HCHC Children's Business Fair
Up to 20 businesses
Currently accepting applications 🏁
Apply for a booth RSVP as a shopperThe host reviews every application and replies by email.
What are you selling?
When will you sell it?
Where will people find you?
How does your business work?
Why did you choose this idea?
- your products or display
- a table covering
- a way to take payment
- an extension cord, if needed
Each child should be ready to present their business, speak with customers, and answer questions from judges.
8–12
13–17
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.
Rayna Remondini
🗓️ Started hosting in 2019
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 5.0 (1)
Frequently asked questions
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.
Where should I begin?
Submit your 1-minute video (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/105fikCGanrjDK6IayMI6lpfPg9omwAn0?usp=sharing)
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
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:
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.
How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an outdoor event with tables. Each business will be assigned a 6-foot table (to share with one other business) and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths will not be provided.
Will electricity be available?
Yes, we're able to provide electricity but you'd be wise to bring your own extension cord.
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 at the table, 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.
