Students at St. Paul School transformed their playground into a bustling marketplace for our annual Small Business Day. Twenty-five young entrepreneurs opened their doors for business, ready to put their classroom learning into real-world practice.

Small Business Day provides students with the opportunity to experience every aspect of running a business — from applying for licenses to gathering products, setting up booths, and conducting sales. The event teaches valuable lessons about responsibility, money management, and entrepreneurship while students handle everything from purchasing supplies to giving change.

The variety of businesses this year was as diverse as our students. Thirsty customers had multiple options with booths offering smoothies, Shirley Temples, lemonades, and slushies. Sweet treats were abundant with several businesses featuring homemade cookies, breakfast treats, and donuts. Creative entrepreneurs set up game booths throughout the playground, while others offered plants and handcrafted bracelets.

The preparation process began weeks before the event. Students had to apply to participate. Each application required a business license fee, and students had to specify their type of business and pricing, with no single item exceeding $2.00. Special requests like electricity were noted for consideration.

Approved business licenses were issued on May 21st, giving students time to gather supplies and create advertising materials. Posters and advertisements could be displayed on campus in the week leading up to the event, building excitement for the upcoming marketplace.

The educational value extends far beyond simple sales transactions. Students learn about profit and loss, startup costs, and the importance of customer service. Many formed partnerships with siblings or friends, discovering teamwork and shared responsibility. Parents were encouraged to provide startup loans, which students were expected to repay before calculating their actual profits.

“This event perfectly embodies our mission of nurturing believers, equipping scholars, and connecting families,” Principal Ruth Sebastian noted as she watched students excitedly compare their experiences. “While having fun as young entrepreneurs, students are also developing life skills, building confidence, and creating memories that will last far beyond elementary school.”

Students not running businesses (and staff) were eager customers, bringing money to shop at the various booths. The event created a complete economic ecosystem where children experienced both sides of business transactions.

The program also incorporated St. Paul’s important values-based education priorities. Students were encouraged to tithe 10% of their earnings to chapel, reinforcing the school’s mission while teaching about charitable giving and community responsibility.

A tithe is simply an offering with a very specific Biblical meaning. The term means “a tenth part” and refers to a donation or offering of one-tenth of income for the service of God.

For example, one student who earned $50 in sales gave $5 as her tithe.

“Tithing is seen as a way of expressing gratitude for God’s blessings and responding to the love shown through Christ,” Principal Sebastian said. “We teach our students about the importance of giving our first fruits to the Lord, and tithing from their Small Business Day profits makes that lesson tangible.”

Small Business Day 2025 proved once again that when given real responsibility and meaningful challenges, St. Paul students rise to meet expectations. The combination of practical learning, values education, and community involvement makes this annual tradition a cornerstone of the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for future success.

St. Paul School and Preschool is located at 2916 McKee Road in Merced and has been serving Central Valley families since 1991. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA).