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Applications now open!
Acton Children's Business Fair Chevy Chase, MD
Saturday, September 17, 2022
2:00PM - 4:00PM
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About the fair
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 25 booths at the Shops at Wisconsin Place in Chevy Chase, Maryland on Saturday September 17, 2022 from 2 pm–4 pm. Set up will begin at 1. In the event of very heavy rain, the event will be moved to the rain date - Sunday September 18, 2022.
Kids ages 6-15 can apply for a booth. There is a $20 fee per booth once your application is approved. Prizes will be awarded for Highest Business Potential and Best Marketing Presentation.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We are especially grateful to the Shops at Wisconsin Place!!
This fair is organized by Piya Scielzo, who developed and launched her own successful business a few years ago with the support of Acton Children's Business Fairs! She is delighted to now step into the role of Fair organizer to bring this wonderful opportunity to the future generation of young entrepreneurs! See you on September 17th!
Kids ages 6-15 can apply for a booth. There is a $20 fee per booth once your application is approved. Prizes will be awarded for Highest Business Potential and Best Marketing Presentation.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We are especially grateful to the Shops at Wisconsin Place!!
This fair is organized by Piya Scielzo, who developed and launched her own successful business a few years ago with the support of Acton Children's Business Fairs! She is delighted to now step into the role of Fair organizer to bring this wonderful opportunity to the future generation of young entrepreneurs! See you on September 17th!
Hosted by
Piya Scielzo
🗓️ Started hosting in 2021
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 6 fairs
My name is Piya Scielzo and I started a nonprofit baking business (Pops By Piya) at the age of 12. Acton Children's Business Fairs helped me to develop my entrepreneurial skills and grow my business. I am excited to help young people in my community have the same terrific experience and explore their passions to build their own successful ventures. I am working with a talented and energetic team to bring this Children's Business Fair to Chevy Chase, MD. Join us!
23 booths participating
Gupta Collectables
Grapefruit Jewelry
And 21 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 25 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 folding table and 1-2 folding 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 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.
