BCAW Children's Business Fair
Sunday, July 14, 2024
1:00PM - 5:00PM
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About the fair
Join us as we invite children to launch their very own startup business!
Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace.
We will host 20-25 booths at the 2nd annual event at the Burncoat Center for Arts and Wellness on Sunday, July 14th from 1pm –5pm.
This was SUCH a blast last year, kids had so much fun running their booths! If you are interested in applying for your child, please do so here via this website, and the sooner the better, as we have tons of interest!
This was SUCH a blast last year, kids had so much fun running their booths! If you are interested in applying for your child, please do so here via this website, and the sooner the better, as we have tons of interest!
This event is partially 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
Kim Mowers
🗓️ Started hosting in 2023
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 2 fairs
We are a 2 woman owned, self funded Center full of passionate entrepreneurs, teachers, mentors, and parents, who want our children to learn about entrepreneurship in an educational and fun way.
26 booths participating
Hand Crafts Family
Vintage Vibes
And 24 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 25 businesses.
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 an outdoor event with spaces for each applicant. Each business will be given a 10'x10' booth with space for a pop up tent, and your set up. If you are in need of borrowing a folding table and/or chairs, please let us know, as we only have a few. Otherwise, all businesses will be responsible for all tents, tables, chairs, and set ups. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
Will electricity be available?
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. Parents are welcome to support their children wherever needed, but please encourage them interact with their customers and accept and count payment when possible.
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 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.
