One of the things that consistently sets Lake Oswego apart is how intentionally the city invests in its people — especially its youth. A wonderful example of that commitment is the Young Entrepreneurs Program, an innovative initiative offered through Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market.

Launched during the 2024 market season, the program is designed to nurture entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, and confidence among local high school students — and it’s already making a meaningful impact.

Teaching Real-World Skills in a Real-World Setting

The Young Entrepreneurs Program invites Lake Oswego students in grades 9–12 to design, create, and sell their own handmade products directly to the public at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market.

Rather than learning business concepts in a classroom alone, participants experience what it’s really like to:

• Develop a product from idea to execution
• Price their work
• Interact with customers
• Manage money and inventory
• Adapt based on feedback

It’s experiential learning at its best — and it happens right in the heart of the community.

More Than Business Skills

While entrepreneurship is the framework, the benefits extend far beyond sales.

According to Parks and Recreation Events and Market Manager Shelley Burgess, “Participants consistently share that the program gives them real-world business experience, confidence, and a sense of pride in seeing their ideas come to life in a public setting.”

Equally important, they engage with neighbors, visitors, and longtime residents — strengthening the bonds that make Lake Oswego feel connected and vibrant.

Early Success Stories

The program’s inaugural season was a clear success, with 15 youth participating, followed by 22 in 2025. Many students sold out of their products, took custom orders, and even received commissions from community members who discovered their work at the market.

From handcrafted jewelry and hand-thrown pottery to spiced almonds and oil paintings, market shoppers embraced the creativity and drive of these young entrepreneurs.

“Participating in the YEP programs was honestly an incredibly valuable experience for me. As at 16-year-old artist selling my oil paintings and handmade products like cards, notebooks, and bags, I learned a lot of important business skills. Things like pricing my work, managing my inventory, communicating with customers, and improving my organizational skills…Overall, I think the program really helped me grow as both a small business owner and artist, and I am really looking forward to doing the program again this coming year!”

-Sydney Perlewitz

How Students Can Get Involved

Applications for the 2026 Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market season are now open.

Orientation sessions will be held on:

• Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 4:30–6:30 PM
• Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
• Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Interested students can register for an orientation session through the city’s website.

How the Community Can Get Involved

Community members who are passionate about supporting youth entrepreneurship can also get involved as:

• Program sponsors
• Volunteer mentors

Contact Shelley Burgess at sburgess@lakeoswego.city to learn more.

Everyone else can support these young entrepreneurs by visiting their booths during the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market which opens in May.

Why This Matters for Lake Oswego

Programs like the Young Entrepreneurs Program are a reminder that Lake Oswego isn’t just focused on amenities — it’s focused on people. By giving young residents meaningful opportunities to grow, create, and contribute, the city continues to build a strong foundation for the future.

For families considering Lake Oswego, this is exactly the kind of community investment that makes a place feel like home and explains why 95% of survey residents in a recent community survey identified Lake Oswego as a good place to raise children.

Interested in learning more about moving to Lake Oswego? Give us a call. With more than 30 years’ experience living here and working as a Realtor, we’d love to help you call Lake Oswego home.

Kevin Costelo kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehasson.com 971.322.6205