The Hampton Roads Children’s Business Fair is an event where young entrepreneurs, ages 5-17, can showcase and sell their products or services to the community.

The fair will take place on May 18, 2024 at the Selden Market, 208 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510. Young entrepreneurs will arrive at 11:30 am to arrange their products or services, with businesses operating from 12 pm to 2 pm. Awards and music will follow from 2 pm to 2:30 pm, with breakdown scheduled from 2:30 to 3:30.

The fair is open to children ages 5-17 who want to become young entrepreneurs and showcase their business ideas.

No prior business experience is necessary. Participants can develop a business idea specifically for the fair or showcase an existing business.

To register your child for the fair, please visit our website and complete the registration form. The application asks young people to think through some simple, but important elements of their business:

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?

On the application, you'll find spaces labeled as Child #1, with the option for Child #2 and Child #3 if applicable. These sections are designated for learners who have business partners. At Acton Academy Hampton Roads, learners are encouraged to pursue their entrepreneurial endeavors independently. However, if a learner wishes to collaborate with a partner or partners, they must seek approval from Ms. Jackie or Ms. Megan.

It's important to note that Child #1, Child #2 (optional), and Child #3 (optional) slots are not reserved for siblings. If you have more than one child participating in the business fair, each child must submit a separate application.

For Acton Academy Hampton Roads Learners:

There will be a $0 entry fee for a 3’ x 2.5’ table.
Learners who prefer a 6’ table can upgrade for a nominal fee of $5.

For Community Learners:

Community learners interested in participating will pay an entry fee of $15 for a 3’ x 2.5’ table.
For those who opt for a larger 6’ table, the entry fee is $30.

Participants can showcase a wide range of products or services, from handmade crafts and artwork to innovative tech products and creative services. No food or drink can be at the Hampton roads childrens business fair. We kindly request that animals not be placed in pet cages on tables for display purposes.

Tables and tablecloths will be provided for all participants. However, we kindly ask that you bring your own chair for your comfort. Additionally, it's essential to come prepared with cash change and a cash box.

Vendor Checklist Suggestions:

PayPal/Square Reader
Fully charged phone with charger
QR Code payment sign
Price list for your products/services
Inventory of products
Props and stands for display
Email list for potential customers
Business cards and marketing materials
$25 to $50 in cash change
Hand sanitizer for personal hygiene and customer safety

The fair will have designated booth spaces for each participant. Participants will have the opportunity to set up their booths prior to the start of the fair.

This event aims to provide children with the valuable experience of selling a product or service independently. Therefore, it's crucial that children take the lead in all aspects of their business endeavor. While parents of younger children are permitted to accompany them at their booth, it's important that children take primary responsibility for setup, customer interaction, and sales.

Parents are allowed to assist their child in filling out the application form. However, we strongly encourage children to complete as much of the application process as possible independently. We believe that fostering independence and entrepreneurship in children is essential for their growth and development. By encouraging children to take ownership of their business ventures, they gain invaluable skills and confidence that will serve them well in the future.

Thank you for your cooperation in creating a fair and enriching experience for all participants.

Electricity is available. Please select “Yes” on the application if your booth needs electricity the day of the fair.

Yes, prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

Sustainability Award (Can this business sustain throughout the year or years?)
Most Creative
Best Display
Rookie Award (First Hampton Roads Children’s Business Fair)
Best Pitch
Most Inspiring
Impact Award
Logo Award
People’s choice

Yes, the fair is open to the public. We encourage friends, family, and members of the community to come support our young entrepreneurs.

There are six garages in a two block radius of Selden Market-that's over 5,000 parking spaces within walking distance, along with free on-street parking nights and weekends.

Yes, we welcome volunteers to help make the fair a success! Please contact us if you're interested in volunteering.

If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please contact us through the contact information provided on our website.