Avila Beach Children's Business Fair - Avila Beach, CA
Saturday, May 15, 2027
10:00AM - 1:00PM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
ABOUT THE FAIR
Come join us in supporting the 7th annual Avila Beach Children’s Business Fair! This one-day marketplace will return to the Central Coast Aquarium on Saturday, May 15th, giving kids the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses.
Come join us in supporting the 7th annual Avila Beach Children’s Business Fair! This one-day marketplace will return to the Central Coast Aquarium on Saturday, May 15th, giving kids the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses.
The fair will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Kids will get to keep all the money they make! For more event details, please see our FAQs section below.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Saturday, May 8th, at 11:59 PM
*Each business will be charged a $10 venue fee.
A current list of participating businesses can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LyBOu8AiyJbx0BxyA6NiB0UWxgYqtpXMn7XH7ljyeqA/edit?gid=0#gid=0
RULES & GUIDELINES
- All products should be handmade. Reselling pre-made or purchased products is not allowed.
- The entrepreneur is responsible for the setup, sales and interacting with the customer. If a parent is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business will be disqualified from the competition.
- Parents may help their child fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves.
- Business owners are responsible for all monetary transactions.
JUDGING & AWARDS
Immediately following the Children’s Business Fair, an awards ceremony will be held to recognize outstanding creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. All participating businesses are automatically entered into the competition.
Booths will be evaluated across three categories by a panel of local entrepreneurs and leaders, with one winner selected per age group.
- Most Original Business Idea - recognizes creativity, innovation, and uniqueness of the business concept
- Highest Business Potential - evaluates product marketability, pricing strategy, customer engagement, and overall potential for growth
- Best Presentation & Creativity - assesses booth design, branding, organization, and overall visual and interactive appeal
Judges will also select one business as the Best Overall winner.
Age Groups: 5-8, 9-10, 11-13, and 14-17
PRIZES & RECOGNITION
All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation from the Central Coast Aquarium and a Certificate of Recognition from San Luis Obispo County.
Winners will receive a Certificate of Achievement and an Avila Children’s Business Fair medal.
The Best Overall winner will receive our Grand Prize - a one-month opportunity to sell their product in the Central Coast Aquarium Gift Shop.
Hosted by
Kate Gillespie
🗓️ Started hosting in 2021
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 4.7 (36)
7 booths participating
Hot Diggity Dog
Aubs Tiny Trinkets
And 5 others.
Frequently asked questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many businesses will you accept?
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 65 businesses (based on space and availability, this number could change).
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
All applications must be submitted online and are subject to approval. Unfortunately, due to limited space, we often receive more applications than we can accept. If our venue has reached capacity, you will automatically be added to a waitlist!
Children working as a group should submit one application that includes each child’s information. Businesses may have up to three participants - each business will need to pay a $10 venue fee.
What if someone else has the same business idea?
Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem. In general, we’ll let market forces play out. This is a good chance to think about what makes your product unique!
As part of our updated application process, you’ll be asked to describe your business in 10 words or less. These responses will be posted on our website - feel free to take a look at other participants as you make your business plan!
We will do our best to separate businesses with similar products, but booth placement may be limited by space and electricity needs.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair is an outdoor event located in the Central Coast Aquarium’s Ocean Discovery Park (ODP). Each business is expected to provide their own chairs and 6-foot table, along with any additional materials needed. A business name display sign will be provided.
Limited seating and table options are available by request only.
The ODP is an open space - please keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for possible wind and heat! Businesses can bring a standing umbrella for shade, but pop-up canopies are not allowed.
Will there be restrooms at the facility?
Yes, there are restrooms on the first and second floor of the Aquarium.
Parking?
Parking is very limited in Avila Beach. Street parking may be available, but we recommend that all participants and guests park in the paid public lot nearby. Prior to the event, the side gates of the Aquarium will be open for unloading.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the majority of booths. If you MUST have electricity, please contact us to see if we can make special arrangements.
Will food or drinks be sold at the fair?
Some kids may be selling food and drinks as part of their approved business plan! A water fountain and bottle-filling station is available inside the Aquarium for all attendees. A food vendor will also be on-site for guests to purchase lunch (details to be announced).
All participants will receive one free meal ticket for the vendor, donated by our generous sponsors!
Can we visit the Aquarium?
Yes! Admission to the Aquarium will be free (all day!) for fair participants.
All FAQs are subject to change - if you have specific questions, please direct them to kateg@centralcoastaquarium.com
