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Redlands Children's Business Fair - registration is full
Children's Business Fair: Redlands, California
Saturday, July 18, 2026
10:00AM - 1:00PM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
With smiles, laughter, and a laid-back atmosphere, we love seeing young entrepreneurs take bold steps, build self-confidence, interact with customers, and experience the excitement of running their own businesses.
How it Works:
Children develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace on July 18th to sell to real customers for real money!
How it Works:
Children develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace on July 18th to sell to real customers for real money!
Important Event Details:
🔹Kids-run businesses only (No parent-run businesses allowed)
🔹Prizes will be given for various categories!
🔹Setup starts at 9:30 AM / Tear down at 1:00 PM
Participation Fee: $35 per business
(Siblings or friends can share a booth if it's the same business, but each different business will need their own booth and registration).
Deadline to register: July 15 or when 35 spots fill
Join us for a day of innovation, inspiration, and community. We can’t wait to see your child shine! 😊✨
As owners of Board Game Paradise and Victory Points, we're excited to host and sponsor the Acton Children’s Business Fair as another way to bring families together for a fun, inspiring day of creativity and entrepreneurship in our great city of Redlands.
Hosted by
Tracey Matney
🗓️ Started hosting in 2025
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 4.8 (9)
42 booths participating
James’s Rocks & Bugs
L&E Bookstand and Toys
And 40 others.
Frequently asked questions
What businesses can participate?
Anything kids create themselves. In the past, kids have sold baked goods*, homemade lemonade, bath bombs, or handmade jewelry... they've made snowcones, resold their toys or books, or signed up customers for their dog walking service. The ideas are endless!
*Food items cannot contain Cream, Custard, or Meat Fillings. See Cottage Foods approved items here.
Anything kids create themselves. In the past, kids have sold baked goods*, homemade lemonade, bath bombs, or handmade jewelry... they've made snowcones, resold their toys or books, or signed up customers for their dog walking service. The ideas are endless!
*Food items cannot contain Cream, Custard, or Meat Fillings. See Cottage Foods approved items here.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 45 businesses.
We will accept up to 45 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.
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.
What if someone else has the same business idea?
Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem. In general, we will let market forces play out.
Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem. In general, we will let market forces play out.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an outdoor event at Ed Hales Park. Each business will be given a space with one 6-foot table and 1 chair (as it's encouraged for kids to stand while they sell). Children will need to bring everything else they need for their booth: tablecloths, signage, products, and any supplies. You may bring an EZ-up (max size 10x10) to provide shade, however most businesses will be under the pavillion and shaded.
The fair will be an outdoor event at Ed Hales Park. Each business will be given a space with one 6-foot table and 1 chair (as it's encouraged for kids to stand while they sell). Children will need to bring everything else they need for their booth: tablecloths, signage, products, and any supplies. You may bring an EZ-up (max size 10x10) to provide shade, however most businesses will be under the pavillion and shaded.
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?
We believe children learn best by doing. This is their moment to lead, create, problem-solve, and shine on their own terms!
We believe children learn best by doing. This is their moment to lead, create, problem-solve, and shine on their own terms!
Parents must remain on-site throughout the event for supervision and support.
This is a kid-led fair, and we ask that children take full ownership of their booth and business, handling all signage, booth decor, product displays, pricing, and customer interactions.
This is a kid-led fair, and we ask that children take full ownership of their booth and business, handling all signage, booth decor, product displays, pricing, and customer interactions.
During the event, parents should take a hands-off role—supervising only and stepping in only when needed for safety or logistical support. Parents should not assist with sales, decorate the booth, or guide conversations with customers.
Will there be awards, prize money, or a contest?
Will there be awards, prize money, or a contest?
Yes! We’ll be celebrating our young entrepreneurs with a few fun, lighthearted awards and prize money. These are designed to encourage creativity, salesmanship, and presentation — not to pressure kids, but to motivate them to bring their best.
Here are the award categories:
Crowd Favorite: Goes to the booth with the most customer votes. Bring your A-game and engage with the crowd!
Top Earner: For the business that earns the most revenue during the fair. Keep track of your sales (and maybe offer upsells or bundle deals!).
Most Creative Booth: Recognizes the most eye-catching, well-branded booth. Think: signs, decorations, matching outfits, or a unique setup.
Judges’ Choice: A special award given by our panel of local Redlands business owners. They'll be walking the fair, chatting with participants, and looking for outstanding ideas, effort, or entrepreneurial spirit.
All participants will be encouraged, but these special recognitions add a fun twist for kids who love a challenge!
Who are the judges?
Our judges are local Redlands business owners who love supporting young entrepreneurs. They’ll spend time visiting each booth, asking questions, and encouraging your child.
How did the Acton Children's Business Fair get started?
Founded in 2007 in Austin, Texas, the Acton Children's Business Fair has grown into the largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America. 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.
Founded in 2007 in Austin, Texas, the Acton Children's Business Fair has grown into the largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America. 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.
