Planters Youth Partners-Delta Hot Tamal

Planters Bank in Greenville worked with a longstanding festival in their area to create a fun, new opportunity for kids ages 18 and under to try their hand at entrepreneurship. The Hot Tamale Festival held annually in October draws a diverse crowd from all over the world. Daniel Boggs, Executive Director of Greater Greenville, Parker England and Jamie Murrell from Planters Bank discussed hosting an area for youth during the 2021 event and decided the parking space next to the bank would be a perfect place for kids to showcase homemade goods. To include a music aspect to the festival which includes music throughout the weekend, young musicians were invited to play on the Planters Bank stage during the festival.

Youth vendors were required to enroll and complete a 'Business Basics' class taught by Planters Bank employees. Students learned how to prepare their products, market to the festival attendees and prepare financially for the event. Once the class was completed, the vendors were approved for the festival.

Applications were sent to schools, local youth organizations and promoted in local media to encourage children to participate. The festival attendees were extremely supportive of the youth vendors. The Youth section was promoted in the local news, and people flocked to see the products offered during the festival.