📣
Calling all youth entrepreneurs, 1st - 8th grade!
Youth Business Fair South Burlington, VT
Saturday, November 7, 2020
1:00PM - 4:00PM
This fair has ended
Find another fair
About the fair
Observe the opportunity local Vermont youth 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 60 booths at Vermont Commons School, 75 Green Mountain Drive, South Burlington, VT. This is the first in what we hope will become an annual event. Saturday, April 4th, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We believe that young people should be encouraged to explore entrepreneurialism.
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.
Hosted by
Teresa Davis
🗓️ Started hosting in 2019
🚀 Has hosted 1 fair
Davis Studio, along with community partners, parents and mentors, are excited to offer children a creative, fun and practical way to learn about entrepreneurship.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Acton Children’s Business Fair?
The Acton Children’s Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. The largest entrepreneurship event for kids 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 60 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.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
An application must be submitted online. Please submit one application for each business. Those working as a group should submit one application that includes each individual's information. Most businesses have one youth entrepreneur, a few will have partnerships. No more than 3 participants per business is allowed.
Is there a fee to register?
Once you are notified that you are accepted, you will be asked to pay an entry fee of $25 per business. This fee helps cover the cost of running the fair.
Is there a fee to register?
Once you are notified that you are accepted, you will be asked to pay an entry fee of $25 per business. This fee helps cover the cost of running the fair.
What is on the application?
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?
What if someone else has the same business idea?
Two painted pet rock businesses? Not a problem. In general, we will let market forces play out, though we will let later entries know if another applicant has a similar idea so the later entrant can decide what to do.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an indoor event with booths. Each business will be given a booth with a table and 1-2 chairs. White table cloths will be provided.
Will electricity be available?
Yes, but let us know if you definitely need it so we can position your booth accordingly. We have a limited number of spaces with electricity available so let us know as soon as possible if your booth requires electricity.
Yes, but let us know if you definitely need it so we can position your booth accordingly. We have a limited number of spaces with electricity available so let us know as soon as possible if your booth requires electricity.
What are the rules?
This event is designed to give young entrepreneurs 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 everything, including 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. This is the first year that a fair will be held in South Burlington, Vermont.
