Gullett Elementary School Business Fair Austin, Texas
Saturday, April 11, 2026
10:00AM - 12:30PM
Applications are closed
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About the fair
The Gullett Elementary Children’s Business Fair is a one-day marketplace where students become entrepreneurs. Young innovators will design and launch their very own businesses—developing a brand, creating a product or service, building a marketing plan, and opening their booth to real customers on April 11, 2026 (10:00am - 12:30pm).
This event is more than a marketplace—it’s a hands-on learning experience that helps students build confidence, practice creativity, and discover the rewards of hard work. Families and community members get to see the incredible potential of our young entrepreneurs, while students gain valuable skills they’ll carry into the future.
The fair is made possible through the sponsorship of Acton Academy and the generous support of donors, local businesses, and volunteers. Together, we celebrate the idea that entrepreneurs—whether household names like Steve Jobs or Kendra Scott, or the many small business owners who fuel our communities—are everyday heroes who inspire the next generation to dream big, take risks, and make an impact!
Hosted by
Alina Shardonofsky
🗓️ Started hosting in 2023
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 2 fairs
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 children in North America, this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses. Gullett Elementary is hosting the fair in accordance with the Acton Children's Business Fair rules.
Why should students participate?
Students learn how to develop ideas, practice problem-solving, build confidence, and experience what it’s like to run a real business in a supportive, fun environment.
Who can participate?
The fair is open to Gullett Elementary students who want to explore entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
What are the rules for participating?
This event is designed to give children the experience of creating and selling a product or service. Children should take responsibility for planning their business from idea to execution and are expected to do as much as possible on their own to get the most out of this student-led learning experience. Younger children may receive appropriate assistance for activities that may be difficult for them to do independently such as completing the fair application or processing payments.
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 electronic application collects:
The Acton Children's Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. The largest entrepreneurship event for children in North America, this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses. Gullett Elementary is hosting the fair in accordance with the Acton Children's Business Fair rules.
Why should students participate?
Students learn how to develop ideas, practice problem-solving, build confidence, and experience what it’s like to run a real business in a supportive, fun environment.
Who can participate?
The fair is open to Gullett Elementary students who want to explore entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
What are the rules for participating?
This event is designed to give children the experience of creating and selling a product or service. Children should take responsibility for planning their business from idea to execution and are expected to do as much as possible on their own to get the most out of this student-led learning experience. Younger children may receive appropriate assistance for activities that may be difficult for them to do independently such as completing the fair application or processing payments.
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 electronic application collects:
- Student name(s), age, and school
- Adult contact info (name, email, phone)
- Business information (Name, business category, product/service description)
- Initial planning (price per item, cost to make, paying for start-up costs, adverting plan, measuring success)
- How did you hear about the fair; permission for media & contract terms
How many businesses will you accept?
We would love to accept all businesses that apply, but booth space is limited to 35 student-run businesses. Make sure your application stands out by showing your creative idea, smart planning, and why your business deserves a spot at the fair.
What criteria will be used to select the businesses that will participate in the fair?
Our goal is to ensure fairness, transparency, and a balanced mix of creative, feasible, and customer-focused business ideas. The selection committee will evaluate applications based on the following criteria, each criteria scored on a scale of 1 (weak) to 5 (strong):
We would love to accept all businesses that apply, but booth space is limited to 35 student-run businesses. Make sure your application stands out by showing your creative idea, smart planning, and why your business deserves a spot at the fair.
What criteria will be used to select the businesses that will participate in the fair?
Our goal is to ensure fairness, transparency, and a balanced mix of creative, feasible, and customer-focused business ideas. The selection committee will evaluate applications based on the following criteria, each criteria scored on a scale of 1 (weak) to 5 (strong):
- Creativity & Uniqueness: Is the business idea original/does it stand out from others?
- Feasibility: Can the student realistically create this product or service?
- Customer Appeal: Is there a clear audience or need for this idea?
- Planning & Effort: Does the application show thoughtful planning?
- Budget & Use of Funds: Does the student show that they can use money responsibly?
- Diversity of Businesses: Does this idea contribute to a mix of different types of businesses at the fair?
What if someone else has the same business idea?
“Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem. What matters is how you make yours special. Maybe you do a different recipe, have creative packaging, offer extras, or present it in a unique way. If someone submits a similar idea before you, we’ll let you know so you can decide if you want to tweak your idea or go in a different direction.
How will the fair be set up?
The business fair will be set up as a mini market with vendor booths. Each business will be given a booth with an 8-foot table and 1-2 chairs. Tablecloths will not be provided. We are NOT able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
The business fair will be set up as a mini market with vendor booths. Each business will be given a booth with an 8-foot table and 1-2 chairs. Tablecloths will not be provided. We are NOT able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
How can families get involved?
Families are encouraged to cheer on participants, shop at booths, and volunteer to help with the event.
How is the fair supported?
The fair is sponsored by Acton Academy, with additional support from local businesses, donors, and volunteers who believe in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Check out our generous sponsors below!
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.
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.
