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We are on the lookout for young entrepreneurs who have a product or service to sell. This is a fantastic opportunity for children to showcase their creativity and business skills. Additionally, we invite attendees who are eager to support and encourage youth entrepreneurship. Come join us and be part of this inspiring event, where our young business minds will shine!
Our Youth Matter Children's Business Fair Oakland, California
Saturday, July 19, 2025
12:00PM - 3:00PM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
Hey Kids! Are you ready to turn your creative ideas into amazing products and share them with the world? Join us at the Children's Business Fair, where you'll have the chance to be an entrepreneur for a day! This is your opportunity to create, sell, and showcase your very own products to family, friends, and the community.
Whether you love baking, crafting, designing, or inventing, there's a place for you at the fair. Imagine setting up your own booth, decorating it just the way you like, and watching customers line up to see what you've made. You'll learn how to handle money, talk to customers, and even make a profit! It's a fun and exciting way to discover what it takes to run a business and bring your ideas to life.
So gather up your creations, bring your big dreams, and join us for an unforgettable day of fun and learning at the Children's Business Fair. We can't wait to see what you come up with now and get ready to be a young entrepreneur!
Children Business Fair Age Limit: 6 - 15 years old
Event Timing: July 19, 2025
Event Address: TBD but will be in Oakland, CA
*Registration is $25 and includes:
- 6-foot table, 2 chairs, and a
- 10x10 space The event is held outside (we will supply tent or canopy) and inside, and you are welcome to bring additional tables, display items).
- Free Marketing & Adverting
- Social Media post to share with supporters and promoted on our social media outlet
Limited Space: Your spot is not reserved until payment is received.
Disclaimer: Parents, this is a children's business fair. While you can help with the setup, please allow your child to do most of the work, such as assisting customers, selling products, and collecting money.
Event Contact: Itonya with Our Youth Matter (510) 473- 7696 call or text or Email
*Limited number of Sponsorships are available if you do not have the $25 registration fee.
Hosted by
Itonya Conner
🗓️ Started hosting in 2024
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 1 fair
Our Youth Matter, (OYM) is organized exclusively for charitable purposes. OYM has diligently serviced young people and families in the Oakland East Bay Area and surrounding areas since 2008, through targeted programs, outreach events, and wraparound services. We aim to create and enhance resources for youth through educational preparation, leadership development, and community involvement. It is our mission to spread the word that OUR YOUTH MATTER.
The purpose of a Our Youth Matter children's business fair is to provide young entrepreneurs with a practical, hands-on learning experience that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and real-world business skills. By participating in such an event, children have the opportunity to conceptualize, create, and manage their own small businesses. This encourages them to explore their interests and passions while understanding the basics of entrepreneurship, such as product development, marketing, sales, and financial management.
Moreover, Our Youth Matter children's business fairs aim to instill confidence and a sense of achievement in young participants. As they present their products or services to the public, children learn valuable communication and interpersonal skills. They also experience the challenges and rewards of running a business, which can teach resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability. The supportive environment of the fair allows them to learn from their mistakes and celebrate their successes in a constructive manner.
Finally, Our Youth Matter business fair foster a sense of community and collaboration among young entrepreneurs. Participants get the chance to network with peers, share ideas, and inspire one another. This community aspect not only helps them build lasting relationships but also encourages a culture of innovation and mutual support. Overall, Our Youth Matter children's business fair serve as a dynamic platform for nurturing the next generation of business leaders and innovators.
The purpose of a Our Youth Matter children's business fair is to provide young entrepreneurs with a practical, hands-on learning experience that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and real-world business skills. By participating in such an event, children have the opportunity to conceptualize, create, and manage their own small businesses. This encourages them to explore their interests and passions while understanding the basics of entrepreneurship, such as product development, marketing, sales, and financial management.
Moreover, Our Youth Matter children's business fairs aim to instill confidence and a sense of achievement in young participants. As they present their products or services to the public, children learn valuable communication and interpersonal skills. They also experience the challenges and rewards of running a business, which can teach resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability. The supportive environment of the fair allows them to learn from their mistakes and celebrate their successes in a constructive manner.
Finally, Our Youth Matter business fair foster a sense of community and collaboration among young entrepreneurs. Participants get the chance to network with peers, share ideas, and inspire one another. This community aspect not only helps them build lasting relationships but also encourages a culture of innovation and mutual support. Overall, Our Youth Matter children's business fair serve as a dynamic platform for nurturing the next generation of business leaders and innovators.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Our Youth Matter/ 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.
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 25 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?
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.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be a indoors and outdoor event with booths. Each business will be given a 10x10 booth space with an 6-foot table, 2 chairs (You are welcome to bring additional tables, or display items). We will provide tent or canopy for booths outside.
Table cloths will not be provided. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity
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.
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.
