BIDDEFORD — If you’re in the market for a new computer, built locally by two tech whiz kids, you’re in luck.
George Childs of Standish and Parker Dowdy of Hollis, who attend Bonny Eagle Middle School, started CarbonPC in 2013, and they can upgrade or repair the computer you already have, or build you a brand new one.
“We met a few years ago and realized we have a massive love of technology,” said Childs, Sunday. The business, based in Dowdy’s room in the family home in Hollis, started from there.
The young entrepreneurs were among a dozen or more who took part in Build-A-Biz in Biddeford Sunday. Statewide, about 300 young people registered for the event, said Kate Gooding, the founder of the program. Gooding started the effort through her own nonprofit business, called Youth Entrepreneurship Adventures ”“ the company that brought Lemonade Day, where kids learned about starting a business ”“ in 2010.
Around the state, Build-A-Biz is partnering with Boys and Girls clubs and local parks and recreation departments. In addition to those groups, the downtown revitalization organization Heart of Biddeford got involved.
“This is a great opportunity for kids to explore options if they’re interested in becoming entrepreneurs,” said Holly Culloton of Heart of Biddeford.
Gov. Paul LePage, who champions business, declared Sunday as Build-A-Biz Day across Maine.
“Through this experiential, entrepreneurial program, participating youth will learn to set goals, develop a business plan, establish a budget, seek investors, provide customer service and give back to the community,” the governor said in the proclamation. “They learn the fundamental lessons about life, success and themselves.”
Clayton Simoncic of Arundel started a photography business and matted prints himself. Proceeds from Sunday’s event were to go to his new camera ”“ he wants to buy a Canon 60D.
Logan Martin, 13, of Biddeford, brought anime artwork. Two younger entrepreneurs, Lilyana Drummey, 6, of Saco, and Issa Oppenheim-Pressman, 7, of Portland, sold lemonade and cookies and Pin Pets, respectively.
Drummey offered both gluten-free and regular cookies, and fresh-squeezed or powdered lemonade ”“ she said she wanted to give people a choice.
Oppenheim-Pressman was selling felt animal pins.
The two agreed that one thing that makes a business a success is lots of customers.
Setting up shop Sunday were three members of the Barefoot Cooperative of Acton. Autumn Sherman, 16, her brother John Sherman, 16, Emma Bennett, 15, and other members have been selling at craft fairs and other venues, including Common Ground Fair, for some time. John Sherman brought olive oil lamps ”“ simply, wicks set in olive oil in mason jars ”“ and outdoor seating made of locally harvested and milled pine, while Bennett sat knitting ”“ and offered mittens, half mittens and other woolen products for sale. Autumn Sherman sold her homemade whoopie pies ”“ a product she’s been making for several years.
“I was selling whoopie pies at the end of my driveway when I was 8 years old,” she said.
Sherman had a mission: She wanted a puppy.
And by the time she was 12 years old, she said she had sold enough whoopie pies to buy one.
“I got a basset hound, and her name is Rhubarb,” said Sherman.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros contributed to this report. Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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