Child Entrepreneurs Day is The Society of Child Entrepreneurs' annual celebration of youth entrepreneurship.

Held each year at the conclusion of Global Entrepreneurship Week and near the end of National Entrepreneurship Month, Child Entrepreneurs Day recognizes the incredible things children can accomplish when adults trust them with real responsibility.

Rather than simply talking about entrepreneurship, children experience it firsthand. They create products, solve problems, earn money, practice leadership, and discover that their ideas have value today, not someday.

The day also serves as a community celebration. Families, local businesses, volunteers, and shoppers come together to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs while supporting youth-led businesses and investing in the future of our community.

For SoCE, Child Entrepreneurs Day is more than a business fair. It is a reminder that children are leaders now.

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.

Our Children's Business Fair is proudly hosted as part of the Acton Children's Business Fair network and serves as the featured event of SoCE's annual Child Entrepreneurs Day celebration.

Children ages 6–17 may apply to operate a business.

Businesses may be operated by an individual child or by a team of up to three child entrepreneurs.

We will accept up to 15 child-run businesses for this event.

Spots are limited and are expected to fill quickly. Early application is strongly encouraged.

Applications must be submitted online.

Please submit one application per business.

Children may participate individually or as a team.

Teams may include up to three child entrepreneurs.
Please include the names and ages of every child participating in the business.

If more applications are received than spaces available, applications will be reviewed to create a balanced marketplace.

Selection may consider factors such as application completeness, business preparation, originality, and the variety of businesses represented.

Children are encouraged to create businesses that showcase their interests, talents, and creativity.

Examples include:

Handmade crafts
Artwork
Jewelry
Toys and games
Books
Baked goods (following applicable regulations)
Plants
Original inventions
Age-appropriate services

Businesses involving prohibited or regulated products may not be accepted.

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.

Entrepreneurship isn't about having a completely unique idea. It's about learning how to serve customers well.

Yes. There is a $15 registration fee per business if your application is accepted.

Your registration includes:

One 4-foot display table
One chair for each child entrepreneur (up to three chairs)
Participation in the Children's Business Fair
Business interviews with volunteer judges
Eligibility for awards and prizes

Registration fees help offset event expenses so SoCE can continue providing meaningful entrepreneurial experiences for children.

Each child business should bring everything needed to operate their booth, including:

Products or materials for sale
A table covering (optional but encouraged)
Booth decorations and signage
Cash and/or a digital payment option (if desired)
Any display materials needed to showcase the business

SoCE provides one 4-foot table and one chair for each child entrepreneur (up to three chairs per business).

Detailed setup information will be sent before the event.

Yes!

Every child entrepreneur will have the opportunity to interview with volunteer judges during the event.

Awards recognize excellence in areas such as creativity, business planning, customer service, innovation, presentation, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Additional prize information will be announced before the event.

This event is designed to give children real-world entrepreneurial experience, including customer interaction, pricing, problem-solving, and sales.

Parents may:

Help with transportation and setup.
Assist with the online application.
Remain nearby for safety and encouragement.

Parents may not:

Sell products for their child.
Speak to customers on their child's behalf.
Negotiate prices.
Make sales decisions.
Operate the booth.

Parents of younger children may stay close enough to ensure safety while still allowing the child to lead.

Children learn best by doing.

While adults naturally want to help, the Children's Business Fair is designed to let children practice making decisions, solving problems, communicating with customers, and taking ownership of their businesses.

Mistakes are part of learning, and every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow.

Everyone is welcome to shop the Children's Business Fair!

The fair is held inside the Wichita Flea Market at Century II, so Flea Market admission is required for shoppers and spectators.

Adults: $4 one-day pass
Adults: $5 two-day pass
Children 12 and under: Free

Accepted child entrepreneurs receive complimentary admission to participate in the Business Fair.

Parents, guardians, family members, and other guests must purchase Flea Market admission to enter.

Once inside, you'll be able to browse hundreds of flea market vendors while also supporting our child entrepreneurs. Stop by the Children's Business Fair to meet the young business owners, hear the stories behind their products, and shop businesses created and operated entirely by children.

Every purchase, conversation, and word of encouragement helps children build confidence and real-world entrepreneurial skills.

Partnering with the Wichita Flea Market gives our child entrepreneurs access to hundreds of shoppers who are already excited to discover unique products and local businesses.

Instead of selling only to family and friends, children gain the experience of introducing their businesses to real customers in a busy marketplace.

It creates a more authentic entrepreneurial experience while also introducing flea market visitors to the next generation of business owners.

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.

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.

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.