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. At this moment, we only have space for 10 more vendors. Reserve now to secure a space.
Where should I begin?
Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills.
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 is a requirement on the application. It 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 continually advertise/market your business before the fair?
- What payments forms will you take?
- Will you provide samples?
- Will you post a price sheet?
- Will you be decorating your space with either posters, decorations, banners, flyers, balloons and etc?
- 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?
Three 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 with a 10x 10 space which includes one 6 foot table and 2 chairs for self service set up and take down. Staff/Volunteers are unable to set up or take down tables. Table cloths will not be provided. 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?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. If a parent is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business will be removed from the event.
Parents of younger children may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales.
Children under the age of 15 years old must have an adult stay with them them throughout the fair.
Parents may help their child fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves.
Am I able to sell food?
Yes, Copies of food handler’s licenses and any other relevant licensure/permits must be available for review upon request before and during the event.
There is no food preparation area available at the bazaar venue. All food must be prepackage and prices should be clearly visible.
Food should be prepared prior to arrival at bazaar such as cookies, brownies, and desserts.
Every effort should be made to keep food appropriately hot or cold.
Vendors are responsible for providing disposable tableware, including plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery. Prices should be clearly visible.
Hand washing protocols must be observed at all times.
Is Children’s Business Fair a Non-for-Profit Organization?
Yes, we are a non-profit. The Children's Business Fair Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) organization.
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.
