Pending confirmation
I Know I Can Children and Youth Business Expo
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:00AM - 3:00AM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fairYou can still apply to this fair, but please note it hasn’t been confirmed yet, so the date or location might change.
About the fair
Come out and support young innovators as they launch, market, and showcase their very own businesses!
PLEASE READ EVERYTHING.
Students learn what it means to be an entrepreneur—developing a brand, creating a product or service, building a simple marketing plan, and opening their doors to real customers at our one-day marketplace.
PLEASE READ EVERYTHING.
Students learn what it means to be an entrepreneur—developing a brand, creating a product or service, building a simple marketing plan, and opening their doors to real customers at our one-day marketplace.
We will host up to 20 youth-run booths at the 1st Annual “I Know I Can” Children and Youth Business Expo, featuring entrepreneurs in 3rd–12th grade.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- All products must be handmade or student-created.
- No last-minute changes to business plans will be accepted.
- Black floor length tablecloths are required, per Mall rules.
- Participation fee: $75, due at the time of registration.
- Payment link: https://square.link/u/J0C74DCm
- Applications are not considered complete until payment is received.
- Children may sell PREPACKAGED food/drinks
At the end of the Expo, we will present monetary awards and trophies to celebrate creativity.
Whether a young person dreams of becoming a creator like MrBeast, an innovator like Mikaila Ulmer (Me & the Bees Lemonade), a global entrepreneur like Rihanna, or one of the countless local business owners who strengthen our communities every day—this expo helps them begin that journey now.
We are grateful for every student who is learning early to take initiative, solve problems, serve others, and bring their ideas to life.
This event is hosted and presented by God’s Essence Aromatherapy, with generous support from Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, and our donors and volunteers.
We are grateful for every student who is learning early to take initiative, solve problems, serve others, and bring their ideas to life.
This event is hosted and presented by God’s Essence Aromatherapy, with generous support from Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, and our donors and volunteers.
Our venue partner is Gurnee Mills Mall, where families can enjoy the Expo along with a youth panel, fashion walk, entertainment, and more.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTES:
Event Information
Location: Gurnee Mills, Entrance G — between Floor & Décor and Burlington Stores, in the Show Court area.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTES:
Event Information
Location: Gurnee Mills, Entrance G — between Floor & Décor and Burlington Stores, in the Show Court area.
Vendor Fee: $75
Includes
• One 8-ft table
• Two chairs
Includes
• One 8-ft table
• Two chairs
Note:
One vendor per table — no exceptions.
One vendor per table — no exceptions.
Required: Black floor length tablecloth to cover the table ("90 x 156"). You have the option of purchasing one from the organizer.
Event Features:
Live youth performances
Live youth performances
Promotion:
Event will be featured on:
• Gurnee Mills’ social media
• Gurnee Mills’ website
• Potential radio + mall e-blast campaigns
• Additional media outreach by event organizer
Event will be featured on:
• Gurnee Mills’ social media
• Gurnee Mills’ website
• Potential radio + mall e-blast campaigns
• Additional media outreach by event organizer
Payment & Approval Process:
• All vendors must be approved by both the Event Organizer and Gurnee Mills.
• No spaces are held without payment.
• All vendors must be approved by both the Event Organizer and Gurnee Mills.
• No spaces are held without payment.
Prohibited Products:
The following items cannot be sold at IKIC:
The following items cannot be sold at IKIC:
• Toys (Labubu, Bbox, Popmart, plushies)
• Native arts sold by mall tenants
• Anime or 3D-printed items
• Non-handmade or permanent jewelry
• Any trademark-infringing or unlicensed products
• Native arts sold by mall tenants
• Anime or 3D-printed items
• Non-handmade or permanent jewelry
• Any trademark-infringing or unlicensed products
For More Info: Pls email support@godsessence.com
Hosted by
Angela Baldwin
🗓️ Started hosting in 2019
🚀 Has hosted 2 fairs
Frequently asked questions
What is the “I Know I Can” Children and Youth Business Expo?
The I Know I Can (IKIC) Children and Youth Business Expo is a hands-on opportunity for young people to step into the role of entrepreneur. Students launch their own businesses, design products or services, and sell to real customers in an exciting one-day marketplace.
The expo also highlights the creativity and talents of youth through performing arts, fashion, and special presentations.
Who is the Acton Children’s Business Fair sponsor?
The Acton Children’s Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. As the largest youth entrepreneurship program in North America, Acton provides children the chance to experience the real-world excitement of launching a business.
We are proud to partner with Acton for this event and grateful for their commitment to empowering young innovators.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 20 student businesses for this expo.
Where should I begin?
Start with the Acton resource page, where you’ll find inspiring stories of successful young entrepreneurs, helpful tools, and games that build early business skills.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
The I Know I Can (IKIC) Children and Youth Business Expo is a hands-on opportunity for young people to step into the role of entrepreneur. Students launch their own businesses, design products or services, and sell to real customers in an exciting one-day marketplace.
The expo also highlights the creativity and talents of youth through performing arts, fashion, and special presentations.
Who is the Acton Children’s Business Fair sponsor?
The Acton Children’s Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. As the largest youth entrepreneurship program in North America, Acton provides children the chance to experience the real-world excitement of launching a business.
We are proud to partner with Acton for this event and grateful for their commitment to empowering young innovators.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 20 student businesses for this expo.
Where should I begin?
Start with the Acton resource page, where you’ll find inspiring stories of successful young entrepreneurs, helpful tools, and games that build early business skills.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
- Applications must be submitted online.
- Submit one application per business.
- Groups are allowed — up to three participants per business.
The application should include information for each participating child.
What does the application include?
The application guides children through key parts of starting a business, including:
- What product or service they plan to sell
- Pricing and cost structure
- How they plan to pay for startup expenses
- How they will advertise their business before the expo
- How they will measure their success at the end of the event
These questions help students think like entrepreneurs from the very beginning.
What if someone else has the same idea?
Two jewelry booths? No problem.
In most cases, we allow the natural marketplace to unfold. If a later applicant submits a similar idea, we will let them know so they can decide whether to continue or pivot.
How will the Expo be set up?
The IKIC Expo is an indoor event.
Each student business will receive:
- One 8-foot table
- 1–2 chairs
- Tablecloths are required but not provided.
Will electricity be available?
We can accommodate only a very limited number of booths needing electricity. Requests will be reviewed in the order they are received.
What are the rules?
This expo is designed to give young entrepreneurs a true business experience.
To preserve fairness and authenticity:
- Children must run their own booths. Parents may assist with safety or minor setup, but all selling, customer interaction, and booth management must be done by the child(ren).
- If a parent is found selling or promoting the child’s product or service, the business will be disqualified from the competition.
- Parents may help complete the application, but children should take the lead wherever possible.
How did the Acton Children’s Business Fair get started?
The Acton Children’s Business Fair began in 2007 in Austin, Texas, when Jeff and Laura Sandefer and several families wanted to spark curiosity, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit in their children.
What started with 7 young entrepreneurs and 25 attendees has grown into:
- 4,273+ fairs
- 97,000+ young entrepreneurs
- 785 cities across the United States
We are honored to bring this powerful movement to our community through the I Know I Can Children and Youth Business Expo.
