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.
We will host 50 booths at the 2nd annual event in Waltham Massachusetts on June 23rd, 2018, from 10.00am – 3.00 pm. This event is brought to you by Mamai Art Gallery, Acton Academy 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.
Participation fee per booth is $20
BUSINESS COMPETITION All entries will be automatically entered in the business competition, and booths will be judged by fellow entrepreneurs on a variety of criteria, including: most original business idea, highest business potential, and best presentation/creativity. Cash prizes of $50 per category (to be split among the business owners) will be presented at the conclusion of The Fair.
Please scroll down for FAQ or contact us at the form at the bottom of the page. We look forward to seeing you on June 23rd, 2018.
Hosted by
Fiona Mamai
🗓️ Started hosting in 2017
✅ Identity verified
🚀
Has hosted
8 fairs
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.
The Waltham Children’s Business Fair inspires ch ildren 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 50 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.
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.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an outdoor event with booths. Each business will be given a booth with a table and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths will not 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 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 Children’s Business Fairs 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 various fairs all over North America and other parts of the world.
Our incredible sponsors
Thank you for your interest! We are actively looking for sponsors and volunteers to support children entrepreneurship. For details on sponsor opportunities, please contact Fiona at mamaiartgallery@gmail.com or (781) 325-5053/ (781) 600-7582.
Thanks so much to the sponsors and volunteers of this year's event both individuals and businesses.
The Acton Children's Business Fair does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin and admits and gives all hosts and participants access to the same rights, privileges, programs and activities.
