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It's back and we've partnered with ARTSwalk!
2nd Bi-Annual Frostburg Children's Business Fair
Saturday, April 25, 2020
2:00PM - 7:00PM
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About the fair
Come on out and witness kids launching 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.
We will host (approx.) 30 booths at the 2nd Bi-Annual event which is paired with the Frostburg ARTSwalk on Saturday, April 25th, from 2pm-7pm. This year, we'll be located in the Frostburg Community Center at 27 S Water Street, Frostburg, MD 21532.
This year, we've partnered with the Frostburg State University Business Dept to offer each child a one on one chance to learn about marketing, brand development, presentation, and selling to customers! We'll be offering 3 workshops before the fair, which are not mandatory, but are free to attend. At the fair, each booth will be judged by a panel made up of local business owners and professors. Winners will be chosen and presented with prize money and plaques!
Booth fee is $10 per business, with all money donated to Stepping Stone Animal Society, a 501c3 spay and neuter clinic in Cumberland, MD.
This year, we've partnered with the Frostburg State University Business Dept to offer each child a one on one chance to learn about marketing, brand development, presentation, and selling to customers! We'll be offering 3 workshops before the fair, which are not mandatory, but are free to attend. At the fair, each booth will be judged by a panel made up of local business owners and professors. Winners will be chosen and presented with prize money and plaques!
Booth fee is $10 per business, with all money donated to Stepping Stone Animal Society, a 501c3 spay and neuter clinic in Cumberland, MD.
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.
Hosted by
Michelle Ingrodi
🗓️ Started hosting in 2019
🚀 Has hosted 2 fairs
We are a small team of passionate entrepreneurs, teachers, mentors, parents, and one crazy aunt 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.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 30 businesses. This may change depending on venue accommodations.
Where should I begin?
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.
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. Last year, we had 3 slime businesses. It's up to you and your child to decide if you want to saturate the market, or come up with another business. We encourage wild ideas!
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an indoor event with tables. Each business will be given an 8-foot table and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths will not be provided. We are able to provide electricity if needed. You must bring your own cords.
Will electricity be available?
Yes, there are outlets in the community room. You must provide your own cords.
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.
