What is the Bellevue Children's Business Fair?
The Bellevue Children’s Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. 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 75 businesses.
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 outdoor event. Each business will be provided with an 6-foot table and 2 chairs. Table cloths will not be provided. Each business is allowed to bring tents, but it is not required. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
What are the rules?
We kindly remind all parents that this event is intended to provide children with the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills by selling their own product or service. Therefore, we must emphasize that any involvement by parents in selling or promoting their child's business will result in immediate disqualification from the competition.
We understand that younger children may require assistance and guidance, and therefore, parents are permitted to sit in the booth with their child. However, we urge parents to encourage their children to take responsibility for all aspects of their business, including set-up, customer interaction, and sales.
Lastly, we would like to remind parents that while assistance in completing the application is acceptable, we strongly encourage children to take on as much of the application process as possible, in order to foster independence and responsibility.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a fair and positive experience for all participants.
