Big Sky Children's Business Fair
Saturday, June 18, 2022
3:00PM - 5:00PM
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About the fair
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 20 booths during the Fort Calhoun City-Wide Garage Sales event at 706 N 14th St, Fort Calhoun, NE 68023. This is a popular garage sale weekend and the Business Fair will be advertised in the local paper.
Each entry is eligible for prize money in different categories. Some categories include:
Most Innovative Idea- this will be judged on the creativity and innovation of the product.
Each entry is eligible for prize money in different categories. Some categories include:
Most Innovative Idea- this will be judged on the creativity and innovation of the product.
Best Booth Set Up- this will go to the person with the most attractive and functional booth set up
Best Sales Pitch- this will go to the person that hustles and makes the best sales pitch.
Most Potential- goes to the person or booth that if they keep perfecting it, has the most chance at growth
"Foodie" award- best edible product
"Art's/Crafts" Award- best arts or craft product
Most Items Sold- based solely on the number of items sold
Most Items Sold- based solely on the number of items sold
Most Net profits made- based on starting expenses and ending gross sales= net profit
Most Gross Sales- product or person with the largest Gross sales at end of the day
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.
Hosted by
Cydney Martzahl
🗓️ Started hosting in 2022
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 3 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.
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.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
The 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 10'x10' booths. Each business will be given a booth with an 8-foot table. Tablecloths will not be provided. We recommend bringing your own chairs and a pop-up tent to cover your booth if you have one. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
What time is the fair?
You may arrive as early as 2pm to set up your booth. Please be set up from 3-5pm. Tear down no earlier than 5.
What time is the fair?
You may arrive as early as 2pm to set up your booth. Please be set up from 3-5pm. Tear down no earlier than 5.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
Where do we park?
Please park on the streets surrounding the school so customers may drive up to the closer parking. You will be able to unload close to your booth before parking elsewhere.
Where do we park?
Please park on the streets surrounding the school so customers may drive up to the closer parking. You will be able to unload close to your booth before parking elsewhere.
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.
Is there a fee to enter the Fair?
Yes, to reserve a booth, there is a $20 deposit. This ensures that everyone that signs up and is accepted, shows up. Booths are limited and we'd hate to turn away anyone and then have a no-show. We will refund the $20 when you show up to the Fair.
Who Supplies the Bank?
It's up to each vendor to make their own change for each sale. We recommend also having digital ways for people to pay for products.
Is there a fee to enter the Fair?
Yes, to reserve a booth, there is a $20 deposit. This ensures that everyone that signs up and is accepted, shows up. Booths are limited and we'd hate to turn away anyone and then have a no-show. We will refund the $20 when you show up to the Fair.
Who Supplies the Bank?
It's up to each vendor to make their own change for each sale. We recommend also having digital ways for people to pay for products.
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. We, at Big Sky, an Acton Academy are excited to start with our inaugural event!
