CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - We want to ensure our current vendors and our potential vendors that if we are not able to host the fair in August, you will be refunded or have the option to attend the fair later in the year (if we need to postpone it we will move it to the fall). Please reserve your spot now and take this time to work on your new business.
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 60 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 unless otherwise approved by organizer.
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 and each vendor will be giving a 6 foot space and will be provided with a table and 2 chairs. We may be able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. Please e-mail organizer for more information.
Will electricity be available?
We will not be able to accomodate all vendors with electricity, but will do the best to accommodate those that absolutely need electricity. Be advised that electricity will limit where you may be placed the day of the event.
What are the rules?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. Parents are highly discouraged from selling or promoting a child’s product or service.
Parents of younger children may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales (unless other arrangements have been made with the organizer).
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 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.