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 have plenty of space, but need to confirm numbers 9 days before the event. Apply as soon as possible.

If you want to be apart of the fair, however do not have start-up cost to start your business.

Please reach out we have businesses willing to sponsor children.

Where should I begin? 

Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills. Never hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance.

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. Only one business per booth.

What is on the application?

The application asks kids to think through some simple, but important elements of their business:

What if someone else has the same business idea?  

We are thoughtfully reviewing business applications. Generally we would cap businesses at 2 alike, however this will be handled case by case. 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 with booths. Each business will be given a booth with an 6-foot table and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths will be provided. Any business businesses requiring electricity, will need to plan to bring a generator or power source. Pop up tents are highly encouraged, but not provided. Each entrepreneur will need a sign for their business with logo, can be as simple as a poster board from dollar tree.

Will electricity be available?

No. Any business businesses requiring electricity, will need to plan to bring a generator or power source.

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.

Roenspie + Johnson Real Estate will have a parent hangout location during the market.

What else to expect:

 There will be anonymous community members judging each booth. The categories are Most Original Business Idea, Highest Business Potential, and Best Presentation / Creativity. The judging will also be separated by age groups. We will have prizes for the top booths. 

Hosts will decide final age categories once all applications are accepted. Age categories are subject to change up until fair date. 

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.