Form

Young Entrepreneur Program Application for HGM 2025

Young Entrepreneurship Program

The Young Entrepreneurship Program (YEP), organized by the Junior League of Tampa, is a dynamic initiative designed to support and empower young women entrepreneurs. YEP aims to nurture entrepreneurship among women by providing essential resources, mentorship, and opportunities for business growth. The program is tailored for women in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

Winners of the program have the opportunity to showcase their businesses at the Holiday Gift Market, gaining visibility in front of thousands of shoppers and attracting potential customers. This event not only provides a platform for these entrepreneurs to display their products and services but also offers them a chance to engage directly with a large and diverse audience, receive immediate feedback, and build valuable customer relationships. Furthermore, the program provides financial assistance or grants to help participants scale their businesses. Overall, YEP equips young women entrepreneurs with the comprehensive tools and support they need to succeed in their ventures.

**Please note, JLT does not accept applications from multi-level marketing companies**

Contact Information

Full Name

Date of Birth

Street Address

Street Address 2

City

State

Postal code

Preferred Phone

Business Phone

Website (if applicable)

Business social media handles (please list all)

Education

High School Name

High School Street Address

High School City

High School State

High School Postal Code

High School Graduation Year

College (if applicable)

College Graduation Year

TELL US YOUR STORY

Please limit essay responses to 500 words or less.

1. What is your business and why would you like to feature it at The Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market?

When did you start this business?

How long have you operated this business?

What are your products and price range?

Where are your products currently sold?

What are your gross product sales for the 6 months preceding this application (please give a sales range if you prefer not to state an exact number)?

While not required, submitting product samples along with your application are strongly encouraged. (Please note that all samples will become the property of The Junior League of Tampa and will be used for its fundraising efforts.)

Samples may be sent to:

The Junior League of Tampa

Attention Holiday Gift Market, YEP Coordinator

87 Columbia Drive Tampa, FL 33606

Do you plan on sending samples?

If yes, what do you plan on sending?

What does being an entrepreneur mean to you?

What would this award mean to you?

How would you use Valley Bank grant if received?

GETTING READY FOR MARKET
The Holiday Gift Market is an intensive 3 ½ day retail shopping experience that takes place at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo and Entertainment Halls. Attendance has peaked as high as 20,000 shoppers in past years.

The YEP winner will have the option of setting up their booth during the day either on Wednesday, Nov. 5 or Thursday, Nov 6th. Please note, set up must be complete prior to 4pm on Thursday in order to be ready for Preview Party that night.

*HGM shopping hours are:

Thursday: VIP Preview Party 6pm - 10pm

Friday: 9am - 4pm

Saturday: 9am - 6pm

Sunday: 9am - 4pm

You will have from 4pm - 8pm on Sunday to move out/tear down your booth.

* Times are subject to change.

Please upload a Holiday Gift Market Business Plan and Photos that address all of the following:

Have you ever been to The Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market- If so why do you think your business is a good fit and how does your product compare to the other products sold at the market?

Please explain how your business is ready for the Holiday Gift Market.

Have you ever been a merchant at a holiday or farmer’s market before? If so, please list the markets that you have participated in.

What is your plan and strategy for booth design and showcasing your products? *All booths are 10x10.

Will you have enough inventory and what amount of inventory do you anticipate will be enough?

Will you be able to set up and staff the entire event- What is your staffing plan?

Please include a rough draft or visual representation of your booth design. If you have past booth photos from similar markets please include, as well as representative product photos.

Holiday Gift Market Business Plan/Proposal

GETTING SOCIAL FOR THE CAUSE

How do you plan on promoting your business and the Holiday Gift Market on your social media channels?

What about The Junior League of Tampa and raising money for charities and volunteer organizations resonates most with you?

Are you or your business currently involved in giving back to our community in any way?

Please complete a short video (not to exceed 90 seconds) introducing yourself and your business. Share link (Youtube, Google Drive, Dropbox). Not required but highly suggested.

Upload any product or lifestyle photos to submit with your application that show your business and products.

Photo #2

Photo #3

Photo #4

Photo #5

Please upload your personal resume.

State business registration and tax information

How did you hear about YEP?

Have you applied for YEP before?

If YES, please include what year(s) you applied.

YEP Application Deadline: August 31st, 2025 12:00pm

Winner Chosen: Mid September

Thank you for your interest and submission! We look forward to getting your application and seeing you on social media. Social Media Handles for Promotion: @holidaygiftmarket @juniorleagueoftampa

For questions regarding the online application process or the Young Entrepreneur Program, please contact the YEP Coordinator at HGMYEP@jltampa.org

You are not currently logged in. Please log in to submit this form.

Cancel