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.
It has opened doors to Zambian Children as well. it will hold an event every year.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 10 businesses.
Where should I begin?
Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs attend seminars and join The Library to hone your business skills.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Application can be submitted online or be submitted through your representatives in the participating schools or by contacting The library whatsapp 0977 845568. 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.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an outdoor event with booths. Each business will be given a table (to share with one other business), and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths will not be provided.
Decorations and presentation is done by the business owner.
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?
Acton Children's Business Fair Lusaka, Zambia started with the encouragement by WEAC Zambia that we needed to take The Library at the next level. We did a lot of research and we came across Acton business academy who qualified us to host the business fair in Zambia by pitching and answering questions and sending a video on our activities. Now we have partnered with Ngoma Dolce Music Academy to host the Childrens' Business Fair during their music festival.