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Welcome to our Journey!
Rooted Journey Collective's 1st Children's Business Fair partnering with The Local Artizan at the Solomon Pond Mall. The first fair of its kind here in Massachusetts's where a children's business fair is located in a shopping mall!
We are so excited for you to join us whether as vendors or supporting participants.
Acton Children's Business Fair Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States
Saturday, May 2, 2026
10:00AM - 1:30PM
Applications are closed
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About the fair
Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own business!
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, 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 Mikaila Ulmer 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
Maria Harris
🗓️ Started hosting in 2026
✅ Identity verified
🎉 First-time host
21 booths participating
Crafty creations
Cafe Parfait
And 19 others.
Frequently asked questions
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 30 (max) kids businesses.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is Friday April 17th.
Applications may close earlier once we reach the maximum number of businesses.
Once capacity is reached, applications will be closed.
We will accept up to 30 (max) kids businesses.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is Friday April 17th.
Applications may close earlier once we reach the maximum number of businesses.
Once capacity is reached, applications will be closed.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
- Application must be submitted online.
- One application per 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 the application fee?
Application fee of $30 is required to participate. The fee helps offset required event insurance and operational expenses that ensure a safe, well- organized experience for all participants.
The fee is non-refundable.
Once submitted, the application fee cannot be refunded for any reason.
Please review all rules carefully before applying.
Please send venmo to Maria at mias04 ( picture of a sunflower).
What if someone else has the same business idea?
Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem.
Generally, 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 or adjust the idea.
Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem.
Generally, 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 or adjust the idea.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be held indoors at The Solomon Pond Mall.
Please head over to The Local Artizan located right next to Old Navy on the 1st floor.
Each business will receive:
The fair will be held indoors at The Solomon Pond Mall.
Please head over to The Local Artizan located right next to Old Navy on the 1st floor.
Each business will receive:
- A Cafeteria table ( approx 6t)
- 1-2 chairs per business
Please Note: Table cloths are not provided. Each business will need to bring their own. No rips or stains should be visible.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
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 of younger children may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales. Parents can be used as customer support and not the main persons interacting with customers.
Parents may help their child fill out the application, but as a learning experience children should be involved in the process of registering.
If selling food. All ingredients must be noted on labels of products. Packaged foods only. We reserve the right to refuse a business the day of the event if items sold are not labeled properly.
For any further questions please reach out to Maria at 508-960-9398
What is the age requirement?
Ages 4-18 can register as a business.
The goal is to help kids experience entrepreneurship by creating, setting up, and selling their own products.
Can parents help during the event?
Parents may assist with set up to ensure safety of the business.
Where and when will the Children's Business Fair take place?
Solomon Pond Mall
(In front of The Local Artizan right next to Old Navy )
Marlboro, MA
If selling food. All ingredients must be noted on labels of products. Packaged foods only. We reserve the right to refuse a business the day of the event if items sold are not labeled properly.
For any further questions please reach out to Maria at 508-960-9398
What is the age requirement?
Ages 4-18 can register as a business.
The goal is to help kids experience entrepreneurship by creating, setting up, and selling their own products.
Can parents help during the event?
Parents may assist with set up to ensure safety of the business.
Where and when will the Children's Business Fair take place?
Solomon Pond Mall
(In front of The Local Artizan right next to Old Navy )
Marlboro, MA
Who is hosting the event?
Rooted Journey Collective a homeschool co-op located in Westborough. Entrepreneurship is a big deal in our co-op. It's not just building on your ideas...IT'S A MINDSET! We are on a mission to empower our youth to be innovators and to make this world a better place.
WELCOME TO OUR JOURNEY!
The Local Artizan is a gift shop at the Solomon Pond Mall featuring handmade goods from talented New England artists. Our vendors are local makers offering a variety of handcrafted items, each bringing their own unique style and creativity.
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.
