A second annual event coming up later this month will put the spotlight on young entrepreneurs ages 7 to 17.

The Young Entrepreneur Business Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront. Admission is free, but there is a fee to register as a business — and the deadline is Wednesday.

A local entrepreneur himself, Richard Chaing, is passionate about promoting young people who are passionate about business. He got the idea when his daughter started a business and he realized there were very few events or other resources geared toward young people with businesses.

For kidpreneurs, the time is definitely right. They can use all of the extra time and energy they have now, take advantage of the many adults who will be willing to buy their products and offer free resources, and make their mistakes while still under the protective wing of their parents. For someone who truly has that entrepreneurial spirit, there’s no better time to start than when they’re still young.

With so much of the American economy being driven by small businesses, we need all the young people we can to jump in with their energy, creativity, talents and passion.

The goal of the Feb. 22 event is to inspire young entrepreneurs and provide them a marketplace that will allow them to experience creating, marketing and presenting their ideas, products and services. The young people will be judged by local (adult) business owners.

The grown-up businesses will also have their own expo, and a component of the event will also promote the Suffolk Humane Society.

We urge everyone to participate in this excellent event if they are able.

For more information, contact Chaing by emailing richard@suffolkexecutiveoffices.com or calling 925-4744, or visit suffolkyoungentrepreneur.com.