Riverfest Children's Business Fair!
Sunday, May 31, 2026
1:00PM - 4:00PM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
The Children’s Business Fair is a hands-on marketplace where child entrepreneurs step into real-world business ownership.
By planning, creating, and running their own businesses in a fun, supportive community setting, children build confidence, financial literacy, problem-solving skills, and leadership through experience.
During this one-day event, child entrepreneurs set up their booths, sell their products or services, interact with real customers, participate in interviews with judges, and have a blast along the way. Through this experience, children practice communication, decision-making, and leadership in an authentic marketplace environment.
This fair is organized by The Society of Child Entrepreneurs (SoCE) as part of the Acton Children’s Business Fair network and is supported by community partners, volunteers, and donors who believe children learn best when they are trusted to lead.
Entrepreneurship is not defined by fame. Whether someone builds a global company like Steve Jobs or Sara Blakely, or quietly runs a small business that serves their community, entrepreneurship is about noticing problems, taking initiative, and creating solutions. This fair gives children the opportunity to practice those skills and discover the impact they can make right now.
Hosted by
Leah Ellis
🗓️ Started hosting in 2024
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 4.4 (14)
Leah Ellis is the founder and executive director of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs, where she combines her diverse experiences as a teacher, business coach, and entrepreneur to inspire the next generation. Inspired by her daughter’s budding interest in entrepreneurship at just 4 years old, Leah envisioned an organization that empowers young minds to become the next generation of business owners and community leaders.
With a focus on hands-on experiences and community membership, Leah nurtures creativity, innovation, and leadership skills in children, providing them with the tools they need to thrive. Her passion for fostering growth in others is evident in every workshop and mentorship session. As Leah leads this inspiring initiative, she invites others to explore the potential of young entrepreneurs and consider how they can support this transformative journey. The future of our communities relies on the bold ideas and leadership of our youth—together, we can help them flourish.
With a focus on hands-on experiences and community membership, Leah nurtures creativity, innovation, and leadership skills in children, providing them with the tools they need to thrive. Her passion for fostering growth in others is evident in every workshop and mentorship session. As Leah leads this inspiring initiative, she invites others to explore the potential of young entrepreneurs and consider how they can support this transformative journey. The future of our communities relies on the bold ideas and leadership of our youth—together, we can help them flourish.
6 booths participating
Victorias Lipgloss
Serenity Rocks
And 4 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. As the largest entrepreneurship event for children in North America, this one-day market gives young innovators the opportunity to launch and run their very own businesses. From handmade crafts to original treats and creative services, children experience what it’s like to plan, market, sell, and learn in a real marketplace.
This fair is hosted in partnership with Riverfest and offers a high-energy, public-facing opportunity for child entrepreneurs to engage real customers in a dynamic outdoor setting.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 100 child-run businesses for this event.
Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly. Early application is strongly encouraged.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Applications must be submitted online.
- Please submit one application per business.
- Children may work individually or as a team.
- Team businesses may include up to 3 child entrepreneurs per business.
- Be sure to include the names and ages of all participants on the application.
What if someone else has the same business idea?
That’s okay. Two slime shops or three lemonade stands are part of the learning experience. We allow similar businesses and let market forces play out naturally, just like in the real world.
How will the fair be set up?
This is an outdoor event held during Riverfest.
Each business is responsible for providing its own booth setup. We strongly recommend:
- An EZ Up or similar canopy
- Weights on all tent legs for wind safety
- Sun protection for child entrepreneurs
Tables, chairs, and table coverings are not provided.
Electricity will not be available.
What are the rules for parents?
This event is designed to give children real-world entrepreneurial experience, including customer interaction, pricing, and sales.
- Parents may not interact with their child’s customers.
- Parents are welcome to relax in the Parent Booth or explore Riverfest during the fair.
- Parents of younger children may remain nearby for safety but should allow the child to lead.
- Parents may assist with the application process but should encourage children to take the lead in planning and running their business.
What are the event details?
Event: Acton Children’s Business Fair at Riverfest
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Fair Hours: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Fair Hours: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Setup: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Judging: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Awards Announced: 3:45 PM
Tear Down: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Judging: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Awards Announced: 3:45 PM
Tear Down: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
A Facebook Event will be released soon.
How did the Acton Children’s Business Fair get started?
The Acton Children’s Business Fair was founded in 2007 by Jeff and Laura Sandefer and a small group of families in Austin, Texas. What began with just seven young entrepreneurs has grown into a worldwide movement empowering children to learn entrepreneurship through hands-on experience.
About the Organizer: The Society of Child Entrepreneurs
The Society of Child Entrepreneurs (SoCE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children through entrepreneurship, leadership, and real-world learning experiences. We believe children are not the future of leadership. They are leaders now when given meaningful opportunities, trust, and space to try.
SoCE creates hands-on programs that help children develop confidence, problem-solving skills, financial literacy, and initiative by learning through doing. Our work includes Children’s Business Fairs, after-school and community programs, leadership circles, curriculum, and advocacy efforts that support child entrepreneurs across Kansas and beyond.
As the organizer of the Children’s Business Fair at Riverfest, SoCE is proud to create a platform where children can showcase their ideas, engage with real customers, and experience what it means to build something of their own in a supportive, community-centered environment.
