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Now ACCEPTING applications!
Acton Children's Business Fair Pioneer Valley, MA
Saturday, October 6, 2018
12:00PM - 5:00PM
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About the fair
Come Shop!
Support children in the Pioneer Valley as they embrace the opportunity to launch their very own startup business for a day! Check out our pop-up marketplace for a day of commerce, education and fun!
Support children in the Pioneer Valley as they embrace the opportunity to launch their very own startup business for a day! Check out our pop-up marketplace for a day of commerce, education and fun!
Come Learn & Earn!
This Hands-On learning experience invites kids to develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy and then open for customers at our one-day pop-up marketplace.
- We will host up to 25 bussinesses at the 2nd Pioneer Valley Children's Business Fair at the innovative Mill 180 Park on Saturday, December 8th from 12 to 3 pm with awards at 3:30 pm
- If you think your child will need support in bolstering their skill set in order to be successful, please attend our financial literacy workshops at the Holyoke Public Library on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5: p.m.
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.
Hosted by
Lhea Destromp
🗓️ Started hosting in 2018
🚀 Has hosted 2 fairs
Rock Paper City is a Holyoke based initiative that strives to elevate the quality of life in the Pioneer Valley by cultivating educational experiences, advocates & resources to foster the growth of children & families.
13 booths participating
Craft Creations
Ods recycling
And 11 others.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Acton Children’s Business Fair?
The Acton Children’s Business Fair inspires ch ildren 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.
Can I sell food or beverage items?
Yes! Please have ingredients listed clearly.
Can I sell food or beverage items?
Yes! Please have ingredients listed clearly.
Does it cost anything?
Yes. There is a $25 registration fee that covers booth and table rental as well as custodial and security charges. Additionally, making an initial investment is a good way to make sure your child or student is serious about participating. If you're going to pay the fee, make sure they know that they will need to repay you for the upstart capital (it's up to you if you charge interest).
If the registration fee is a hardship for you, please consider going into business with two other friends. If the fee is still prohibitive, please reach out to me at holyokestrong@gmail.com.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 25 businesses this year.
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 indoors at Mill 180 Park. Tables may be shared with other businesses depending on the number of applications. You are encouraged to bring your own tablecloth and other items to bring your brand to your consumers. Chairs will not be provided but you are welcome to bring your own.
Will electricity be available?
Electricity will be available. Additionally, applications that require the use of Open Flame will not be accepted. You are welcome to use battery operated devices, however, out of respect for neighboring tables and sensory sensitive guests, we ask that you avoid loud sounds, strong smells and flashing lights.
Can I accept credit cards?
You are welcome to setup your own Square, PayPal or other way to accept electronic payment.
Can I accept credit cards?
You are welcome to setup your own Square, PayPal or other way to accept electronic payment.
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.
If you think your child will need support in bolstering their skill set in order to be successful, please be sure to attend our lunch meeting and watch your email for information about Financial Literacy Workshops in the coming weeks!
If you think your child will need support in bolstering their skill set in order to be successful, please be sure to attend our lunch meeting and watch your email for information about Financial Literacy Workshops in the coming weeks!
Please no food products, make-up or nail services, face painting or other such business that might require a license or certification.
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.
