UPDATE Regarding Selling Food
If you are considering selling foods, please read this IMPORTANT NOTICE

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.

Eligibility?
Any child aged 6-18 (on or before the application date), are invited to develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace.

How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted online. Please submit one application for each business. Click the "Apply to the fair" button on the homepage.

Can I apply as part of a group?
You can apply on your own or you may partner with 2 additional friends (up to 3 young entrepreneurs per booth). 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 application?
The application asks kids to think through some simple, but important elements of their business:

Is there a deadline to apply?
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, or when all 50 spots are filled, whichever comes first.

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 I know if I am accepted?
You will receive an email with your acceptance.  Once you have been accepted, you will have access to resources to help you on your journey of becoming an entrepreneur! 

How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be held indoors at the energy-efficient Jefferson Area Business Center. Each business will be given a booth with a table, and 1-2 chairs. Tablecloths will not be provided. Businesses requiring electricity will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Will electricity be available?
Yes, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Is there a limit of how many businesses you accept?
We will accept up to 50 businesses. 

Are there any fees?
The $10 business fee has been covered by sponsors.

What will be provided?
Each booth will include the use of a table and 1-2 chairs. You are permitted to bring easels and decorations. Feel free to email if you want to inquire about bringing other bigger items.

What are the rules?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a 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.
 

Parents may help their child fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves.

ATTENTION PARENTS:
Please remember to keep this about the children. Let them imagine, create, and problem-solve. Your job is to maintain enthusiasm and provide encouragement.
 
Keep it simple. This is a children’s fair. Let the business plan, booth, and sales reflect your child at her/his best, not your best.
 
Let your child do the work. Let them make mistakes and learn from them. Let her/him problem solve and come up with his own solutions. Let your child be the Chair of the Board, CEO, and owner of his/her ideas.

What should I bring?
One tablecloth to fit a 6' table, decoration, signage and everything else you need to run a successful business. Be creative.

Is there an age limit?
Applicants must be between the ages of 6 - 18 on or before the APPLICATION OPEN 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.

Interested in supporting the event?
If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring the event, please email director@jeffersonchamberwi.com