What is the Acton Children’s Business Fair?

The Acton Children’s Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. 

How many businesses will you accept?

We will accept up to 30 businesses. 

Where should I begin? 

Apply! Answer what you can. We know this is a working process. 

How do I apply? 

The application must be submitted online. Answer the questions you can and keep going. 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 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 entrants 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. We do have bathrooms on location. Table and chairs will not be provided. We will have 2 spots to accommodate businesses requiring electricity, and you must reserve. 

Will electricity be available?

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to all booths. We only have two, and they must be pre-approved. It's on a first-come, first-served basis. 

What are the rules? 

This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. 

We as parents will help some, but please let them do as much as possible - it shows. 

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, 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, over 115 entrepreneurs and 1,500 attendees are at the Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin.