Beatrice Children's Business Fair
Sunday, March 22, 2026
1:00PM - 3:00PM
Applications are closed
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About the fair
Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business!
Young entrepreneurs, ages 6-14, 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 up to 35 booths at the 5th annual event located at Vintage Venue (620 Court Street) on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 1 pm – 3 pm.
This event is sponsored by Beatrice Christian Academy, Acton Children's Business Fair, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. 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.
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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 35 businesses.
What ages can apply?
Children ages 6-14 are encouraged to apply for the Beatrice Children's Business Fair.
What ages can apply?
Children ages 6-14 are encouraged to apply for the Beatrice Children's Business Fair.
Is there a fee to participate?
Yes, there is a $5 non-refundable fee per business to help cover the expenses of the event. This fee can be paid on the day of the event.
Where should I begin?
Not sure what you want your business to be? Check out these 101+ Business Ideas for Kids
Read through 3 Magic Seeds to learn more about starting a business.
Not sure what you want your business to be? Check out these 101+ Business Ideas for Kids
Read through 3 Magic Seeds to learn more about starting a business.
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 an indoor event inside Vintage Venue, located at 620 Court Street in Beatrice. Each business will be given an 8 ft. table with a tablecloth, and 1-2 chairs.
Will electricity be available?
In general, we are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. (If you do need to use electricity, please email us and we will see if we are able to accommodate it or not.)
Will electricity be available?
In general, we are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. (If you do need to use electricity, please email us and we will see if we are able to accommodate it or not.)
What are the rules?
This event is for children ages 6-14 and is designed to give them the experience of selling a product or service that they have created. If a parent is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business will be disqualified from the next Children's Business Fair.
Parents are required to be at the Children's Business Fair with their children. Watch your child interact with customers or check out the other businesses and bring encouragement to the young entrepreneurs at other booths.
Parents are required to be at the Children's Business Fair with their children. Watch your child interact with customers or check out the other businesses and bring encouragement to the young entrepreneurs at other booths.
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.
