Pacifica Children's Business Fair (PCBF)
Saturday, September 19, 2026
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
Observe the opportunity for 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.
The registration fee is $30 per business. This fee covers one (1) entrepreneur. An additional fee of $10 per child will be assessed for businesses with more than one participant, and each business will be allowed a maximum of (4) participants per booth. Payment instructions will be provided during registration.
The registration fee is $30 per business. This fee covers one (1) entrepreneur. An additional fee of $10 per child will be assessed for businesses with more than one participant, and each business will be allowed a maximum of (4) participants per booth. Payment instructions will be provided during registration.
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
Lisa Bolle
🗓️ Started hosting in 2024
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 4.9 (10)
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.
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 30 businesses.
We will accept up to 30 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.
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 4 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 4 participants per business.
What is on the application?
The application asks kids to think through some simple, but important elements of their business:
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 knitting 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 knitting 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.
Can I sell homemade food or beverage items?
San Mateo County does not allow sales of any food or beverage items unless they are prepared in a commercial kitchen by a licensed food handler.
How will the fair be set up?
Each business will be given one six-foot table and 2 chairs. Tablecloths will not be provided.
Each business will be given one six-foot table and 2 chairs. Tablecloths will not be provided.
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. In the spirit of the fair, adults selling or promoting a child’s product or service is strongly discouraged.
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. In the spirit of the fair, adults selling or promoting a child’s product or service is strongly discouraged.
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 unless arranged otherwise (see IEP/ADA Support below).
IEP/ADA Support
Every child is welcome at PCBF! Modifications will be made for children with IEP or ADA requirements.
IEP/ADA Support
Every child is welcome at PCBF! Modifications will be made for children with IEP or ADA requirements.
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.
Learning Resources
A Step-by-Step Guide for Kidpreneurs – Kidpreneurs
56+ Craft Fair Booth Setup Ideas & Tips for Your Next Show
(80) Introduction To Marketing For Kid Entrepreneurs - YouTube
Interested in Sponsoring?
Please email lbolle@comcast.net. We love sponsors!
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.
Learning Resources
A Step-by-Step Guide for Kidpreneurs – Kidpreneurs
56+ Craft Fair Booth Setup Ideas & Tips for Your Next Show
(80) Introduction To Marketing For Kid Entrepreneurs - YouTube
Interested in Sponsoring?
Please email lbolle@comcast.net. We love sponsors!
