ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S BUSINESS FAIR
We are excited to announce our 3rd annual Children's Business Fair. This two-day fair is a culmination of ideas and hard work from great young minds. Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for real customers at our outdoor marketplace. Experience young minds marketing, selling, counting money and feeling accomplished!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can apply to be a vendor?
Any child from the age of 6-17 can apply to be a vendor!
How many kids can work at one booth?
Up to 3 young entrepreneurs can work one booth.
What are the application requirements?
The Children’s Business Fair is for children ages 6-17 (on or before the day of the event). Applications 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. We are asking for a $30.00 booth fee for each business to secure your spot. This will include a table and linen.
The application asks the kids to think through some simple, but important elements of their business. It's okay not to know all the answers just yet but try to answer them the best you can right now:
- 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?
When will we know if our application is approved?
We will contact you within 5 business days to confirm your participation!
We've been approved, now what?
Once you have been accepted, you will have access to online resources and will be invited to an in-person entrepreneur workshop.
What are the dates & times of the Children's Business Fair?
The Children's Business Fair will be on September 23 & September 24, 2023. Once your application has been accepted you will get to select which day you would like to participate. You can select Saturday, Sunday or both days.
Our event opens and closes with the rest of the Clovis Fest activities. We will open for business at 8:00 am to capture the foot traffic coming from the hot air balloon launch at the Clovis Rodeo and will close at 5:00 pm. Due to pedestrian safety and support for other Clovis Fest vendors, the Children's Business Fair can not close early. If your child needs special accommodations due to the full day schedule, please contact us so we can help support you and your child. We will have volunteers available to cover your booth when your young entrepreneurs needs a break.
My child wants to sell baked goods?
Great, we accept businesses that offer baked goods! To ensure we are in compliance with the California Health Department, all young bakers will have free time at Clovis Culinary Center to prepare and package their tasty treats. *Please note, we can not allow food or drinks that have been prepared at home to be sold at the fair.
How will the fair be set up?
The Children's Business Fair will have a dedicated market space at Clovis Fest. We will be located on Pollasky between 8th & 9th street. This will be an outdoor event and each business will be given a booth space with a 6-foot table, table linen & 3 chairs. Feel free to make the space your own with decorations, a tent for shade and don't forget your shop sign!
What is the Clovis Fest?
Clovis Fest spans over twelve city blocks and attracts 40,000 attendees over the two days. After the early morning hot air balloon launch at the rodeo grounds, walk across to Pollasky to experience craft and commercial booths, international village with performers and of course the Children's Business Fair!
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
Advice for parents:
Kids are the BOSS at the Children's Business Fair! Your job is to maintain enthusiasm and provide encouragement. Your kids will get the most out of this experience through their own creative process, trial/error and problem solving process. Let your child be the Chair of the Board, CEO, and owner of his/her ideas. Allow the products, the booth, and sales reflect your child at her/his best, not your best.
*Each young business is required to have a parent chaperone.
How did the Children's Business Fair get started?
The Children’s Business Fair model was originally developed by the Acton Academy Schools and Acton MBA Program, organizations which believe in the power of work and entrepreneurship to improve self esteem and strong communities. After several successful fairs in Texas, they chose to give the opportunity to others across the country. Now Acton Children’s Business Fairs are active in different cities across the country, making it the largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America.
Interested in supporting the event?
If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring the event, please contact us at: cbffresnoclovis@gmail.com
