FAQ

Yes, but we have coordinated with the Mayors of Victoria, Saanich, and Oak Bay who have developed a free one-day license for Kidovate participants. Participants will be sent an email link to download their licenses in late March. We will also have some hard copies on hand in case you forget.

Not a thing! Kidovate does not charge a dime to participate in our program. The only costs are what you choose to spend on creating your product and creating signage for your Kidovate table. We are grateful for our partners including the Victoria Bay Centre, UVIC Innovation Centre, and the City of Victoria. A huge shout out to our many fabulous local media partners who help us get the word out!

Each participant will receive: ~ one 6 ft table (your table will have your assigned table number on it when you arrive on Saturday morning) ~ one black table cloth (already in place) ~ 1 chair ~ 1 business license holder (remember to print off and bring your business license which will be emailed in late March) There are VERY limited power outlets available. If you must have power at your table, please let us know asap -- smithb@uvic.ca The Bay Centre has asked that we NOT tape anything to the walls so any merchandizing ideas that you have should be able to be free-standing on your table.

You are welcome to participate in Kidovate if you are willing to come to Victoria to join us for Kidovate Market Day.

Yes, the marketplace will be supervised by UVIC faculty and students. They will be wearing Kidovate T-shirts and circulating around - we are easy to spot! We are also supported by the Victoria Bay Centre security staff, if needed. However, keep in mind that there are lots of moving parts to keep track of on Market Day, especially since we are on all three levels of the mall. Supervision is only provided at the Market, not if youth choose to leave the Market. Participants are responsible for their own cash management, products, and personal items. Participants are expected to stay at their own tables and use a buddy system (make a new friend) if they need to leave to use the washroom/get food. UVIC students are available to watch over a table in these situations. UVIC, the host mall, and Kidovate organizers and volunteers are not responsible for loss or theft of any items. Parents/guardians are encouraged to check in regularly with their youth participant(s) during the day.

We work hard to be as fair as possible on assigning table locations. This year, we will assign tables based on the order in which participants register. We will first fill Level 2, then centre court on the ground level, and then Level 3. We also try to keep high school students in the same general area so they have a chance to network. It is important that we keep the Market experience interesting for our customers and also downplay competition, so we try to avoid having, for example, three candle makers side-by-side. In late March, participants will receive an email with their assigned table number and floor level so everyone knows where to set up their things when they arrive to the mall on Market Day.

That is completely fine. Most of our participants are doing Kidovate outside of their school activities. You can do Kidovate at your own pace using our graphic novel workbook to help you think through some key business decisions. You can also get assistance from UVIC business student mentors (schedule a FaceTime meeting). To get both, just email Brock at smithb@uvic.ca

Talk to your teacher to find out!

Absolutely! Teamwork makes the dream work! You can do Kidovate on your own, or with friends. Just be sure to tell us how many people will be at your table either when you register or by emailing smithb@uvic.ca later. If you want separate tables, please tell us that you want to be located together (be sure to register at or near the same time as table locations will be determined in order of registration). We will do our best to keep "friend" tables together.

Yes, there is always some risk in entrepreneurship. Kidovate is designed to reduce some of that risk. You should always make entrepreneurial decisions based on understanding the most you could lose if you do not sell anything compared to the upside of the profit you could make if you sell everything that you make. You should be prepared to accept both outcomes. Knowing what the customer wants/values can be tricky. We find that it is very rare though that a participant does not get some return on their investment. We have a number of youth who have come back year after year to participate in Kidovate. This is fantastic! You learn about entrepreneurship by doing it and you get better by practicing it.

Yes, with the permission of Dr. Smith at the Gustavson School of Business, and if you are directly supervised by a teacher, parent, or other adults for the duration of Kidovate Market Day. Questions? smithb@uvic.ca

Kidovate will follow the provincial guidelines for hosting a safe event. We have successfully hosted this event since 2022 and look forward to doing so again this year. If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend Kidovate.

Yes! Please follow us and share news about Kidovate with your friends and family! We are on Instagram @kidovate.ca and Facebook - kidovate.ca It takes all of us working together to generate customers to come down to share an encouraging work and/or shop at Kidovate Market Day!

Yes, if it meets the “low risk” standard outlined in the Ministry of Health “Temporary Food Market Guidelines” found under the Youth tab on this website. Please be sure that ALL of your food items are individually wrapped for sale.

Yes! Thanks to the generous support from the Victoria Bay Centre and the UVIC Innovation Centre, we are able to make some monetary prizes available. We expect to have a number of prizes to hand out for Best Merchandizing, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Sustainability. The prizes are judged by UVIC faculty members and our prize sponsors.