📣
🚀 Calling All Young Entrepreneurs! 🚀Have a business idea? Ready to turn your creativity into a real venture? Dream it. Build it. Sell it. 💡
BizFest 2025
Saturday, June 14, 2025
11:00AM - 1:00PM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
Application begins in March 2025
Opportunity is for elementary and middle school students (ages 6–14).
- Applications will be reviewed on alternate weekends beginning March 15 until April 12 and then weekly on Saturdays until all booth spaces are filled. Confirmation will be emailed by Wednesdays.
- Once capacity is reached, applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
- Early submission is encouraged to secure a spot.
About BizFest
Entrepreneurship is a mindset of creativity and problem-solving. Organized by AmpUpSkill, a non-profit social enterprise, BizFest empowers children to develop a brand, create a product, and launch it at a one-day business fair. This hands-on experience fosters confidence, innovation, and real-world skills.
BizFest 2024 - https://www.ampupskill.com/bizfest2024
BizFest 2023 - https://www.ampupskill.com/bizfest2023
BizFest 2023 - https://www.ampupskill.com/bizfest2023
Partners and Sponsors
BizFest is hosted in collaboration with Spokane Public Library. The Hive, a unique library space, generously provides its state-of-the-art event hall at no cost. The support of donors and volunteers drives our success. Instead of monetary donations, sponsors contribute age-appropriate items, promotional materials for swag bags, or cover the costs of event memorabilia and trophies.
FREE Event! No participation or an entry fee.
The indoor event is open to the public and FREE to attend. We encourage you to attend and invite friends, family, community members, and real-world entrepreneurs to support the next generation of young budding entrepreneurs and celebrate the leaders and free-thinkers of tomorrow.
Awards 🏆
There will be an award ceremony immediately following the BizFest. Rewards and certificates will be presented in age groups 6-8, 9-11, and 12-14 for the most Business Potential, Creative Ideas, and impressive Presentation. All booths are automatically entered into the evaluation process.
🏅 Judging: A friendly panel will look at your booth, ask questions, and see how awesome your business is!
🏅 Judging: A friendly panel will look at your booth, ask questions, and see how awesome your business is!
Introducing Special Awards (open category)
🏆 Best Cultural Business - For businesses that celebrate culture!
- Shows Your Culture – Your product or service represents your traditions, art, craft, lifestyle, or history.
- Creative Idea– Your business brings something special and unique.
- Looks & Works Great– Your product or service is well-made and easy to use.
- Friendly & Welcoming– You explain your business well and attract customers.
🌱 Eco-Friendly Business - For businesses that help the planet!
- Good for the Earth– Uses recycled, natural, or reusable materials.
- Smart & Unique– A new and fun way to help the environment.
- Really Works– Your idea truly helps nature and animals or reduces waste.
- Teaches Others– You help people learn how to be more eco-friendly.
Optional but Highly Encouraged
Participate in the pre-event effort recognition in these two categories, due a week before the event.
- Brand Story: One-page essay
A brand story is how you became who you are, what inspired you to create, and how you want to grow as an entrepreneur. It is a written narrative that describes your business and aspirations and speaks directly to your potential customers.
- Business Marketing: Letter-size flyer
While designing a flyer, consider the customer's viewpoint and how you plan to share it. Keep the content crisp and add a catchy headline or a brand slogan. Be creative and choose colors that support your brand.
Queries
Please feel free to contact us for any queries at info@ampupskill.com
Hosted by
Rupali Joshi
🗓️ Started hosting in 2022
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 2 fairs
The Children’s Business Fair is more than an event—it’s a passion project inspired by my 13-year-old son, now a freshman, and driven by my commitment to empowering young minds with real-world skills.
I launched this initiative to give kids a platform to explore entrepreneurship, build confidence, and develop essential life skills like problem-solving, creativity, and financial literacy. Watching young entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life, engage with the community, and take pride in their work has been truly inspiring.
More than a marketplace, this fair is a launchpad for future innovators, offering hands-on experience in running a business. With overwhelming community support and growing interest, it’s clear that nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs is more important than ever.
By continuing to host and expand this initiative, I hope to ignite a lasting passion for entrepreneurship, equipping young minds with the tools and opportunities to dream big and turn their ideas into reality.
About my professional journey- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupalijoshi/
About my professional journey- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupalijoshi/
Frequently asked questions
Where should I begin?
Read stories about other young entrepreneurs to get inspired, learn tricks, and polish your skills: https://www.business.org/business/startup/youngest-entrepreneurs/.
These YouTube videos can give you great ideas for setting up your booth- https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Acton+childrens+business+fair.
Check out this book for guidance- Be a Young Entrepreneur.
ACBF Resource - Link
Guide to writing a business plan by Biz Kid$
Read stories about other young entrepreneurs to get inspired, learn tricks, and polish your skills: https://www.business.org/business/startup/youngest-entrepreneurs/.
These YouTube videos can give you great ideas for setting up your booth- https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Acton+childrens+business+fair.
Check out this book for guidance- Be a Young Entrepreneur.
ACBF Resource - Link
Guide to writing a business plan by Biz Kid$
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.
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 is on the application?
The application asks kids to think through some simple but essential elements of their business. The idea is that kids learn business basics and the economics of running a business while having some fun, creative experience.
How will the fair be set up?
Each business will be given a booth space with a table and 1-2 chairs. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. Participants will be responsible for bringing any tablecloths, booth decorations, and signage they may need. Everything you bring must fit within the bounds of your booth area without infringing on another booth's space.
The application asks kids to think through some simple but essential elements of their business. The idea is that kids learn business basics and the economics of running a business while having some fun, creative experience.
How will the fair be set up?
Each business will be given a booth space with a table and 1-2 chairs. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. Participants will be responsible for bringing any tablecloths, booth decorations, and signage they may need. Everything you bring must fit within the bounds of your booth area without infringing on another booth's space.
What is the role of the parent/guardian?
For a child’s first business venture, the focus should not be on them ideating the next million-dollar startup. Instead, the focus should be on them grasping the basics of entrepreneurship. Most importantly, the children should have fun and learn for themselves.
It is essential to have children think of an idea that motivates them to put forth their energy daily. Do not discourage your child from any idea you might see as unattainable. Instead, let your child understand what it will take to develop their absurd idea, as it is more powerful for a child to learn entrepreneurship through hands-on experience.
Interesting article - The 3 “Magic Seeds” of Entrepreneurship.
The goal is for a child to do as much as reasonably possible. Of course, a 10-year-old can't drive across town to buy supplies, but the child can figure out what they need and set a budget of how much to spend. Then, they must do the work, with the parents/ guardians supervising for safety.
Parents/ guardians are responsible for reading emails and communicating information with their children.
Food item businesses should comply with the Spokane County Food Department rules and cottage food laws: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/cottage-food. Parents/ guardians are requested to consider this vital requirement before applying.
Factsheet for food not requiring a permit - INFO
Since the students keep the profits, the food items would not qualify for the bake sale exemption. If someone wants to make snacks or other baked goods, they must be made in a commissary kitchen, and a TFE permit would be required. A one-day TFE permit is $100. TFE Application (srhd.org)
Cash transactions are allowed; however, online payment may be more convenient for most. To accept online payments via PayPal/ Venmo, a child must have a parent or guardian connect a personal or business bank account to an online payment processor. Sales tax may be applicable.
What are the BizFest rules?
For a child’s first business venture, the focus should not be on them ideating the next million-dollar startup. Instead, the focus should be on them grasping the basics of entrepreneurship. Most importantly, the children should have fun and learn for themselves.
It is essential to have children think of an idea that motivates them to put forth their energy daily. Do not discourage your child from any idea you might see as unattainable. Instead, let your child understand what it will take to develop their absurd idea, as it is more powerful for a child to learn entrepreneurship through hands-on experience.
Interesting article - The 3 “Magic Seeds” of Entrepreneurship.
The goal is for a child to do as much as reasonably possible. Of course, a 10-year-old can't drive across town to buy supplies, but the child can figure out what they need and set a budget of how much to spend. Then, they must do the work, with the parents/ guardians supervising for safety.
Parents/ guardians are responsible for reading emails and communicating information with their children.
Food item businesses should comply with the Spokane County Food Department rules and cottage food laws: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/cottage-food. Parents/ guardians are requested to consider this vital requirement before applying.
Factsheet for food not requiring a permit - INFO
Since the students keep the profits, the food items would not qualify for the bake sale exemption. If someone wants to make snacks or other baked goods, they must be made in a commissary kitchen, and a TFE permit would be required. A one-day TFE permit is $100. TFE Application (srhd.org)
Cash transactions are allowed; however, online payment may be more convenient for most. To accept online payments via PayPal/ Venmo, a child must have a parent or guardian connect a personal or business bank account to an online payment processor. Sales tax may be applicable.
What are the BizFest rules?
Only products/services created by children will be allowed. Reselling products and promotion of other established businesses will not be allowed.
Only one parent/ guardian of younger children will be allowed to sit in the booth, but the children will solely be responsible for customer interaction and sales.
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. If a parent/ guardian is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business may be disqualified from the competition (if held).
Only one parent/ guardian of younger children will be allowed to sit in the booth, but the children will solely be responsible for customer interaction and sales.
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. If a parent/ guardian is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business may be disqualified from the competition (if held).
Parents or guardians may help their children complete the application, but we expect them to do as much as possible independently.
The BizFest team reserves the right to reject an application that does not meet the rules of the fair.
