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 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, please.
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. We would encourage duplicate businesses to think strategically & creatively--What is different about what you're offering when compared to everyone else? How can you add a little bit of YOU to your product or business? Why would someone choose your business/product over another similar business?
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an outdoor event. Each business will be given a 10 x 10 booth space. EACH BUSINESS MUST PROVIDE EVERYTHING NEEDED: DISPLAY TABLE, CANOPY/TENT, CHAIRS, ETC.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
Will bathrooms be available?
There are bathrooms on the premises.
What payment types will be accepted?
This is a cash-only event. Business owners, please come prepared with some cash in order to provide change to your customers.
What are the expectations for parents of vendors?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. Parents may sit in the booth, but we ask that children 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. Let your children own their business and--consequently--own their success...or their failure. A lot can be learned either way.
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.
