How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 25 businesses.
Where should I begin?
Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills. Here are some great business ideas to get you started: Cupcake Baker, Dog Walking Service, Tutoring/HW Help, Photo Booth, Jewelry, Dog Treats, Artist, Shirt Designer, Rock Painter or Lemonade Stand. And these are just a few of the many!
What age are the participants?
Vendors must be between the 3rd and 9th grades at the time of the event.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Application must be submitted online. Please submit one application for each business. There is a $20 registration fee due before the event date. We will contact you once we receive your application in order to finalize the payment. Children working as a group should submit one application that includes each child’s information. No more than 2 participants per business.
What is on the application?
The application asks kids to think through some simple, but important elements of their business:
- What product or service do you plan to sell?
- What price will you charge for each product/service? How much will each product/service cost you?
- How will you pay for your startup costs? If someone is helping you with your startup costs, how will you pay that person back?
- How will you advertise/market your business before the fair?
- At the end of the fair, how will you determine if your business was a success?
What if someone else has the same business idea?
Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem. In general, we will let market forces play out, though we will let later entries know if another applicant has a similar idea so the later entrant can decide what to do.
How many items should I make?
That's completely up to you and will also depend on your product and your sales goals. Item price points range from $2-$18 or can be much higher.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be a one day event. Each business will be given a 6-foot table and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths and company/logo signage will be provided. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
What are the rules?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. If a parent is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business will not be able to participate.
Parents of younger children may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales. The child should be expected to do as much as possible by themselves.
Is there a fee to participate in the Children's Business Fair?
There is a $20 registration fee due before the event date. This will include a table, chair, linens and an official T-shirt to be worn the day of the event. We will contact you once we receive your application in order to finalize the payment. Also, in order to promote philanthropy, we do require that all young entrepreneurs donate 10% of their sales to the charity or church of their choice.
I've submitted my application. Now what?
Once we receive your application, we will send you an email with details on how to proceed and all you need to know in preparation for the event.