About the Event
Make Change Market is Employ to Empower’s signature annual event. This vibrant community gathering is held during Global Entrepreneurship Week and serves as a platform to celebrate the power of community, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.
Now in its second year, Make Change Market brings together 19 local entrepreneurs facing systemic barriers, community members, and partners in a dynamic celebration of innovation and resilience.
Theme: Together We Build
This year’s theme, Together We Build, shines a spotlight on what’s possible when every person is empowered to contribute their strengths and talents. It’s a reminder that, together, we can build stronger, more connected communities.
Why It Matters
Make Change Market isn’t just a shopping experience — it’s a celebration of the strength of our community and the power of collective support. By attending, you’re helping break down barriers for local entrepreneurs and contributing to a more equitable, empowered community.
For Partners
The Make Change Market also creates meaningful opportunities for partners to engage and align with values of inclusion, empowerment, and social impact — all within an authentic and dynamic setting.
What To Expect
✨ A marketplace of local entrepreneur vendors offering artwork, artisan soaps, jewelry, workshops, peer support counselling, beauty services, and more.
✨ Entrepreneur stories that showcase creativity, resilience, and the pursuit of possibility in the face of systemic barriers.
✨ Opportunities to connect, support, and be inspired by entrepreneurs who are reshaping what business can look like.
🎟 Raffle prizes featuring local favourites like gift cards to Prado, Burgoo, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Water Adventures and more.
📸 A playful photobooth sponsored by Magikmoments to capture memories with friends and community.
🎁 A festive gift wrapping station to make your purchases holiday-ready.
🍪 Free BAK’D cookies for the first 100 guests.
☕️ Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate provided by Bean Around the World.
🚁 A chance to win a roundtrip for two on Helijet’s scheduled helicopter service between Vancouver & Nanaimo (valued at $1,000!).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes this event different from a typical craft or vendor market?
Every vendor featured at this market is a graduate from our (ETE) Business Skills Training Program, and are entrepreneurs who live with low-income and multiple systemic barriers. Each entrepreneur has a unique business, driven by their passion and inspired by their personal journey. By attending this market, not only are you supporting local small-business entrepreneurs, and contributing to our blue skies vision: an empowered, supportive, and economically inclusive community that ensures everyone feels a sense of belonging.
2. Is there an admission fee or is it free to attend?
Admission is free – however, we invite you to consider donating an amount that is within your capacity as 100% of the proceeds will go back into ETE’s programming, empowering more individuals living with low-income and multiple barriers through entrepreneurship.
3. Who are the entrepreneurs showcasing at the event?
Check out our list of entrepreneurs below!
4. What kinds of businesses and products will be featured?
A wide hand of hand-made products from home goods (e.g. charcuterie boards scarves, wash clothes, bags), art (e.g. cards, prints), packaged food (e.g. ghee, chocolate), jewelry (e.g. bracelets, necklaces), and more!
5. What kind of raffle prizes are available and who is eligible to win?
Raffle prizes are open to all attendees to win. The big door prize is a round trip for two from Vancouver to Nanaimo by Helijet. The first 100 guests will receive a free BAK’D mini cookie. Raffle prizes include local favourites (Prado, Burgoo, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Water Adventures)
6. What forms of payment are accepted?
Some entrepreneurs will accept credit cards, but not all – we recommend bringing cash so you don’t miss out!
7. Where can I park or how do I get there by transit?
- Parking: There is free parking along all of the neighbouring streets from Main Street (e.g. East 12th Ave and beyond; Quebec Street, Sophia Street, etc). There is metered parking available on Main Street.
- Transit: Heritage Hall is located along Bus #3. It is also a ~10min walk from the 99, 9, 15, 17, 19, 8, and a ~25min walk from the Broadway-City Hall Skytrain Station.
8. Is Heritage Hall wheelchair accessible?
Yes it is! We will have both entrances open and available. The accessible entrance is located to the right side of the main entrance.
9. Who do I contact for more information?
For any questions about the event, please reach out to us at info@employtoempower.com.
How can my organization get involved as a partner or sponsor?
If you’re interested in supporting our signature event either this year, or years to come please contact us directly at christina@employtoempower.com.
Can I volunteer at the event?
Yes, we have limited volunteer opportunities – please contact our team to inquire what roles are available: charissa@employtoempower.com.
Product Entrepreneurs
- ahke all naturals – All natural personal care products made with 100% natural ingredients and zero chemicals (Instagram)
- Alchemy Apparel – Slow fashion brand. Hand sewn + hand dyed, one of a kind kimono-robes and more (Instagram)
- Angel K Art Studio – My art products include paintings, pottery, hand craft art/stuffs, jewelry, candles, etc (Instagram)
- Blue Deer – Handmade Indigenous jewelry and alchemy products (Instagram)
- Enviro Bag Evolution – Handmade bags from recycled materials for mobility scooters, strollers, walkers, and more!
- Fernanda Mascarenhas – Handmade and naturally dyed silk scarves, greeting cards, and DIY Natural Dyeing Kits (Website | Instagram)
- Gheelicious – Traditional, artisan ghee, flavoured (Website | Instagram)
- Golden Hand Creations – Handmade household and personal items: toques, fingerless gloves, diamond art, personal and home decor items.
- Jc innovative.creative – Photography and painting prints, t-shirts and apparel, and tote bags.
- Platypus Works – Handicrafts including knitting and bath/beauty items and small thrift items.
- Walking Stick Dude – Handmade charcuterie boards, coasters, coffee tables, and more.
- Y&R kurdish handmade – Jewellery, Clothes (skirt with special kurds products (Hawri), Totebags.
Service Entrepreneurs
- Art Sushi Class Vancouver – Art Sushi classes and workshops (Instagram)
- CompanioNation™ – Free online dating with optional paid offline events and AI supports (Website | Instagram)
- Mishas Car-eations – 3D and 2D renderings of cars using hand drawn elements and AI to provide tailored works for art for the Automotive community and Auto shops (Instagram)
- Nolte Burke – Working towards personal training certificate and selling fitness socks (for yoga and deadlifts) by donation to support his journey (Website)
- The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast – Podcast Episodes focused on neurodiversity through educational and storytelling content highlighting neurodiverse voices and experiences. (Website | Instagram)
Sponsors
We are grateful to have the support of our generous Community Partners.
Community Builder Sponsor
Partner
Official Media Sponsor
Storytelling Partner
Videography Partner
Photography Partner
Door Prize Sponsor
Photobooth Sponsor
Food & Beverage Sponsor
In Kind Sponsors
Past Events
Recap from 2024 Make Change Market
Learn More About Employ to Empower
