Do you have a little Kid Entrepreneur or a child who's planning on starting a business? Get them signed up for the Austin Acton Children’s Business Fair and have them "taste the world of business".
Acton Children’s Business Fair
Mark your calendars for October 26th for the Austin Acton Children’s Business Fair, a one-day market that gives children the opportunity to discover their inner entrepreneur and showcase their very own businesses.
The free event is organized by a team of passionate entrepreneurs, teachers, mentors, and parents, who want our children to learn about entrepreneurship in a practical and fun way, and is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, and the generous support of donors and volunteers.
Who Can Participate
There will be three age groups: 6-9 years old, 10-12 years old, and 13-16 years old. If children of different age groups prepare a booth together, they will be in the age group of the oldest participant.
Application
The application asks kids to think through some simple, but important elements of their business.
The deadline to submit an application is September 23, 2019. Selected businesses will be notified shortly after. In lieu of an application fee, all ACCEPTED business ideas will need to pay a participation fee of $20.
Your child can apply here.
What Kids Are Selling
In the past children were selling anything from products like homemade cards and stationary, cookies and candy bars, pet treats and toys, art and photography, to services like pet and babysitting, mowing lawns, washing cars, lifeguarding, tutoring, and more.
One of Austin's famous kid entrepreneurs, Mikaila Ulmer, launched her company Me & the Bees Lemonade at the Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin at the age of 4. Her lemonade now sells at Whole Foods, Sprouts, The Natural Gardener, and many more.
Check the Acton Children’s Business Fair Resources page for business ideas for kids.
Preparation For The Event
Prior to the event, the young entrepreneurs are encouraged to write their own business plan and ask themselves questions like:
- What makes your idea unique?
- Why will people buy it?
- Who will be your customers?
- Where will you sell your product or service?
- How will you get the word out about your business?
- What is the name of your business and what does it say about your business?
- What equipment or material will you need to buy before you can get started?
- How much will it cost to start your business?
- Where will you get the money to cover your startup costs?
- How much will you charge?
- What will be your profit and what will you do with the money you make?
Check the Acton Children’s Business Fair Resources page for a guide to writing a business plan.
Competition And Prizes
Kids are divided into three age groups: 6-9 years old, 10-12 years old, and 13-16 years old. A group of fellow entrepreneurs, will walk around taking in the experience that each booth has to offer. Using a variety of criteria, the judges will choose a winner for 'Most Innovative Business', 'Best Business Presentation', 'Business with the Most Potential'.
Cash prizes of $50 per category will be presented at the conclusion of the fair for the 6-9 years old and 10-12 years old age groups and cash prizes of $100 for the 13-16 years old age group.
Date and Time
There are two events, the Acton Academy Open House and the actual Acton Children’s Business Fair.
Acton Children’s Business Fair
Saturday, October 26, 2019. 10:00am - 1:00pm
Acton Academy's Open House
Thursday, October 9, 2019 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Location
There are two locations, one for the Acton Academy Open House and one for the actual Acton Children’s Business Fair.
Acton Children’s Business Fair
Pease Mansion Lawn
1606 Niles Road
Austin, TX 78703
Acton Academy's Open House
Acton Academy
2201 Alexander Ave
Austin, TX 78722
Support Austin's Awesome Kid Entrepreneurs!
Come on out! Participants keep all the profits they make at the fair, so bring some cash and support Austin's Kid Entrepreneurs!
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