Acton Academy Sioux Falls Children's Business Fair
Thursday, June 17, 2021
4:00PM - 6:00PM
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About the fair
Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business!
Children 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 up to 20 booths at the inaugural Acton Academy Sioux Falls Children’s Business Fair on Thursday June 17, from 4-6 PM, with an awards ceremony to follow. The fair will run alongside the Lake Lorraine Farmer’s Market.
The Children’s Business Fair is open to any child between the ages of 6-15. There is $20 booth fee, which will cover advertising costs, signage, and other organizational materials.
The Children’s Business Fair is open to any child between the ages of 6-15. There is $20 booth fee, which will cover advertising costs, signage, and other organizational materials.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, Lake Lorraine, and the generous support of 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.
Hosted by
Aaron Johnson
🗓️ Started hosting in 2021
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 4 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.
17 booths participating
Brick wall Bracelets and Bookmarks
Scottish Son’s Shortbread
And 15 others.
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 20 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. Also, check out the Acton Children’s Business Fair Facebook page and Pinterest page for ideas.
Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills. Also, check out the Acton Children’s Business Fair Facebook page and Pinterest page for ideas.
How much does it cost?
There is a $20 fee to participate. These funds will be used for marketing/advertising, as well as signage and organizational materials. We encourage children to seek a sponsorship from a local business to cover this cost in exchange for the child creating a “sponsored by” sign and displaying it on the front of their table. The participation fee will be due at check-in on the day of the event.
There is a $20 fee to participate. These funds will be used for marketing/advertising, as well as signage and organizational materials. We encourage children to seek a sponsorship from a local business to cover this cost in exchange for the child creating a “sponsored by” sign and displaying it on the front of their table. The participation fee will be due at check-in on the day of the event.
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.
We will begin to notify accepted applicants by May 24th and will continue until we reach our cap of 20 businesses.
We will begin to notify accepted applicants by May 24th and will continue until we reach our cap of 20 businesses.
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 or assisting with production, 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 tables and will run alongside the Lake Lorraine Farmer’s Market. Each business will be given a designated space with a 5 foot table and 2-3 chairs. Some tables may be larger in size. Children are responsible for full setup and design of their space. Table cloths will not be provided. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. If you wish to bring your own table and/or tent, please contact us prior to the event for approval.
What will happen in the event of inclement weather?
If the weather is not cooperating, we will postpone the fair until the following Thursday (June 24, 2021).
What will happen in the event of inclement weather?
If the weather is not cooperating, we will postpone the fair until the following Thursday (June 24, 2021).
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
What are the rules?
The Children’s Business Fair is open to any child between the ages of 6-15. This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service.
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. If a parent is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business will be disqualified from the 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. 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 (9 years and under) may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales. Parents may help carry items to and from the car. Parents of children 10 years and older are expected to wait in a separate area during the fair.
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.
