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Naperville Children's Business Fair

Saturday, August 5, 2023

10:00AM - 12:00PM

440 Aurora Ave

Naperville, IL 60540, USA

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About the fair

(above: photo of the 2022 and video of the 2021 Naperville Children's Business Fair)

UPDATE: The fair is taking place from 10am-12pm. Previously, its starting time was listed on our website as 9am, however this was an error - we apologize for any confusion!

As seen on FOX NEWS, NCTV17, and Patch ... the 3rd Annual Naperville Children's Business Fair! This event, run by local high school students, features a unique opportunity for children ages 5-14 to test the waters of entrepreneurship - through starting their own businesses and selling products and services at our one day, farmers market type event. Our past two fairs have been a huge success, with over 200 kidpreneurs and 130 businesses positively impacting an estimated 1500+ community members.

Naperville Children's Business Fair 2022

What the community had to say about last year's fair:

Very exciting opportunity for young people to get involved, start a business, and really make a positive contribution to our business community.

- Steve Chirico, Naperville mayor

My daughter had such a great time! She learned SO many life lessons through this experience. We are so grateful!

- Parent

For me it really helped me get my business off of the ground and get a good base of customers!

- Kidpreneur

It was better than just a lemonade stand.

- Parent

2023 Fair Gallery:

Hosted by

Athena Chen

🗓️ Started hosting in 2020

🚀 Has hosted 4 fairs

Hello!

We are led by a committee of local high schoolers from Naperville Central and Naperville North passionate about business. We're so excited to be hosting this year's fair and can't wait to impact hundreds of young kidpreneurs!

87 booths participating

BBB

The Name of my business is Eesha's Sweets and Treats

And 85 others.

Contact host

Having issues? Report fair

Frequently asked questions

New for 2023:

We will only be accepting businesses selling original, handmade items. Unfortunately, this means that resellers will not be able to participate.
Tents will not be provided, but are strongly encouraged, as the fair will be taking place outdoors. If you don't have a tent, no worries, as we will be able to put you under shade.
We'll be hosting three prefair workshops on July 8, 15, and 22 from 10am-11am at the Nichols Library Community Room (lower level), where kidpreneurs can learn from past participants, hear guest speakers, and do hands on activities to help improve their businesses for the fair!

Why should I participate?

First off - it's incredibly FUN. You'll be able to meet tons of new friends and interact with experienced mentors along the way!

Even if you aren't interested in business as a future job, creating and running a business young allows kids to gain a variety of skills for any career, in a very hands-on way!

How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?

Applications 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.

Remember that if you need to back out after applying, please let us know at least 14 days in advance and contact us through this website, or napervillebusinessfair@gmail.com!

What happens after I apply?

We'll be reviewing all applications on a first come, first serve basis and will get back to you within 5 business days. Once you're admitted, get started on your business! If you can, make sure to attend our three prefair workshops on July 8, 15, and 22 to improve your business (more info above!).

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 if we receive more than 3 similar businesses, we will let later entries know if another applicant has a similar idea so the later entrant can decide what to do.

What will be provided?

The fair will be an outdoor event. Each business will be provided with an 8' x 2.5' table and 1-3 chairs, depending on the number of kidpreneurs participating. Parents and guardians, please bring your own chairs.
Participants will also be receiving a free kidpreneur bucket hat, a certificate of participation, and a coupon for a free scoop of Jeni's Ice Cream in downtown!

What will NOT be provided?

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide overhead tenting to booths. Bringing your own tent is strongly recommended, as this is an outdoor event.
Electricity, water, and WiFi will not be provided.
Access to Naperville Central bathrooms will be provided for kidpreneurs.

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 fair.
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 wanted to spark a sense of entrepreneurship in their children so they created the first Acton Children’s Business Fair in Austin, Texas, in 2007.

Our incredible sponsors

Children's Business Fair

Acton Academy

Next Great Adventure

Naperville School District 203

Naperville Education Foundation

Naperville Central High School

Geppetto's Skate Shop

Naperville Park District

Sno Problems

Ace Hardware

Giordano's

Nautical Bowls

Smoothie King

Dairy Queen

Little Italian Pizza

Naperville Hearing Services

Pinot's Palette

Susan Joy College Prep

Aqueity

Voipdial

Astro Fun World

Everdines

Grand Dental Group

Pet Suites

Scouts Troop 505/1505

Susan Myket, Ph.D. & Associates