Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace at the Bay Area Farmer's Market (parking lot in front of Fidelity Investments).
The Acton Children's Business Fair started in 2007 in Austin, TX, and now there have been >1000 Acton Children's Business Fairs around the globe.
We are taking applications from young entrepreneurs age 4 to 14. Please read our FAQ page before submitting an application.
Hosted by
Amelia Sofjan
🗓️ Started hosting in 2021
✅ Identity verified
🚀
Has hosted
5 fairs
We are passionate entrepreneurs, teachers, and parents, who want our children to learn about entrepreneurship in a practical and fun way.
The Acton Children’s Business Fair inspires children age 4 to 14 to discover their inner entrepreneur. This one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses.
How many and what type of businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 20 businesses. Children should create their own products or significantly modify products to make them their own. Unfortunately, we do not accept businesses that sell foods or drinks and are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
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? When will I find out if my business is accepted?
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 notify applicants whether they are accepted within 2 weeks of application submission.
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?
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 in a mall parking lot with booths. Each business will be given a 10x10 ft space to set up as they wish and must bring a 5-8 ft folding table.
Is there an entry fee?
No :)
What are the rules?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. Parents may help their child fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves. On the day of the fair, the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales as much as possible.
What if there's inclement weather the day of?
The Children's Business Fair will be held, rain or shine. However, in the case of inclement weather occurring, appropriate decisions will be made by the host as to canceling, delaying, re-scheduling, closing the fair early, etc.
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.
Our incredible sponsors
Children's Business Fair
Acton Academy
Next Great Adventure
Bay Area Farmers Market
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Participating booths
Jaylis
Ivy + Averie Flower Company
Kids Helping Kids
Bella's Bubble Bars
R.A.A.C. (Recycled arts and crafts.)
3D Jaguar
R2L2 Arts
Hadassah Kids USA
SlimeTastic
Fizzies
MTI Accessories
Treasured Accessories
Kikiris gloss , Livrt
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.
