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An opportunity to explore entrepreneurship and test ideas for potential business ventures at the BizFest - A Children's Business Fair.
BizFest
Saturday, June 3, 2023
10:00AM - 1:00PM
This fair has ended
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About the fair
Entrepreneurship is about more than just business. It is a mindset of identifying possibilities and finding creative solutions to problems, and it is never too early to acquire practical skills and valuable life lessons. Hence, this initiative encourages elementary and middle school kids to develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and launch it for customers at a one-day marketplace.
The Hive, a non-traditional Spokane Public Library centered around arts education, offers the event space for free. The generous support of our donors and volunteers sponsors this event.
The Hive, a non-traditional Spokane Public Library centered around arts education, offers the event space for free. The generous support of our donors and volunteers sponsors this event.
We will begin to notify accepted applicants who make it to the list once the application is received and continue until we reach a total booth capacity. Meanwhile, you can continue working towards your dream venture, do the groundwork, and create a roadmap. You can keep learning and acquiring new entrepreneurial skills.
- Find a mentor to learn business basics
- Create a product prototype
- Research on resources to build the final product
- Understand the expenses and sales projections
- Design a business logo and compose a brand slogan
- Sketch a booth setup theme
- Record a business promotional video
Awards
There will be an award ceremony immediately following the BizFest. Rewards and certificates will be presented in each of the these age groups 6-8, 9-11, 12-14 for the most Business Potential + Creative Idea + Impressive Presentation. All booths are automatically entered into the evaluation process.
Also, though optional, we encourage young entrepreneurs to participate in the pre-event effort recognition in these two categories, due on May 25, 2023.
- Brand Story: One-page essay
A brand story is how you came to be who you are, what inspired you to create, and how you want to grow as an entrepreneur. It is a written narrative that describes your business and aspirations and speaks directly to your potential customers.
- Business Marketing: Letter-size flyer
While designing a flyer, consider the customer's viewpoint and how you plan to share it. Keep the content crisp and add a catchy headline or a brand slogan. Be creative and choose colors that support your brand.
Free Event
There is no participation or an entry fee. The indoor event is open to the public and FREE to attend. We encourage you to attend and also to invite friends, family, community members, and real-world entrepreneurs to support the next generation of young budding entrepreneurs and celebrate the leaders and free-thinkers of tomorrow.
FAQ
Event information, rules, and resources are available on the FAQ page. Please feel free to reach out to us with any more questions.
Hosted by
Rupali Joshi
🗓️ Started hosting in 2022
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 2 fairs
The Children’s Business Fair is more than an event—it’s a passion project inspired by my 13-year-old son, now a freshman, and driven by my commitment to empowering young minds with real-world skills.
I launched this initiative to give kids a platform to explore entrepreneurship, build confidence, and develop essential life skills like problem-solving, creativity, and financial literacy. Watching young entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life, engage with the community, and take pride in their work has been truly inspiring.
More than a marketplace, this fair is a launchpad for future innovators, offering hands-on experience in running a business. With overwhelming community support and growing interest, it’s clear that nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs is more important than ever.
By continuing to host and expand this initiative, I hope to ignite a lasting passion for entrepreneurship, equipping young minds with the tools and opportunities to dream big and turn their ideas into reality.
About my professional journey- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupalijoshi/
About my professional journey- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupalijoshi/
30 booths participating
Woodland Crochet
Moon Stones
And 28 others.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I begin?
Read stories about other young entrepreneurs, get inspired, learn the tricks, and polish your skills- https://www.business.org/business/startup/youngest-entrepreneurs/. These YouTube videos can give you great ideas for setting up your booth- https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Acton+childrens+business+fair.
Check out this book for guidance- Be a Young Entrepreneur
ACBF Resource - Link
Read stories about other young entrepreneurs, get inspired, learn the tricks, and polish your skills- https://www.business.org/business/startup/youngest-entrepreneurs/. These YouTube videos can give you great ideas for setting up your booth- https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Acton+childrens+business+fair.
Check out this book for guidance- Be a Young Entrepreneur
ACBF Resource - Link
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.
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 essential elements of their business. The idea is that kids learn business basics and the economics of running a business while having some fun, creative experience.
What if someone else has the same business idea?
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.
The application asks kids to think through some simple but essential elements of their business. The idea is that kids learn business basics and the economics of running a business while having some fun, creative experience.
What if someone else has the same business idea?
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?
Each business will be given a booth space with a table and 1-2 chairs. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. Participants will be responsible for bringing any tablecloths, booth decorations, and signage they may need. Everything you bring must fit within the bounds of your booth area without infringing on another booth's space.
Each business will be given a booth space with a table and 1-2 chairs. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. Participants will be responsible for bringing any tablecloths, booth decorations, and signage they may need. Everything you bring must fit within the bounds of your booth area without infringing on another booth's space.
What is the parent/ guardian's role?
For a child’s first business venture, the focus should not be on them ideating the next million-dollar startup. Instead, the focus should be on them grasping the basics of entrepreneurship. Most importantly, the children should have fun and learn for themselves.
It is essential to have children think of an idea that motivates them to put forth their energy daily. Do not discourage your child from any idea you might see as unattainable. Instead, let your child understand what it will take to develop their absurd idea, as it is more powerful for a child to learn entrepreneurship through hands-on experience.
Interesting article - The 3 “Magic Seeds” of Entrepreneurship.
The goal is for a child to do as much as reasonably possible. Of course, a 10-year-old can't drive across town to buy supplies, but the child can figure out what they need and set a budget of how much to spend. Then, they must do the work, with the parents/ guardians supervising for safety.
Parents/ guardians are responsible for reading emails and communicating information with their children.
Food item businesses should comply with the Spokane county food department rules and cottage food laws -https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/cottage-food. Parents/ guardians are requested to consider this vital requirement before applying.
Factsheet for food not requiring permit - INFO
Cash transaction is allowed; however, online payment may be convenient for most. Regarding accepting online payments via PayPal/ Venmo, a child must have a parent/ guardian connect a personal or business bank account to an online payment processor. Sales tax may be applicable.
What are the BizFest rules?
For a child’s first business venture, the focus should not be on them ideating the next million-dollar startup. Instead, the focus should be on them grasping the basics of entrepreneurship. Most importantly, the children should have fun and learn for themselves.
It is essential to have children think of an idea that motivates them to put forth their energy daily. Do not discourage your child from any idea you might see as unattainable. Instead, let your child understand what it will take to develop their absurd idea, as it is more powerful for a child to learn entrepreneurship through hands-on experience.
Interesting article - The 3 “Magic Seeds” of Entrepreneurship.
The goal is for a child to do as much as reasonably possible. Of course, a 10-year-old can't drive across town to buy supplies, but the child can figure out what they need and set a budget of how much to spend. Then, they must do the work, with the parents/ guardians supervising for safety.
Parents/ guardians are responsible for reading emails and communicating information with their children.
Food item businesses should comply with the Spokane county food department rules and cottage food laws -https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/cottage-food. Parents/ guardians are requested to consider this vital requirement before applying.
Factsheet for food not requiring permit - INFO
Cash transaction is allowed; however, online payment may be convenient for most. Regarding accepting online payments via PayPal/ Venmo, a child must have a parent/ guardian connect a personal or business bank account to an online payment processor. Sales tax may be applicable.
What are the BizFest rules?
Only products/services created by children will be allowed. Reselling products and promotion of other established businesses will not be allowed.
Only one parent/ guardian of younger children will be allowed to sit in the booth, but the children will solely be responsible for customer interaction and sales.
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. If a parent/ guardian is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business may be disqualified from the competition (if held).
Only one parent/ guardian of younger children will be allowed to sit in the booth, but the children will solely be responsible for customer interaction and sales.
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. If a parent/ guardian is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business may be disqualified from the competition (if held).
Parents/ guardians may help their children fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves.
The BizFest team reserves the right to reject an application that does not meet the rules of the fair.
