their own store or played music in the street.

“We want to train the next generation of small business owners and get everyone used to them. And get them used to pitching and selling, ”said Heather Parker, Creative Director of Floriopolis. “And kind of helps them succeed as much as possible, so we will continue, year after year, to support the next generation of small business owners. “

By promoting young people interested in business, current store owners hope to continue to thrive throughout St. Andrews.

“They are literally the next generation of entrepreneurs, so if we are to have healthy communities and healthy cities that support all nonprofits, we need this next generation of entrepreneurs,” Stephens said. “Anyone can find a job with a business, but having small business owners is the heart of the community. “