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Join us for our 7th Annual Memphis Children's Business Fair this Fall!
Memphis Children’s Business Fair
Saturday, October 4, 2025
10:00AM - 2:00PM
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply to the fair
About the fair
Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup 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 pop-up event is sponsored by BookIt4Life Children’s Book & Social Club 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
Shera Cantrell
🗓️ Started hosting in 2019
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 4.8 (13)
7 booths participating
Fresh Lemonade by Camora & Jomarri
Doughlicious Cookies
And 5 others.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Memphis Children's Business Fair?
The Memphis Children’s Business Fair, hosted by BookIt4Life Children's Book & Social Club, inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. This one-day market gives children, ages 6-17, the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses. Participants develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and open for customers
The Memphis Children’s Business Fair, hosted by BookIt4Life Children's Book & Social Club, inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. This one-day market gives children, ages 6-17, the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses. Participants develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and open for customers
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 30 businesses in center court. There is overflow space available for additional vendors, if needed.
We will accept up to 30 businesses in center court. There is overflow space available for additional vendors, if needed.
Where should I began?
Visit the Memphis Children’s Business Fair website (www.cbfmemphis.com) to learn more about our hosts and our fairs. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram (@cbfmemphis).
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:
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?
Not a problem! We will let market forces play out, however, 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 is held inside of the Wolfchase Galleria (Lower level, Center Court). Our overflow area includes the open space in front of JCPenny. Each business will be given an 6 or 8-foot table and 2 chairs. Black tablecloths are provided. We are NOT able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
Will electricity be available?
No. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
No. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
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.
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.
Prize money will be awarded to winners for the following categories:
· Most Original Business Idea
· Highest Business Potential
· Best Presentation
. Fan Favorite (voting on site)
. Fan Favorite (voting on site)
