AAPI Acton Children's Business Fair Chicago, Illinois
Monday, May 25, 2026
9:00AM - 11:00AM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business!
This is a young age special and Entrepreneurs need to be Age 5-9.
Kids will develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace. Tokens will be used instead of money at this event.
Sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, Brains builder academy, CNP, and supported by our generous donors and volunteers, this event celebrates principled entrepreneurs as heroes and role models for the next generation. Whether an entrepreneur is as famous as Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey, or one of the many unsung business owners across the country, these individuals make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs, and serve their communities.
The top seller will receive a gift. No furniture will be provided; outlets are available upon request and based on availability—please indicate your need during application. Setup and cleanup are scheduled for one hour before and after the event. Please ensure the field is left clean and free of any traces.
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Q&A Session
Jenny Chen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting:
Meng Chen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Children Business fair 2026 info section
Time: Mar 18, 2026 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86862701620?pwd=q0ttMd6sXqztJ5JcWF6Svo76RF3O5P.1
Meeting ID: 868 6270 1620
Passcode: 787517
Topic: Children Business fair 2026 info section
Time: Mar 18, 2026 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86862701620?pwd=q0ttMd6sXqztJ5JcWF6Svo76RF3O5P.1
Meeting ID: 868 6270 1620
Passcode: 787517
Hosted by
Jenny Chen
🗓️ Started hosting in 2024
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 4 fairs
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 36 businesses.
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 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 with booths. Each business will be given a booth with an 8-foot table (to share with one other business). 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 disqualified from the competition.
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.
About CNP acadamy
In 2024-2026 we're curating a dynamic series of workshops and competitions tailored to ignite and foster the entrepreneurial spirit in children aged 5-16. Our collaborative endeavor aims to inspire and mentor young minds as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey. It all begins with the Young Entrepreneurs Creative Camp, where children will not only showcase their innovative ideas but also acquire essential skills. With guidance from mentors, creativity and innovation will flourish. The journey continues with ongoing workshops leading up to a grand showcase event, providing children with a platform to exhibit their entrepreneurial ventures. Winners will seize the opportunity to refine their ideas through collaboration with experts and presentations at esteemed competitions. Our initiative is dedicated to empowering children with the confidence and skills to chase their entrepreneurial dreams.
