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MARK YOUR CALENDAR! APPLICATIONS OPEN FRIDAY, MAY 16TH! So start talking to your young people now about what ideas they may have! There is limited space and spots typically fill within two days of the application opening.
Tacoma Children's Business Fair presented by: Hosmer Business Association!
Saturday, June 14, 2025
12:00PM - 3:00PM
Applications are closed
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About the fair
SAVE THE DATE! June 14, 2025. Applications open Friday, May 16th. Sign up for our newsletter to be reminded!
This event is proudly sponsored and presented by the Hosmer Business Association in partnership with the Tacoma Children's Business Fair and proudly sponsored by Sage Investment Group, The South End Neighborhood Council, and the Hosmer Business Association.
We will prioritize spots for the youth residing within the district to support the Hosmer community and its youth. After those applicants are accepted, will we then accept those residing outside of the Hosmer district while spots last.
Thank you for your interest!
This event is proudly sponsored and presented by the Hosmer Business Association in partnership with the Tacoma Children's Business Fair and proudly sponsored by Sage Investment Group, The South End Neighborhood Council, and the Hosmer Business Association.
We will prioritize spots for the youth residing within the district to support the Hosmer community and its youth. After those applicants are accepted, will we then accept those residing outside of the Hosmer district while spots last.
Thank you for your interest!
Hosted by
Nicollette Roe
🗓️ Started hosting in 2024
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 4.9 (37)
Hi, everyone! I’ve always dreamed of seeing an event like this in Tacoma, so I decided to create one for my kids. I never expected it to take off the way it has, but it’s been amazing to see how many other parents in the community also wanted this experience for their children.
By day, I’m the Associate Dean of High School Programs at Renton Technical College, but I’ve always been passionate about early childhood education and Montessori-style learning. I believe in fostering independence by creating opportunities for kids to learn through hands-on experiences and allowing them to immerse in their creativity without interruption. That’s the spirit I bring to this event: it’s all about the kids being the decision-makers!
This is a NO STRESS day. I encourage both adults and kids to embrace the joy of the moment, stay present, and let things unfold naturally. There’s something to learn from it all. Thank you for being a part of this entirely youth-led event, where they can turn their dreams into reality! It’s been such a joy to organize, and I look forward to working each quarter to secure sponsors and continue growing cash prizes for our young creators. They truly deserve recognition for their creativity, hard work, and the unique spirit they bring!
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tacoma Children's Business Fair?
The Tacoma Children's Business Fair is a one-day event where young people can try their hand at entrepreneurship! This is a youth-led space created to allow young people to fully be in the drivers seat. They are the decision makers from start to finish, from what they'd like their business or product to be, to the name, logo, to selling and counting money on their own the day of the event. Their adults are encouraged to be as hands off as possible to let the young entrepreneurs figure out what they love, maybe even what they hate, and using all of that data to help inform them on what they'd like their next venture to be!
The Tacoma Children's Business Fair is a one-day event where young people can try their hand at entrepreneurship! This is a youth-led space created to allow young people to fully be in the drivers seat. They are the decision makers from start to finish, from what they'd like their business or product to be, to the name, logo, to selling and counting money on their own the day of the event. Their adults are encouraged to be as hands off as possible to let the young entrepreneurs figure out what they love, maybe even what they hate, and using all of that data to help inform them on what they'd like their next venture to be!
Who is eligible?
Ages 5-17. Those who live within the Hosmer district will be given priority.
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?
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Applications will open May 16th. Application must be submitted online and ONLY on this website. Please don't submit applications via Facebook to scammers saying they're accepting vendors. We will only accept them through this website and all communication comes from TacomaCBF@gmail.com. Please submit one application for each business. Children working as a group should submit one application that includes each child's information. We suggest no more than 3 participants per business.
Applications will open May 16th. Application must be submitted online and ONLY on this website. Please don't submit applications via Facebook to scammers saying they're accepting vendors. We will only accept them through this website and all communication comes from TacomaCBF@gmail.com. Please submit one application for each business. Children working as a group should submit one application that includes each child's information. We suggest no more than 3 participants per business.
What if someone else has the same business idea?
3D printed toys, and slime are among the most popular business ideas. But that doesn't mean the businesses can't get creative on the variations and the display of their booth! So 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 to keep or change their business idea. We want all businesses to make as much of a profit as possible so we do try to limit too much competition within the same category.
3D printed toys, and slime are among the most popular business ideas. But that doesn't mean the businesses can't get creative on the variations and the display of their booth! So 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 to keep or change their business idea. We want all businesses to make as much of a profit as possible so we do try to limit too much competition within the same category.
How will the fair be set up?
This fair will be outside! Each business must bring their own tables, signage, tablecloths, chairs, and anything else they want to use! Your space will allow for one 10x10 tent if you choose to bring one but that's not a requirement. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. Please contact tacomacbf@gmail.com if your young person would like to participate in the fair but cannot secure the table, chair, etc. for their booth. We do not want this to be a deterent to participating. We will do our best to ask our community to provide one!
This fair will be outside! Each business must bring their own tables, signage, tablecloths, chairs, and anything else they want to use! Your space will allow for one 10x10 tent if you choose to bring one but that's not a requirement. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. Please contact tacomacbf@gmail.com if your young person would like to participate in the fair but cannot secure the table, chair, etc. for their booth. We do not want this to be a deterent to participating. We will do our best to ask our community to provide one!
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
What about cash prizes?
Cash prizes will be given in three categories: Highest Business Potential, Most Creative Business Idea, and Most Creative Presentation. Local business owners will be the judges who score businesses.
All entrepreneurs will be put into 4 different age categories, so they are only competing with those in their age bracket. If your business has multiple CEOs or partners, you will be put into the age bracket of the oldest entrepreneur in your business.
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
What about cash prizes?
Cash prizes will be given in three categories: Highest Business Potential, Most Creative Business Idea, and Most Creative Presentation. Local business owners will be the judges who score businesses.
All entrepreneurs will be put into 4 different age categories, so they are only competing with those in their age bracket. If your business has multiple CEOs or partners, you will be put into the age bracket of the oldest entrepreneur in your business.
What are the rules?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service.
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service.
Parents of younger children may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales. If your child has assistance needs please contact us directly to make accommodations.
Parents may help their child fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves to the best of their ability. You would be surprised at what they can do when we are not hovering over them!
During the fair, we understand children enjoy shopping and bartering with their peer businesses. Only after the first hour after judging has finished will we make an announcement that kids are welcome to leave their tables at that time to barter/shop if they'd like.
During the fair, we understand children enjoy shopping and bartering with their peer businesses. Only after the first hour after judging has finished will we make an announcement that kids are welcome to leave their tables at that time to barter/shop if they'd like.
