Children's Business Fair in Palatine - Young Minds in Business
Sunday, July 27, 2025
3:00PM - 5:00PM
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About the fair
Due to weather, the fair will now be taking place on Sunday, July 27th from 3-5pm.
The Young Minds in Business Children’s Business Fair in Palatine is an opportunity for kids to create, market, and sell their own products to the local community, gaining real-world business experience along the way.
The Young Minds in Business Children’s Business Fair in Palatine is an opportunity for kids to create, market, and sell their own products to the local community, gaining real-world business experience along the way.
Participants will design their own products-such as jewelry, candles, art, or slime-develop a brand and business name, and set up a table to market and sell their creations to members of the local community.
Event Details
Date/time: Saturday, July 26th 1-3:30 PM
Location: Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School: 101 N Oak St 101, Palatine, IL 60067
Cost: Booth spots are FREE, sign up here!
Prizes: There will be three prizes for the following categories: most creative, best presentation, and highest potential
Participants should bring:
- The products they plan to sell
- A method to process payments (e.g., cash with change, PayPal, Cash App, Zelle - parents may need to assist)
- A table and chairs (tents are recommended for shade, though there are trees available for coverage)
A parent or guardian must remain on-site for the duration of the event. However, please remember this is your child’s business! They are encouraged to take the lead in selling and interacting with customers as much as possible.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.
Hosted by
Emme Lee
🗓️ Started hosting in 2025
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 4.8 (6)
17 booths participating
Beaded Bliss
Meera Pillows
And 15 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 children in North America, this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses.
The Acton Children's Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. The largest entrepreneurship event for children 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 businesses.
We will accept up to 50 businesses.
Who can participate?
This is intended for elementary through middle school students with an entrepreneurial spirit, but we will also accept students up to 17 years old!
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.
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 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.
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 an outdoor event. Each business must bring a table and it's recommended to bring a tent and 1-2 chairs. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
The fair will an outdoor event. Each business must bring a table and it's recommended to bring a tent and 1-2 chairs. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
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.
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.
Parents may help their child fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves.
Young Minds in Business - Who are we?
Young Minds in Business empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs by inspiring youth to explore business, leadership, and innovation. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and community events, we help kids build confidence and develop the skills needed to thrive in today’s business world.
Young Minds in Business empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs by inspiring youth to explore business, leadership, and innovation. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and community events, we help kids build confidence and develop the skills needed to thrive in today’s business world.
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.
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.
