Acton Children's Business Fair Dallas, TX
Saturday, November 23, 2019
12:00PM - 3:00PM
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About the fair
Observe the opportunity for children ages 4-14 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: November 23, 2019 from 12pm – 3pm on the beautiful grounds of The Modern Tot Preschool, 10801 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy Lakewood, Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, and our location host, the Modern Tot Preschool. We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.
Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey 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
Molly Franklin
🗓️ Started hosting in 2019
🚀 Has hosted 1 fair
We are a team of passionate entrepreneurs, teachers, mentors, and parents, who want our children to learn about entrepreneurship in a practical and fun way.
11 booths participating
Bluebonnet Bakery
The Boomerang Effect
And 9 others.
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.
Who can attend?
The event is FREE and OPEN to the public!
Who can host a business?
Children ages 4-14.
Who can attend?
The event is FREE and OPEN to the public!
Who can host a business?
Children ages 4-14.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 12 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?
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:
- 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. The booths will be under a large covered porch, and other fun activities will be happening on the adjacent lawn. Each business will be given a defined space with a 6-foot table and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths will not be provided.
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 entries know if another applicant has a similar idea so the later entrant can decide what to do.
Is there a fee?
Instead of an application fee at the time of submission, we will instead be collecting a $10 participation fee from all accepted business ideas, due on the day of the fair before setting up your booth.
What are the rules?
This event is designed to give children ages 4-14 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 depending on their age, they are expected to do as much as possible by themselves.
There will be no soliciting personal/individual business sponsors for your child's product.
Are there prizes?
Cash prizes of $50 will be awarded in each of the five age groups (4-5, 6-7, 8-10, 11-12, 13-14) for businesses with the "Most Business Potential," "Most Creative Idea," and "Most Impressive Presentation." If children of different age groups prepare a booth together, they will be judged in the age group of the oldest participant.
There will be no soliciting personal/individual business sponsors for your child's product.
Are there prizes?
Cash prizes of $50 will be awarded in each of the five age groups (4-5, 6-7, 8-10, 11-12, 13-14) for businesses with the "Most Business Potential," "Most Creative Idea," and "Most Impressive Presentation." If children of different age groups prepare a booth together, they will be judged in the age group of the oldest participant.
What happens after I apply?
We will notify all applicants of the status of their application.
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.
Our incredible sponsors
