Children's Business Fair North Austin
Saturday, May 30, 2026
11:00AM - 3:00PM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
Children develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, Evoke Academy, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.
Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Steve Jobs or Sara Blakely or they are one of the thousands of unsung business owners across this country, these are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs and serve their communities.
Hosted by
Laney Spearman
🗓️ Started hosting in 2024
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 4.7 (18)
Mrs. Laney is the lead guide at Evoke Academy, who is inspired every day by her learners. They help host the event, and are responsible for many of the decisions and operations for our fair! We also host a free club called the Young Business Leaders of Austin, which is responsible for planning the next fair-- ask for more info!
Frequently asked questions
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 children in North America, this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses.
The Acton Children's Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. The largest entrepreneurship event for children 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 50 businesses.
We will accept up to 50 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.
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.
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.
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?
Summer fair is likely to be outdoors. Please bring or rent a 6ft table. Tent is optional, but would be up to vendor to bring. We are not likely to be able to accommodate needs for electricity. If you need electricity to run your booth, please contact us first or send a follow up email to your application.
Summer fair is likely to be outdoors. Please bring or rent a 6ft table. Tent is optional, but would be up to vendor to bring. We are not likely to be able to accommodate needs for electricity. If you need electricity to run your booth, please contact us first or send a follow up email to your application.
What are the rules?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service.
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service.
Parents may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales. Booths that are apparently receiving more help from parents will not be eligible for awards. Parents also may not help make products for the business.
Businesses that are created or run by parents can apply separately via email for a sponsor booth for $50 if space is available. We love having families at the fair, but parent-run booths are not eligible for awards.
Businesses that are created or run by parents can apply separately via email for a sponsor booth for $50 if space is available. We love having families at the fair, but parent-run booths are not eligible for awards.
Parents may help their child fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves.
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.
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.
