St. Pete Acton Children's Business Fair
Saturday, October 3, 2020
9:00AM - 12:00PM
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About the fair
**Important Update: Due to the current situation with COVID-19, we are postponing the Children's Business Fair. We do not have a specific date scheduled at this time (the date posted is very tentative). Please stay tuned for subsequent updates, and thank you so much for your patience and understanding during this time. Stay safe!**
Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business!
Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business!
Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.
Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey or they are one of the thousands of unsung business owners across this country, these are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs and serve their communities.
Please visit our FAQs page for important information.
(*Please note: the date and location listed are tentative as we are in the process of securing a location.*)
Please visit our FAQs page for important information.
(*Please note: the date and location listed are tentative as we are in the process of securing a location.*)
Hosted by
Araceli Luettinger
🗓️ Started hosting in 2020
🚀 Has hosted 1 fair
We are a team of passionate entrepreneurs, teachers, mentors, and parents, who want our children to learn about entrepreneurship in a practical and fun way.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Acton Children’s Business Fair?
The Acton Children’s Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. The largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America, this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses.
Is there a cost to participate?
Yes, there is a $20 fee to register and reserve your spot. After you submit your application, you will be redirected to Paypal.
Is there a cost to participate?
Yes, there is a $20 fee to register and reserve your spot. After you submit your application, you will be redirected to Paypal.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 25 businesses. If your application is received after that limit is reached, we will notify you and you will have first dibs for application at the next business fair.
We will accept up to 25 businesses. If your application is received after that limit is reached, we will notify you and you will have first dibs for application at the next business fair.
Where should I begin?
Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills.
Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Application must be submitted online. Please submit one application for each business. Children working as a group should submit one application that includes each child’s information. No more than 3 participants per business.
Application must be submitted online. Please submit one application for each business. Children working as a group should submit one application that includes each child’s information. No more than 3 participants per business.
What is on the application?
The application asks kids to think through some simple, but important elements of their business:
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 will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an outdoor event. Each business will be provided with a 6-foot table. Businesses are encouraged to bring their own tents.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
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 be disqualified from the competition.
Parents of younger children may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales.
Parents may help their child fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves.
How did the Acton Children’s Business Fair get started?
Jeff and Laura Sandefer and a few other families wanted to spark a sense of wonder and entrepreneurship in their children so they created the first Acton Children’s Business Fair in Austin, Texas, in 2007. That year, there were seven entrepreneurs and around 25 attendees. Now, there are over 115 entrepreneurs and 1,500 attendees at the Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin. In addition, Children's Business Fairs are being held across the globe, including right here in our very own St. Petersburg, FL!
Jeff and Laura Sandefer and a few other families wanted to spark a sense of wonder and entrepreneurship in their children so they created the first Acton Children’s Business Fair in Austin, Texas, in 2007. That year, there were seven entrepreneurs and around 25 attendees. Now, there are over 115 entrepreneurs and 1,500 attendees at the Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin. In addition, Children's Business Fairs are being held across the globe, including right here in our very own St. Petersburg, FL!
