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 with no more than 3 kids in each business aged 1st grade-12th grade.
Where should I begin?
Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills. You may want to google "Children's Business Fair Ideas" and click images to see some ideas if needed!
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Digital Pre-Screen Application must be submitted online and once accepted, an email application and release will be sent to the main adult's email address listed. 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 digital pre-screen application?
The application asks kids, aged 1st grade through 12th grade, 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 bracelet 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/outdoor event with 60 booths. Each business will be provided a space on a "first come/ first pick of space" basis and it is your responsibility to bring the required items needed to set up your business--this could be a tent, chairs, tables, or display items. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. Indoor spaces will accommodate approximately a 6' table and room for chairs behind the table space. Outdoor spaces are approximately 10x10 or one public parking space sized.
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, aged 1st grade-12th grade 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. Each item MUST be handmade to qualify for the sale. If in question, please write it in the application and we will let you know. All food items sold will have to be individually wrapped and labeled in accordance with the Houston laws set forth in the paper application.
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.
Each booth fee is $25 per booth with up to 3 students per booth.
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.
