Ottawa Children's Market
Saturday, November 21, 2026
1:00PM - 4:00PM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business!
Kids, aged 6-14 years, develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace.
The 4th annual Ottawa Children's Market will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 1 - 4 pm.
This year's Market will host 45 booths. Applications will be accepted from September 20 through October 10. Please note that we have typically received more applications from prospective vendors than we can accept and we will look to include a variety of business types from children of all ages.
Please note: Additional considerations must be taken by food vendors. If you are planning to sell a food or beverage item, please reach out for additional information: info@arcstudioschool.ca
This year's Market will host 45 booths. Applications will be accepted from September 20 through October 10. Please note that we have typically received more applications from prospective vendors than we can accept and we will look to include a variety of business types from children of all ages.
Please note: Additional considerations must be taken by food vendors. If you are planning to sell a food or beverage item, please reach out for additional information: info@arcstudioschool.ca
This event is organized by ARC Studio School with the generous support of the Acton School of Business and local donors and volunteers.
Hosted by
Megan Lelli
🗓️ Started hosting in 2022
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 4.7 (22)
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 do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Applications 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. All participating children must be between the ages of 6 and 14 years old.
Is there a fee?
No, there is no vendor fee.
Is there a fee?
No, there is no vendor fee.
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 Market, how will you determine if your business was a success?
Can I sell food at the Market?
Yes, however limitations will apply. Only "low risk" foods can be sold. No hot foods except for hot drinks. Please reach out for more specific information: info@arcstudioschool.ca
What if someone else has the same business idea?
Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem. In general, we will let market forces play out.
How will the Market be set up?
The Market will be an indoor event. Each business will be given a 5 to 6-foot table and 1 to 2 chairs. Tablecloths will not be provided. A very limited number of electrical outlets are available for businesses requiring electricity. Please advise when submitting your application.
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 are responsible for set up, customer interactions, and sales.
Parents may help their child fill out the application but we expect 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.
