Free stalls for young traders at Better Sundays
A big part of our Better Sundays mission is helping traders grow their small businesses. The markets are a space to test out products as well as meet, network and collaborate with fellow ethical makers.
If you're a young trader, we're able to give a little extra support, thanks to a partnership with The Prince's Trust and funding from the Arnold Clark Community Fund. Four funded spots are available at each market for people aged 18 to 30. Yep, you could have a Better Sundays stall for free!
Callum Aitken, the designer behind the wonderfully wacky Cal’s Planet, was our first young trader to nab a funded spot. We asked for his thoughts on starting his own business, the Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme and being a Better Sundays trader. Over to Cal...
Cal’s Planet: A young trader’s perspective
“Hey I’m Cal, a 29 year old designer, animator and hip hop artist. My business Cal’s Planet focuses on a beautiful collection of weird and wonderful illustrations, usually themed around animals, nature and the elements of space. I sell art prints, t-shirts, mugs, stickers, handmade jewellery and my personal favourite, miniature plant gardens inside upcycled terrariums.
“I love using vibrant colours and base a lot of my illustrations around 80s and 90s comics and cartoons. Nostalgia is a big thing for me and my business and I love seeing people relive their childhood when sifting through my products.
“My business was launched during lockdown, as I, like many others, re-evaluated my work life and passions and realised it was time to make my own way. It was scary at first to take the initial leap into producing my own products and owning my own business, but the thought of never seeing if these dreams could be reality and being stuck in a dead-end job scared me far more and now I feel more in my element than I ever have before.
“I was recommended the Prince’s Trust by a friend who had used the enterprise programme to launch her own business. She told me they were kind, supportive and could help with some of the initial costs to get my business off the ground. They also offer a range of courses to aid you along the way, from helping you to write a business plan to financing and managing your time.
“I discovered Better Sundays through word of mouth. Having been part of the market circuit in Bristol for a while now it truly is one of the best. Being in the centre of Broadmead allows me to test trade my products in the heart of Bristol’s bustling streets and the same location as major brands. Here I can really see my business flourish and it was great that my first stall was given to me for free as I met the age criteria for a free table.
“I’ve loved the experience and vibes at Better Sundays so far. I’d recommend anyone with a small creative business to jump on it! The staff are lush and there’s even entertainment like graffiti workshops and a samba band. Everyone likes samba, right?!
“If you’re thinking of getting involved, do it! This city is filled with amazingly talented and beautiful creators and we need more platforms to help them shine. Get involved and follow your dreams! I’ll always support anyone doing their thing. Don’t be shy, come say hello at the Cal’s Planet stall for a chat about artwork, hip hop, animals and whatever else ails ya!
“To see my crazy artwork please follow @CalsPlanet on Instagram. I’ll soon be running a competition to win some of my weird and wonderful signed artworks!”
Apply for a funded Better Sundays stall
So, fancy giving it a go? If you’re a young trader based in or near Bristol with an ethical, sustainable biz or side hustle you want to grow – we’d love to hear from you!
Here’s what we can offer:
Four funded stalls for traders under 30 at each event, thanks to the Arnold Clark Foundation
Referrals to the Prince’s Trust if not already working with them
Referrals to other local programmes and support groups, such as the various enterprise programmes around Bristol, or the Black South West Network
A community of like-minded people, of varying experience, who can help troubleshoot business issues
Marketing support