Make Change Market empowers entrepreneurs facing systemic barriers

Make Change Market, an evening pop-up sale, will bring together entrepreneurs on Nov. 20 at East Vancouver’s Heritage Hall.

Taking place during Global Entrepreneurship Week, the market is organized by Vancouver-based charity organization Employ to Empower, which collaborates with people facing systemic barriers by offering skills building, mentorship, and community engagement programming.

Now in its second year, the inspiration behind Make Change Market is creating a space where vendors facing systemic barriers, such as low income, can showcase their skills and share their business journeys with the broader Vancouver community, Employ to Empower Executive Director Christina Wong says.

“Make Change Market is rooted in the belief that no one should get left behind, no matter the barriers they face,” says Wong, who also co-founded the charity.

“Statistics and stigma have an ugly way of painting a picture of how people are perceived in communities living with low income. This market gets to show what the media doesn’t show, which is the talent and people beating the odds, regardless of what statistics have to say, and they’re thriving.”

With this year’s theme, “Together We Build,” Wong says the market is about bringing people together and making connections. She adds that the theme reflects the importance of empowering businesses.

With many Canadian businesses that operate in the U.S. being hit with tariffs, Wong says it is important to show up for entrepreneurs and support them.

The shutdown of non-profit Small Business BC last year has also impacted many businesses, she says.

“I also see ‘Together We Build’ as an unfinished sentence,” she says, adding the phrase could end with many words, including communities, empowerment, and hope.

The market will offer a blend of products and services, such as art, home decor, knit items, and chocolates, among others. All 21 vendors will also take three workshops on topics including pricing, marketing their products, and more.

“What this really means for the vendors is not only are they earning a little bit of extra money, but it’s really about that sense of self-belief and confidence. It’s beyond the money,” Wong says.

She adds many entrepreneurs will be vending for the first time, which makes them both excited and nervous, and she hopes to see a full house once the market opens.

Make Change Market also serves as an opportunity to broaden people’s perceptions of communities living with low income. 

“By coming to this market, you’re taking part in breaking the stigma about people living with barriers, because you can live with barriers and thrive at the same time.”

For more information, visit www.employtoempower.com/make-change-market.