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 around 25boothsat the ICCNY, 1558WashingtonBlvd, Stamford, CTon Saturday, October/5/2024 from 10:00am–01:00pm.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, ICCNY Stamford. 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.
Note: There is a $25 entry fee per business.
Judges
Kya Hunter
Kya Hunter is the owner of The Golden Baker LLC, a business she began after learning to bake as a teenager from her mother and grandmother. While honing her skills through high school culinary programs, Kya gained experience working at a local grocery store bakery and selling baked goods to family and friends. In 2021, she rebranded as The Golden Baker and joined an entrepreneurship program, which helped her grow her business. Now registered for over a year, her bakery has gained recognition across New Haven and Fairfield counties, with Kya continually working to expand.
"Let's Raise kids to be entrepreneurs!" by Cameron Herold An entrepreneur since childhood, Cameron Herold wants parents and teachers to recognize and foster entrepreneurial talent in children. His beautiful narrative about his youth and how that brought him success throughout his life.
"Forget what you know" by Jacob Barnett Jacob Barnett is an American mathematician and child prodigy. At 8 years old, Jacob began sneaking into the back of college lectures at IUPUI. After being diagnosed with autism since the age of two and placed in his school's special ed. program, Jacob's teachers and doctors were astonished to learn he was able to teach calculus to college students.
"What Adults Can Learn From Kids" by Adora Svitak Child prodigy Adora Svitak says the world needs "childish" thinking: bold ideas, wild creativity and especially optimism. Kids' big dreams deserve high expectations, she says, starting with grownups' willingness to learn from children as much as to teach.
The 3 magic seeds A short online brochure that tells about the three magical seeds of discovering the entrepreneurial spirit and how to foster this in your children.
Young entrepreneurs A young entrepreneurs who need guidance, inspiration, direction and guidance.
50 smartest teenagers The world's 50 smartest teenagers article tells their stories, ventures and how they got there.
Business Ideas for Kids
From making cat toys to designing websites, check out these 101+ Business Ideas for Kids by Kris Solie-Johnson below. 101+Kids+Business+Ideas.pdf407.81 KB
Guide to Writing a Business Plan
From Biz Kid$, this worksheet below helps young entrepreneurs think about marketing (from the name of their business to who they will sell to) and financials (including materials, pricing, and profit).
This event is an inspiring blend of ideas, creativity, and hard work. Children, ages 6 to 16, are invited to develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace. This is a family-friendly event, we encourage friends, family, community members, and entrepreneurs alike to come out and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Originally started in Austin, Texas, the Acton Children's Business Fair has grown to over 1,500 fairs around the world serving more than 50,000 young entrepreneurs in over 500 cities and 20 countries.
Sumaiya Hasan is a dedicated homeschooling mother of two who has turned her passion for education into a series of successful entrepreneurial ventures. She has founded and managed a daycare and early childhood center, is actively involved in an educational tech startup, and various small businesses, including food catering. Her focus on creating nurturing and innovative spaces for children reflects her commitment to their growth and development. Sumaiya's humble journey in entrepreneurship serves as an inspiration for the young participants of the children's business fair.
Hasan Baig is a multifaceted academic and entrepreneur who combines academic prowess with entrepreneurial innovation. He has been instrumental in developing advanced projects in cloud computing, embedded systems, and design automation. His international experience across Asia, Europe, and the USA reflects a strong ability to translate cutting-edge technology into practical applications, embodying an entrepreneurial mindset that drives impactful results. This blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision positions him as a leader in fostering innovation.
Steven Semaya is the Associate State Director with the CT Small Business Development Center (ctsbdc.uconn.edu) and an Entrepreneur-In-Residence with the Ferguson Library in Stamford CT. In both roles, Steven focuses on helping small businesses to start, grow, and succeed.
After earning his MBA from Columbia Business School, Steven developed his consulting and skills working with CSC Index, a boutique strategy and operations consulting firm. In this role, Steven helped Global 500 companies to drive cost reduction and revenue growth through strategy development, business process reengineering, organizational redesign, and supply chain optimization, including strategic sourcing and vendor management. A problem solver with the ability to think strategically and develop and execute plans tactically, Steven started and grew two successful businesses and led business development, operations and administration for several start-ups, as well as large organization.
Steven’s passion is working with small businesses and start-ups to help them achieve their full potential. He takes a holistic approach to helping businesses start-up and grow efficiently, effectively and sustainably. With more than 25 years of experience as a senior executive, management consultant, and successful entrepreneur, Steven has extensive experience in strategy development, operations management, process and organizational design, business development and leadership.
Leo Wadhwa
Leo brings over 25 years of experience in finance and technology working for some of the Bulge Bracket banks. He owns businesses (multiple Code Ninjas in Connecticut and New Jersey) that focus on imparting essential skills to children, fostering their proficiency at an early age. He demonstrates a robust commitment to harnessing the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to equip future generations. Additionally, Leo actively mentors students from underserved communities, advocating for technology as a means to bridge the wealth gap in our society. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from a prestigious institution in India and a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania.
Abdullah is an experienced entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of business ventures. He currently works in compliance at a Bermuda-based firm and has a strong foundation from his prior roles at KPMG and Deloitte. Abdullah owns multiple Airbnb properties in Orlando, FL, and operates a thriving Amazon e-commerce business. He also manages a fleet of cars on Turo, blending his passion for cars with entrepreneurship. In addition to his professional work, Abdullah is actively involved in real estate and constantly seeks new business opportunities. He holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Sacred Heart University and enjoys building LEGO Technic pieces, modifying cars, and spending quality time with his family.
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 25 businesses.
Is there any registration fee?
Yes, there is a $25 entry fee per business.
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 a tented outdoor event with booths. Each business will be given a booth with an 8-foot table (to share with one other business), full-cover tenting, 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.
Participants are required to do the work by themselves or with other participants. Parental participation is not permitted.
The event will supply two chairs and a 6-foot table. The participants are encouraged to make signs, wear personalized uniforms, offer demonstrations, and use creative marketing.
No more than 3 participants per booth/business idea.
BUSINESS COMPETITION
All entries will be automatically entered in the business competition, and booths will be judged by Judges and fellow entrepreneurs on a variety of criteria, including the most original business idea, highest business potential, and best presentation/creativity. Prizes will be presented at the conclusion of the fair.
Our incredible sponsors
Children's Business Fair
Acton Academy
Next Great Adventure
Join our mailing list
Participating booths
Sweet Delights
Hannah's Goodie Bags
Contact us
Have a question for us? Contact us below and we will be in touch as soon as possible with
a reply. Thanks for your interest!
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.
