Free to Dream Children's Business Fair
Friday, June 13, 2025
5:30PM - 8:30PM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
This is an 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 booths at The Free to Dream Festival hosted at Freedom Center Church Fenton on Friday, June 13 from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
This event is sponsored by ECO Fenton, Prism Project, Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, Freedom Center Church and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.
There is no booth fee, but we are asking that each business donate 10% of their proceeds to Prism Project which will be presented to them at the end of the event. Local entrepreneurs will also select one business to win a $100 prize for the most innovative idea, creative display, and/or marketing strategy.
There is no booth fee, but we are asking that each business donate 10% of their proceeds to Prism Project which will be presented to them at the end of the event. Local entrepreneurs will also select one business to win a $100 prize for the most innovative idea, creative display, and/or marketing strategy.
Whether an entrepreneur is famous 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. We are excited to bring this opportunity to the youth of our community. It's amazing what kids can do when they're free to dream!
Hosted by
Nicole Guiles
🗓️ Started hosting in 2020
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 5 fairs
ECO Fenton is a a team of passionate entrepreneurs and community members who want to support and build connections within our community to see our city thrive. Our mission is to love God. Love people. And love to serve.
One of the many ways we get involved in our community is by supporting nonprofits like Prism Project. This event is to raise money to help them continue the important work they do in our community. Prism Project is a faith based nonprofit that provides a safe house to young women in Genesee County coming out of trafficking.
This event is a family friendly event and a great opportunity for our young entrepreneurs to try out their businesses while also supporting a great cause.
We are once again partnering with Acton Business Fair to also help our children learn about entrepreneurship in a practical and fun way at an event that is sure to bring our community together.
One of the many ways we get involved in our community is by supporting nonprofits like Prism Project. This event is to raise money to help them continue the important work they do in our community. Prism Project is a faith based nonprofit that provides a safe house to young women in Genesee County coming out of trafficking.
This event is a family friendly event and a great opportunity for our young entrepreneurs to try out their businesses while also supporting a great cause.
We are once again partnering with Acton Business Fair to also help our children learn about entrepreneurship in a practical and fun way at an event that is sure to bring our community together.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Free to Dream Children’s Business Fair?
The Free to Dream Children’s Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. We have partnered with Acton Children's Business Fair, the largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America, to host this event. This one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses.
The Free to Dream Children’s Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. We have partnered with Acton Children's Business Fair, the largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America, to host this event. 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 businesses.
We will accept up to 20 businesses.
Where should I begin?
Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills.
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.
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:
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?
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an outdoor event. A table will be provided, but each business must bring their own chairs (tent is optional). There is no charge for setting up a booth, but we are asking that each business donates a portion of their sales to Prism Project.
The fair will be an outdoor event. A table will be provided, but each business must bring their own chairs (tent is optional). There is no charge for setting up a booth, but we are asking that each business donates a portion of their sales to Prism Project.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
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.
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.
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.
