What is the SAGA-Chamber Children’s Business Fair?
The SAGA-Chamber Children’s Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. 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 27 businesses operated by youth ages 6 - 14. First come - first served, so apply early! Deadline to apply is October 4, 2023 at 5:00 pm.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Application must be submitted online via this website. 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 youth per business.
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. We will let market forces play out! Consider how you will make your business stand out in the crowd.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an outdoor event with each business having one parking space as the area where they can set up their booth. You will be responsible for providing your own table, chairs and tent (optional, but encouraged). 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 ages 6 - 14 the experience of selling a product or service.
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.
You will be interviewed on video (a short segment) about your experience with the fair.
Is there a participation fee?
No.
Optional, but encouraged - You must provide your own tent, table and chair(s)
Where will the fair be held?
We will be in Downtown Sanford on 115 Chatham Street. It will take place adjacent to the Sanford Farmer's Market.
When is set-up and break down?
You may begin setting up your booth at 7:00 am the morning of the event. You will have a specific parking spot assigned to your business. You must complete your set-up no later than 8:15 am in order to welcome customers by 8:30 am. Breakdown can start no earlier than 12:00 noon.
Are live animals allowed as a part of my booth/exhibit space?
No, live animals are not allowed due to safety concerns, as well as food being served in the Children's Business Fair and Farmer's Market Locations.
How did the SAGA- Chamber Children’s Business Fair get started?
The Sanford Area Growth Alliance found out about Jeff and Laura Sandefer and a few other families who 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. The goal remains the same - let's spark some entrepreneurial fire in this kiddos!
Have additional questions?
Contact the Sanford Area Growth Alliance at 919-774-8439.
