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 can we contact you?
Please contact us at "childrensbusinessfair@gmail.com" or Join our Mailing List.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 100 businesses.
Will there be a cost associated to set up the booth?
Yes, there is a $30 Fee for the booth application which will be used to rent the space, the cost to cover for the tables, chairs and other associated costs.
What if I decide to set up the business now and after my application is accepted, I want to cancel last minute, will the application fee be refunded?
No, once the application is accepted, there is no refund. We have limited booth space. Please note, we accept applications on first come first serve basis and there are many young entrepreneurs who will be denied or waitlisted if the number of businesses reaches its max. So we cannot refund the amount.
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?
The 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 an outdoor event with booths. Each business will be given a booth with an 6-foot table (to share with one other business) and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths will not be provided. We might be able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity but the request may be made earlier and an additional cost will be added for electricity.
Will electricity be available?
Yes but on a limited basis.
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.
