What is the SAGA-Chamber Children’s Business Fair?

The SAGA-Chamber 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 25 businesses operated by youth ages 6 - 14. First come - first served, so apply early! Deadline to apply is September 10th, 2020 at 5:00 pm. 

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 via this website. 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 youth per business.

The application asks kids to think through some simple, but important elements of their business:

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.

The fair will be an outdoor event with each business having one parking space as the area where they can set up their booth. You will be responsible for providing your own table, chairs and tent (optional, but encouraged). We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.

Will electricity be available?

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.

This event is designed to give children ages 6 - 14 the experience of selling a product or service. 

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.

You will be interviewed (a short segment) about your experience with the fair.

Is there a participation fee?

Yes. A $15 application fee is due once you have been notified of your acceptance to the fair. When you arrive and set up your booth on October 10th, your $15 will be refunded. This is to ensure that accepted applicants do participate.

Optional, but encouraged - You must provide your own tent, table and chair(s)

Where will the fair be held?

We will be located in the parking lot behind the businesses on Chatham Street, specifically behind Libations 139, and also across Wicker Street from Yarborough's Ice Cream. It will take place adjacent to the Sanford Farmer's Market. Please DO NOT park in the Yarborough's Ice Cream parking lot. You will need to park along Wicker Street.

When is set-up and break down?

You may begin setting up your booth at 6:30 am the morning of the event. You will have a specific parking spot assigned to your business. You must complete your set-up no later than 7:45 am in order to welcome customers by 8:00 am. Breakdown can start no earlier than 12:00 noon. 

The Sanford Area Growth Alliance - Chamber of Commerce found out about Jeff and Laura Sandefer and a few other families who 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. The goal remains the same - let's spark some entrepreneurial fire in this kiddos!

Have additional questions?

Contact Meg Moss, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director for the Sanford Area Growth Alliance at mmoss@growsanfordnc.com