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Hi, I’m Shiven Balaji, founder of Chess Adventures! I’ve loved participating in many Children’s Business Fairs since 2023. Now I’m hosting one to share the joy of entrepreneurship with other young creators from across the Bay Area.
Children's Business Fair San Ramon, California
Saturday, January 31, 2026
10:00AM - 1:00PM
Applications are closed
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About the fair
Amazing opportunity for children to launch their very own business!
Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace. This event is for children ages 6-16 years old.
Once your application is accepted, you will be sent a link to send the payment.
There is a non-refundable fee for every accepted business. This includes venue, marketing the fair and clean up for the event.
Registration (prior to 12/15/2025) is $35 per business and post 12/15/2025 will be $40 per business. Every business will receive the final email of being accepted (with a link for payment) or rejected (reasons for rejection) on a rolling basis but no later than 1/10/2026.
Every participant will receive a certificate of participation, and $500 in prizes will be given to standout businesses for creativity, innovation, and presentation.
Once your application is accepted, you will be sent a link to send the payment.
There is a non-refundable fee for every accepted business. This includes venue, marketing the fair and clean up for the event.
Registration (prior to 12/15/2025) is $35 per business and post 12/15/2025 will be $40 per business. Every business will receive the final email of being accepted (with a link for payment) or rejected (reasons for rejection) on a rolling basis but no later than 1/10/2026.
Every participant will receive a certificate of participation, and $500 in prizes will be given to standout businesses for creativity, innovation, and presentation.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.
Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Steve Jobs or Sara Blakely or they are one of the thousands of unsung business owners across this country, these are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs and serve their communities.
Hosted by
Meena Balaji
🗓️ Started hosting in 2025
✅ Identity verified
🎉 First-time host
51 booths participating
Eternity by T handmade candles
Hannah Faith Studio
And 49 others.
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 children in North America, this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses.
The Acton Children's Business Fair inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. The largest entrepreneurship event for children 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 40 businesses.
We will accept up to 40 businesses.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
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 important elements of their business:
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 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?
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an outdoor event in the Hidden Hills Black Top. Each business will be provided with a 10x10 feet space to setup their booth. Businesses have to bring their own table, chairs and table cloth. Tents will not be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own as long as you do not infringe on the space of other booths.
The fair will be an outdoor event in the Hidden Hills Black Top. Each business will be provided with a 10x10 feet space to setup their booth. Businesses have to bring their own table, chairs and table cloth. Tents will not be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own as long as you do not infringe on the space of other booths.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
What are some examples of products and services the kids can sell?
Jewelry, bracelets, earrings, hair accessories, handmade candles, pottery, wall art, sewn bags, quilts, knitted crafts, greeting cards, origami, paper flowers, small wooden crafts, metal art, upcycled clothing, recycled creations, mini canvas paintings, watercolor bookmarks, crochet items, plants/succulents, galaxy jars, bath salts, sugar scrubs, lip balms, scented candles, DIY science kits, 3D-printed products, custom school supplies, pet-sitting or dog-walking services, tutoring services, and fun experience booths like carnival games.
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
What are some examples of products and services the kids can sell?
Jewelry, bracelets, earrings, hair accessories, handmade candles, pottery, wall art, sewn bags, quilts, knitted crafts, greeting cards, origami, paper flowers, small wooden crafts, metal art, upcycled clothing, recycled creations, mini canvas paintings, watercolor bookmarks, crochet items, plants/succulents, galaxy jars, bath salts, sugar scrubs, lip balms, scented candles, DIY science kits, 3D-printed products, custom school supplies, pet-sitting or dog-walking services, tutoring services, and fun experience booths like carnival games.
Note: No food or beverage items may be sold.
What if someone else has the same business idea?
Two slime 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.
Can the kids sell food and drinks?
Due to county restrictions, baked goods, drinks, or food items are not allowed.
Two slime 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.
Can the kids sell food and drinks?
Due to county restrictions, baked goods, drinks, or food items are not allowed.
What are the rules?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product, service, or an experience (e.g. carnival games). All products and services should be created or delivered by the children themselves. Products should not be bought and resold as-is.
We will host an info session mid Jan to go over fair details and answer any questions.
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product, service, or an experience (e.g. carnival games). All products and services should be created or delivered by the children themselves. Products should not be bought and resold as-is.
We will host an info session mid Jan to go over fair details and answer any questions.
Parents of younger children may help with setup and sit in the booth but the children should be responsible 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, there are over 115 entrepreneurs and 1,500 attendees at the Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin.
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.
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