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.
We will host 20-32 booths at the 1st annual event in Moscow Mills, MO on Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 10 am – 3 pm. Set up will begin at 8 am. All booths must be set up and ready to sell at 10 am. AND- to add to the excitement, there will be table/booth judging and prizes!
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, Christie Colvin Photography and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.
Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey or they are one of the thousands of unsung business owners across this country, these are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs and serve their communities. Payment for table space can be done via the PayPal link. Please cover PayPal fee costs so that the full amount goes to the cost of the space.
Please note that we have met our MAX for jewelry vendors. Please do not submit your application for jewelry to be sold as we have met our limit in order to keep a diverse mix of product and items for the sale. Other items and products are still open for signing up, just not jewelry.
Hosted by
Christie Colvin
🗓️ Started hosting in 2024
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Hi, I am Christie Colvin of Christie Colvin Photography and am a passionate entrepreneur and parent who wants our community children have the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship in a practical and fun way. I believe this builds confidence and empowerment in our youth today, while bringing about a sense of pride and accomplishment that is difficult to give at a young age.Mike-Winslow-Photography-Headshot-Event-6379-Edit-4web-2.jpg502.74 KB
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 20-40* businesses with 20 inside tables (that can be shared) and 10 spaces available outside.
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 a indoor event with booths. Each business will be given a booth with a 6 to 8-foot table, and 1-2 chairs. Tablecloths will not be provided. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. Outside booths do not include tables, canopy or chairs.
Cost of tables are full table $25 Full space no table, bring your own $25 Half table (shared with another business) $18 Outside space (no table, no chairs) $35
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. 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.
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.
Our incredible sponsors
Children's Business Fair
Acton Academy
Next Great Adventure
Christie Colvin Photography
Boyers Academy
Join our mailing list
Participating booths
Joyful Jewels
Pop n Sip Lemonade
Bracelets and Beyond
Crafts by AJ
Trendy Livy Boutique and Doey by Joey
K+B Cookies & Keychains
Wooly Cool Creations
Branch's Bird Feeders
Lotte’s crafts
Remi's Read and Resale
Kai's Crazy Animal Snacks
Mad Max Snack Stand
Sophia's Designs
LBMteal Artisan
Landis' Space Sponges (Water Balloons)
Super Snacks
Ruby's General Store
Pop n Sip Lemonade
Brother and Sister Crafts
The Bait Shack
Kick by kids
crazy paintings
JD Clothing
Jojo-Pops
A.M. Co.
Rylees Balloons & Bracelets
Snuggle Squad
Contact us
Have a question for us? Contact us below and we will be in touch as soon as possible with
a reply. Thanks for your interest!
The Acton Children's Business Fair does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin and admits and gives all hosts and participants access to the same rights, privileges, programs and activities.
