Local Business Detectives
On Saturday mornings, a small group visits a shop in Midtown East, goes behind the counter, and interviews the owner. Then each kid works out how the shop makes money, on a sheet they keep.
- Grades
- 2nd to 5th
- When
- Saturdays, 9 to 10:30 am
- Where
- At a shop in Midtown East
- Group
- 3 or 4 kids
What they learn, what they make, and what you see
They learn
Asking good questions
They write their questions before the visit, ask the owner themselves, and follow up when an answer surprises them.
How a business makes money
Where the money from one sale goes: what it costs to make, the people who make it, the rent, and what's left over.
How a shop runs
Who the customers are, what sells best, and who does what behind the counter.
They make
A “How this shop makes money” sheet
One for every visit, with the shop's numbers, the owner's answers, and their own idea for the shop.
You get
Photos of their work
After the visit, the club leader sends you photos of your child's finished sheet.
How a visit goes
Saturdays, 9 to 10:30 am, at a shop in Midtown East. A club leader from Surehand’s own team leads every session.
- During the week
Meet the shop
A short online activity at home introduces the shop, and your child writes the questions they want to ask the owner.
- Saturday, 9:00
Drop off at the shop door
The club leader meets the group at the shop. There are only 3 or 4 kids, so everyone gets a turn.
- First
The tour
The owner takes the kids behind the counter to see where things are made or stored, and how the day runs.
- Then
The interview
Each kid asks their own questions, and the club leader helps them follow up when an answer gets interesting.
- Last
Fill in the sheet
Kids work out the shop's costs, prices, and customers, with the club leader helping with the math, and add their own idea for the shop.
- 10:30
Pick up at the shop door
The club leader waits with the group until every kid is picked up.
Is it a good fit?
- Kids who want to know how things work
- Kids who like being out in the neighborhood
- Any Saturday: each visit stands on its own, so kids can come once or every week
$40 a visit
Drop in any Saturday. Nothing to pay when you sign up: we email a payment link once the session is confirmed.
Questions about Local Business Detectives
How do drop-off and pickup work?
Visits are Saturday mornings at the shop. You drop your child off at the shop door and pick them up there when the visit ends. A club leader leads every visit, with up to 4 kids, and waits with them until each one is picked up. We email you the shop, the address, and the drop-off time when the visit is confirmed.
Which shops do you visit?
Neighborhood businesses within walking distance in Midtown East, like a cookie shop, a bike shop, a deli, or a flower shop. We set up every visit with the owner ahead of time, and you'll see which shop it is when you sign up.
Will my child taste or eat anything?
Only if you say yes on the sign-up form. Tell us about allergies there too, and the club leader will check before anything is handed out.
What should my child bring?
Just a water bottle and clothes for the weather. We bring clipboards, pencils, and the sheet they fill in.
Will there be photos?
The club leader takes photos of the kids' work to send to parents. Photos of your child go only to you, and we never post them without your permission.
About groups, payment, and cancelling: how every club works. Anything else? Email hello@surehand.co.
Sign up for Local Business Detectives
We place your child in a group, and email you once their first session is confirmed.
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