How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 80 businesses.
Booth Application deadline is Friday, 3/17.
What ages will be accepted?
We will accept young entrepreneurs ages 4-17.
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?
The 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.
What is on the application?
The application asks kids to think through some simple but essential 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?
When will I receive a response to my application?
We will reply within 3 - 5 business days.
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 tented outdoor event with booths. Businesses will get a 10x10 tent space and 1 table. Any other equipment needs to be supplied by the business.
Will electricity be available?
We are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
If the business is selling food/drinks, is a permit required?
No food permits are required for this event.
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.
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, over 115 entrepreneurs and 1,500 attendees are at the Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin.
