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Booths are all claimed for this year's event. Please join us on the 11th!
Acton Children's Business Fair - Bountiful, UT
Saturday, May 11, 2024
3:30PM - 6:00PM
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About the fair
Have you ever experienced the thrill of selling something you made? Something that was all you - and someone was willing to pay you $ for it? When you create something of value for another person - people are willing to pay for it. Your ideas and hard work feel valued. You gain the confidence and freedom.
The Acton Children's Business Fair is not for everyone. In fact, it is only for younger entrepreneurs ages 5-14. Parents CANNOT help with anything other than logistics and funding (they can loan you the money). They are not allowed to even sit inside your booth. It will be very tempting for them to help you succeed or rescue you when you make a mistake. Your challenge is to refuse any attempt of their help. This experience may be difficult for you (perhaps you will not sell anything) or very invigorating (you may be able to pay back your parents and put some cash in your pocket). Either way, it is a learning experience you and your family will remember. You must develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace. You will love it!
CHOICE is hosting the 2024 Acton Children's Business Fair in Bountiful, Utah. In past years, we had about 90 budding entrepreneurs running 50 mini-one-day businesses! We usually have several hundred customers each year. Registration for the event is a first come first serve basis. In past years, the spots fill in about one week. Emails will be first sent to subscribers who contacted us within the last year. A few days later, registration will open to everyone. The business fair will take place in rain or shine on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, Next Great Adventure, CHOICE, Green Gummy Bear 501(c)3, Mountain West Small Business Finance and the generous support of many children and parents at CHOICE. We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation. You are the next generation of entrepreneurs, and we are excited for your experience!
The price to participate in the business fair is $15/booth. This amount should be earned and paid for by the budding entrepreneur(s). Each mini business will need to bring a table and chair. You can decorate it if you wish. You may bring and setup a canopy/tent. If you intend to have non-packaged food, we encourage you to get a food handler's permit so that you learn from it.
The price to participate in the business fair is $15/booth. This amount should be earned and paid for by the budding entrepreneur(s). Each mini business will need to bring a table and chair. You can decorate it if you wish. You may bring and setup a canopy/tent. If you intend to have non-packaged food, we encourage you to get a food handler's permit so that you learn from it.
Hosted by
Paul Tanner
🗓️ Started hosting in 2020
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 5 fairs
Paul & JeVonne Tanner created CHOICE and CHOICE is hosting this event for the community.
53 booths participating
Happy Day Designs
Parke Express, Adopt a 3d Pet
And 51 others.
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 50 business booths.
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 to think through some simple, but important elements of their business:
- What product or service do you plan to sell?
- What is the name of your business (be creative and clever)
- 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.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be in a parking lot. Each mini business will set up along the perimeter of the parking lot.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to booths. If your business absolutely requires electricity, please figure out how to supply your own.
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, the parent will be asked to leave. Children are responsible for set up, customer interaction, sales, exchanging money, and clean up. If you are not comfortable doing these things, we encourage you to be brave and do hard things. If you're not ready for it yet, wait until next year.
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.
