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Applications are Open, We look forward to seeing you in June!
Young Entrepreneur's Fair of New Lenox
Saturday, June 7, 2025
10:00AM - 2:00PM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business!
Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace.
We will host 60 booths at the 5rd annual event New Lenox Commons June 7th, 2025. Cost will be $20 for a booth. We will supply space and your lunch, you bring the products, tables and chairs, a smile and a 10x10 tent if you wish to have one. If you bring a canopy, you need to have 40 pounds of weight per leg. if you do not have the weight, you will be asked to remove your canopy.
For more information please visit our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/newlenoxyef or send us and email. NewLenoxYEF@gmail.com. All emails for the fair will only come from this email address
For more information please visit our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/newlenoxyef or send us and email. NewLenoxYEF@gmail.com. All emails for the fair will only come from this email address
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, Village of New Lenox, Elementary Woodworkers 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 Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey 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
Robert Arnold
🗓️ Started hosting in 2020
✅ Identity verified
🚀 Has hosted 4 fairs
I assist my son, Chris, in running the show. This is his show.
Chris Arnold (14) of New Lenox started this show when he was 9 looking for a way to get other kids interested in being and Entrepreneur. He set up a meeting with the Mayor of New Lenox asking for assistance. The village graciously asked if Chris could set up the vendors for the Play Day in the Commons. (a free day of fun for kids) Chris has been working at growing the fair and this will be the 5th annual fair. Chris is a Life Scout and Patrol Leader in Scouts BSA Troop 49 out of New Lenox, a Freshman at Lincoln Way Central High School where he is in the school musical, Chess and Spanish clubs.
Chris Arnold (14) of New Lenox started this show when he was 9 looking for a way to get other kids interested in being and Entrepreneur. He set up a meeting with the Mayor of New Lenox asking for assistance. The village graciously asked if Chris could set up the vendors for the Play Day in the Commons. (a free day of fun for kids) Chris has been working at growing the fair and this will be the 5th annual fair. Chris is a Life Scout and Patrol Leader in Scouts BSA Troop 49 out of New Lenox, a Freshman at Lincoln Way Central High School where he is in the school musical, Chess and Spanish clubs.
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 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. If interested email us at NewLenoxYEF@gmail.com to be put on the waitlist.
Where should I begin?
Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills.
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. We usually open the application process in March of each year, with acceptances starting to come in April.
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.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be a outdoor event with booths. Each business will be have a booth, We will be out side and have plenty of space. We will be on Veterans Parkway in front of the Police Department. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
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 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.
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.
All products must be made by the child. We do not allow any resale. This is not a garage sale. If we notice resale items at your booth you will be asked to remove them immediately. If we have to ask a second time, you will be asked to leave and not considered in following years.
All products must be made by the child. We do not allow any resale. This is not a garage sale. If we notice resale items at your booth you will be asked to remove them immediately. If we have to ask a second time, you will be asked to leave and not considered in following years.
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.
Cost is $20 to join the fair.
Cost is $20 to join the fair.
