What is the Ottawa Children’s Business Fair?
The Ottawa Children’s Business Fair inspires youth 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 50 businesses. Registration will be open to all until Sunday, March 19th. Businesses will be notified by Sunday, March 26th 2022 if they have been selected to participate this year.
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?
Applications must be submitted online. Please submit one application for each business. Youth working as a group should submit one application that includes each person’s information. No more than three participants per business.
What is on the application?
The application asks participants 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 whether to proceed with their original plan or change directions.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an indoor event. Each business will be given a 6-foot table and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths will not be provided.
Will electricity be available?
Requests for booths near electricity will be first come, first served as there are limited outlets in the venue.
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 asked to leave the event.
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.
