Celebrating a major milestone on Small Business Saturday
Last weekend, Place for Youth marked a major milestone as the 500th Teenage Market event was delivered at The Cornhill Market in Lincoln on Small Business Saturday.
Since launching in 2012, The Teenage Market has grown from a simple idea into a national initiative giving thousands of young people a free, supportive platform to test ideas, build confidence and explore creative enterprise.
Reaching this milestone on Small Business Saturday UK, felt like a powerful reflection of what youth-led opportunity can achieve. Across the day, one message stood out clearly: when young people are given the space, trust and support to lead, they thrive.
Lincoln: creativity, confidence and community ✨
The Teenage Market at Cornhill Market welcomed a diverse group of young traders, with stalls filled with handmade products, artwork and creative ideas. Collectively, young people earned over £1,200 supported by strong footfall and enthusiastic engagement from the local community.
But as always, the impact went far beyond income.
For many of the young people involved, the market offered a safe first step into entrepreneurship — building communication skills, confidence and pride in their work. The atmosphere throughout the day was vibrant, inclusive and encouraging, showing what’s possible when young people are supported to take up space and be seen.
From inspiration to action 🌈
One particularly special moment came from 10-year-old Sofia, who took part as a trader selling beautifully crafted wooden fairy houses. Sofia had first visited a Teenage Market in Lincoln earlier in the year and was inspired to get involved herself.
Seeing that inspiration turn into action captures the heart of The Teenage Market. These events are not just about trading; they’re about planting seeds, building belief, and helping young people realise that their ideas matter.
Creativity, wellbeing and partnership 🎨🧠
Alongside the traders, Becky Edwards from Artventurers delivered interactive arts activities throughout the day, inviting families and young people aged six to sixteen to get hands-on and creative. These sessions added colour, energy and connection to the market space.
We also partnered with Kooth Digital Health, who used the platform to raise awareness around young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Creating spaces where creativity, enterprise and wellbeing sit side by side is central to Place for Youth’s approach to youth-led placemaking.
Thank you to our supporters 🙌
This milestone event was made possible through strong local partnership and shared commitment. We’d like to thank Becki Taylor, the Cornhill Market team, and the City of Lincoln Council for their continued support in creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
And thank you to everyone who came along to support, encourage and celebrate the next generation of creatives and entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead 🚀
Reaching 500 Teenage Markets is a moment to reflect but also to look forward.
Across the country, The Teenage Market continues to support young people to:
build confidence and communication skills
test creative ideas in real-world settings
earn their own money safely and fairly
connect with communities and peers
take their first (or next) steps towards enterprise
Here’s to the next 500 Teenage Markets, and to many more young people turning ideas into something they’re proud of.