We're giving children a platform to launch their very own startup business!
Kids are asked to 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 17 booths at the 1st annual event on November 3rd, from 10 am – 1 pm.
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.
Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Richard Branson 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
Jessica Marpe
🗓️ Started hosting in 2018
🚀
Has hosted
3 fairs
The Philadelphia Acton Children's Business Fair is being organized by Jessica Marpe, a local marketing professional.
Jessica is passionate about entrepreneurship and wants to provide young business builders the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship in a practical and fun way. While living in Austin, TX a few years ago, she was able to observe the original Children's Business Fair and is now thrilled to bring the event to Philadelphia.
For questions regarding the applications, event logistics, or information not listed on the website, email Jessica at jessicamarpe@gmail.com.
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.
Is there an age limit for those that can apply?
Yes, this year's event will host businesses from children ages 6-11. As we continue to host this annual event, we will look to add opportunities for younger and teen entrepreneurs to apply.
When will you stop accepting applications?
Applications will be accepted through September 15th. All entrepreneurs will be notified by September 30th about the status of their application.
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 an 8-foot table (to share with one other business) and 1-2 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.
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.
