The Harford County Children's Business Fair (HCCBF) is meant to spark young people's entrepreneurial curiosity and spirit. The HCCBF is part of the Acton Children's Business Fair, the largest entrepreneurship event for children in North America. Children have the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses at the HCCBF.
Children ages 7 to 16 are invited to create a product or service to sell to customers at our one-day marketplace. Prizes will be awarded for the best businesses by age and category.
Past businesses have included:
- Homemade healthy dog biscuits by the Independent Duck
- Hot chocolate stand by N.A.B. Hot Chocolates
- Organic bath and salt scrubs by Karissa's Relaxation Creations- a portion of the proceeds went directly to the Front Row Foundation
- Simplee Potty Pods by Lorra
- Beauty products by The Crafty Panda
- Handmade candles from The Happy Candle Kid- 10% of all profits went to The Fallston Animal Rescue (FARM).
The possibilities are limited only to what children can create! Originally started in Austin, Texas, the Acton Children's Business Fair has expanded to cities including Chicago, Phoenix, Grand Rapids, Dallas, and Los Angeles.
- Only 50 booths are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Provided space for booth is 10 ft. x 10 ft.
- Each business is responsible for table(s), chairs, canopy, and any display items.
- Event is rain or shine. Be prepared for any weather conditions.
- Booth spaces with access to electricity is limited.
- For additional resources to help Young Entrepreneurs, please visit the Acton Children's Business Fair page
Judges
To be Announced
Take a look at one of our local entrepreneurs...
'The Happy Candle Kid' is more than a company owned and operated by a 9-year-old boy. 'The Happy Candle Kid' is about more than just buying unique materials, creating hand-made, collectible candles, and directly selling his products to customers. Ethan’s 'The Happy Candle Kid' business created an opportunity for him to explore his passion and allows him to donate 10% of his proceeds to help save animals' lives at the Fallston Animal Rescue Movement (FARM) in Fallston, MD.
Ethan's business got off the ground after his learning community was exploring E-ship (Entrepreneurship), by traveling to "islands": Motivation Island, Market Island, Identity Island, Unit Economics Island, Hiring Island, and Competition & Substitute Island. At Liberty Leadership, learners created a product, wrote a business plan, developed a brand, and pitched their products in a "Shark Tank" Q&A in front of parents and local business owners. The young entrepreneurs sold their products at the 1st Children's Business Fair in Bel Air, MD on November 17, 2018.
Ethan designed his logos, signs, displays, and location of his booth. At his first Children’s Business Fair, he was very successful. He sold-out of his candles and took requests for additional candle orders. Currently, Ethan's business is still thriving. He is negotiating with local businesses to get his product into the market and continues to develop his product sales through 'The Happy Candle Kid' website, craft shows, and word of mouth.
Ethan's interview:
"When I tell adults about my business, they say, 'Maybe you could have a business one day'. My response is: 'Why not today!' I have fun and work hard to personally select collectible teacups from around the world. I research the history of my teacups. I help to save and recycle these teacups that have survived sometimes a 70-80 year existence, that may be destined to either break, be thrown away or dropped off at a local thrift store. I add soy wax, color, and scent into the hand-selected teacups and breathe life back into them.
My candles become center stage again! Customers get to enjoy these artisan pieces designed by me. I hope that my success in this business opens everyone's eyes that at any age, you can have a dream and be successful."
Don't miss Ethan's products at the 2nd Annual Harford County Children's Business Fair on June 8, 2019!
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