How will the fair be set up?
-The fair will be an outdoor event. Each business will be given a space with a 6-foot table and 2 chairs.
-Businesses are encouraged to provide their own signage and decor to attract customers
-Remember to allow for enough time to complete prep work ahead of the 9:00 open
-Table cloths will not be provided.
-We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity
-Tents will not be permitted this year as the space is intimate and we are trying to allow as many entrepreneurs as we can. Space is limited.
-Set up time is from 8:00am to 9:00 am.
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 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.
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 kids 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 30 businesses.
Where should I begin?
Start with our resources page. 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?
Open to children aged 5-14. 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. The oldest child in each group determines which age category they will be placed in for prize consideration. No more than 3 participants per business.
BOOTH FEE
Upon acceptance, there will be a $10 booth fee to secure your spot. Instructions on how to submit this startup cost will be provided in your welcome email.
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. 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.