Palmetto Artisan Program
Youth in Charleston were creating a problem with aggressive and unacceptable behavior as they tried to earn money by peddling their handmade wares on downtown streets. Rather than prohibit the children’s business venture, city officials decided to help encourage their entrepreneurial spirit and teach them business skills through the Palmetto Artisan Program.
Known as “Rose Kids” for selling roses made from palmetto tree fronds, the children caused of complaints from business owners, local residents and visitors because they littered, blocked sidewalks, took fronds from private property and operated in areas off-limits to peddlers.
The Palmetto Artisan Program includes a week-long after-school program called BIZ Camp. Taught by National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship professionals and Youth Entrepreneurship South Carolina (YEScarolina), the camp serves children between the ages of nine and 16 who wish to become palmetto artisans.
BIZ Camp teaches customer service, marketing techniques and social skills. It also gives the children real-world reasons to learn reading and math skills. After graduating from the BIZ Camp training program, the youth can apply for and receive a Palmetto Artisan permit. The “Rose Kids” then become legally permitted to sell downtown in areas that are specific peddling zones. Also, the City provided a downtown recreation center for program graduates to receive free fronds for their roses, healthy snacks and mentoring.
Numerous city agencies have a hand in running the program.
The Recreation Department oversees the camp and manages the artisans. These officials have developed unique relationships with the children and their parents, allowing them to monitor the children and the program. School and home responsibilities are considered priorities; therefore, the children only are permitted to sell their roses on Fridays after school, weekends, holidays, summer breaks and other non-school days. The Police Department is aware of the schedule and helps watch out for the children.
The program began in January 2007. By the end of the year, 77 children had graduated from eight BIZ Camps. Of those graduates, 57 received Palmetto Artisan permits. So far, 30 children have renewed their permits in 2008.
As the program evolves, the goal is to allow these youth to continue their rose business and use their earnings and knowledge to become future business owners. With continued monitoring from the city and support from the community, these bright and eager children can one day become business owners who positively impact the economy of the city.
Contact Sue Griffin at 843.720.3886 or griffins@ci.charleston.sc.us