BizFest 2024

Where should I begin?

Read stories about other young entrepreneurs, get inspired, learn the tricks, and polish your skills- https://www.business.org/business/startup/youngest-entrepreneurs/. These YouTube videos can give you great ideas for setting up your booth- https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Acton+childrens+business+fair.
Check out this book for guidance- Be a Young Entrepreneur 
ACBF Resource - Link

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. The idea is that kids learn business basics and the economics of running a business while having some fun, creative experience.

What if someone else has the same business idea?
 
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?

Each business will be given a booth space with a table and 1-2 chairs. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. Participants will be responsible for bringing any tablecloths, booth decorations, and signage they may need. Everything you bring must fit within the bounds of your booth area without infringing on another booth's space.

What is the parent/ guardian's role?

For a child’s first business venture, the focus should not be on them ideating the next million-dollar startup. Instead, the focus should be on them grasping the basics of entrepreneurship. Most importantly, the children should have fun and learn for themselves.

It is essential to have children think of an idea that motivates them to put forth their energy daily. Do not discourage your child from any idea you might see as unattainable. Instead, let your child understand what it will take to develop their absurd idea, as it is more powerful for a child to learn entrepreneurship through hands-on experience.

Interesting article - The 3 “Magic Seeds” of Entrepreneurship.

The goal is for a child to do as much as reasonably possible. Of course, a 10-year-old can't drive across town to buy supplies, but the child can figure out what they need and set a budget of how much to spend. Then, they must do the work, with the parents/ guardians supervising for safety.

Parents/ guardians are responsible for reading emails and communicating information with their children.

Food item businesses should comply with the Spokane county food department rules and cottage food laws -https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/cottage-food. Parents/ guardians are requested to consider this vital requirement before applying.
Factsheet for food not requiring permit - INFO

Cash transaction is allowed; however, online payment may be convenient for most. Regarding accepting online payments via PayPal/ Venmo, a child must have a parent/ guardian connect a personal or business bank account to an online payment processor. Sales tax may be applicable.

What are the BizFest rules? 

Only products/services created by children will be allowed. Reselling products and promotion of other established businesses will not be allowed.

Only one parent/ guardian of younger children will be allowed to sit in the booth, but the children will solely be responsible for customer interaction and sales.

This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. If a parent/ guardian is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business may be disqualified from the competition (if held).

Parents/ guardians may help their children fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves.

The BizFest team reserves the right to reject an application that does not meet the rules of the fair.