What is the Acton Children’s Business Fair?
The Acton Children’s Business Fair inspires ch ildren to discover their inner entrepreneur. The largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America, this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses.
How many businesses will you accept?
Unlimited! (REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED)
Where should I begin?
Start with our resources page by clicking
HERE. 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?
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.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, this year's event is completely FREE to participate AND attend!
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 located outside, so dress and prepare for weather in May. Each business will be given a 6-foot table. Table cloths will not be provided. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity. You may bring your own tent if you'd like, but a tent is not required.
Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
What are the rules?
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, there are over 115 entrepreneurs and 1,500 attendees at the Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin area.