Regional trade fair in the Metalli

The Regional Trade Fair (Regionale Handelsmesse) has been taking place in the city of Zug from Monday, March 2nd. Young people are presenting their ideas there - and are captivating their customers.

The regional trade fair has been taking place in Zug since Monday, in the white complex right in front of Migros, at which young people present their business ideas and sell products on their stands.

Jana Güntert and Kim Vogel stand behind one of the stands. The two students from the Zug Cantonal School had the exotic idea of selling baking mixes for Hawaiian banana bread. The two 16-year-olds wear matching blouses with a floral print. Behind them, the logo of their company “Bananaloha” stands on a temporary partition.

It’s very clear the nothing has been left to chance here: the appearance has been successful. "We made the baking mix ourselves," says Vogel, explaining the product. It’s easy to bake the bread; all you need is a bowl and the appropriate ingredients. The two go on to describe how they had been managing directors over the past few months. They have learned a lot, especially when it comes to teamwork. "We’ve also noticed that we have to organise ourselves very well," says Vogel. Güntert adds: “It's about gaining experience: What does it ultimately take to set up your own company?”

A woman also listens to the two carefully. She has just been shopping in Migros, and her bag is actually already full, and she has to carry her pack of household papers under her arm. But she is impressed. "Very nice," she says appreciatively - and immediately buys a baking mix. The money is handed over with a smile, and the two canton students beam - and at the same time notice that the next customer is already waiting: An elderly lady is going to try a piece of banana bread.

Cantonal school students Kim Vogel (left) and Jana Güntert advertise their banana bread.

It’s not just Hawaiian flair in the Metalli this Wednesday morning, however. Young entrepreneurs are also presenting other products. Abbinash Sathananthan and Ella Seeberger, for example, from the Lucerne School of Business. Today, the two are the representatives of “Lusto” - a word made up from “Lucerne”, “Pesto” and “Gusto” - the Italian term for taste. It is impressive how the two use digital media to tell the story of their product: Behind them, a film shows how their pesto is made from regional ingredients. They also use a tablet to show customers their online presence.

The event has been organised by the Young Entreprise Switzerland (YES) association. The non-profit organisation has been active in Switzerland for over 20 years and manages practice-oriented business and opinion-forming programmes for schoolchildren. Simon Gerig is responsible for the Central Switzerland trade fair, and is visibly proud of his protégés. "The level gets better every year," he says. The reason for this is above all the ever-increasing wealth of experience, but the commitment of the regional schools is also exemplary. He also says:

"It’s nice to watch the development of the young people during the programme – including in personal terms."

But things are hotting up now for young entrepreneurs: lunch is just around the corner, and the Metalli is gradually filling up, with customers to be addressed and to be convinced to buy. This is also a crucial moment for Gerig - after all, he also has to evaluate the work of the young people. The winners can participate in the national trade fair. The winning teams from the regions can also represent Switzerland at the European Trade Fair in Kaunas, Lithuania. Whether the international jury will judge Hawaiian bread, Lucerne pesto or another product will be decided on March 18.

Seven different mini-companies will be exhibiting their products and services each day at the Zug Regional Trade Fair in the Metalli Zug, from March 2nd to 7th.