St. Paul Youth Business Fair

The largest entrepreneurship event for children in North America, this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses. Children develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace.This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers. We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.

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 children 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 20 businesses.

How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Application must be submitted online at . 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.

apply at: https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/sp-minnesota

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 a indoor event with booths. Each business will be given a booth with an 6-foot table (to share with one other business), full-cover tenting, and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths will not be provided. We are able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.

Will electricity be available?
We are 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.
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.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher It's Our Neighborhood Inc