Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 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 an application fee?

There is no fee to apply. Businesses that are accepted will be charged a $25 fee (per booth) to help offset the cost of the event.

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.

There is NO soliciting of adult-run businesses (outside of sponsors) or kids selling products on behalf of an adult.

Children ages 6 to 16 can apply.

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?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Are there prizes?

Yes, awards will be given for most original business idea, highest business potential, and best presentation. Winners will receive a certificate and $50.

Do you need volunteers?

Yes! Please contact us.

Are there event t-shirts?

Yes! Attendees, volunteers, and sponsors will receive t-shirts. One t-shirt will be given per booth (additional can be purchased).

How many businesses will you accept?

We will accept up to 50 businesses.

How will the fair be set up?

The fair will be a tented outdoor event with booths. Attendees need to provide a table (6’ or 8‘), a pop tent (9’x9’ or 10’x10’), and canopy weights to keep the tent from blowing over (see here for a reasonably priced set). Let us know if you don’t have these and we’ll try to round up extras. Tablecloths will not be provided. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.

Will electricity be available?

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.

What happens if the weather is bad?

In the case of rain, the event will continue. All the booths will have tents.

In the case of severe storms, we will move inside the church. Check the website for weather updates.

Will restrooms be provided?

Yes!

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 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.