Observe the opportunity for children (ages 7 to 16 years) to launch their very own business!
Children develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, 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 Steve Jobs or Sara Blakely, or is 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.
What is the Acton Children's Business Fair? The Acton Children's Business Fair inspires children (ages 7 to 16) to discover their inner entrepreneur. The largest entrepreneurship event for children 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 40 businesses.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group? The 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 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 entrants know if another applicant has a similar idea so they can decide what to do.
How will the fair be set up? The fair will be an outdoor event with booths. Each business will be given a booth with a 6-foot table and 2 chairs. Tablecloths will not be provided. We are unable to accommodate businesses that require electricity.
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.
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 on their own.
How did the Acton Children's Business Fair get started? Jeff and Laura Sandefer, along with 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
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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!
Refund policy
We offer a full refund with an email notification for cancellations made exactly 15 days prior to the event date. Other than that, no refund will be made.
Acton Children's Business Fair admits hosts and participants of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to them. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its policies and programs.
