Acton Children's Business Fair

The Acton Children's Business Fair is the largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America, taking place at The Stix Icehouse in McKinney, United States. Sponsored by Acton Children's Business Fairs, The Stix Icehouse, 5 Star Windows LLC, and Perfect Spiral Capital, this one-day market provides children with the unique opportunity to showcase their very own businesses. The event emphasizes the importance of principled entrepreneurs as heroes and role models for the next generation, and encourages kids to explore their inner entrepreneur through hands-on experience. With a strong belief in the impact of entrepreneurship, the fair has become a platform for kids to innovate and serve their communities, drawing inspiration from both famous figures like Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey, as well as countless unsung business owners across the country.The fair allows children to submit applications detailing their business concepts, which include crucial elements such as the product or service they plan to sell, advertising strategies, and how they will measure their success. Each business is allotted a 10x10' vendor space within the expansive 14-acre venue near the soccer field. Participants are required to bring their own tables, displays, canopies, and chairs, as the event does not accommodate electricity. Moreover, to ensure a true entrepreneurial experience, parents are prohibited from selling or promoting their child’s products, although they can assist younger children by supervising at the booth. The fair promotes a spirit of healthy competition, with prize money awarded to the top businesses, totaling over $225 distributed at each event. The Acton Children’s Business Fair, initiated in 2007 by Jeff and Laura Sandefer and a few families in Austin, Texas, has grown significantly since its inception, now featuring more than 115 young entrepreneurs and attracting around 1,500 attendees. This event not only fosters business skills but also cultivates a sense of community and collaboration among its young participants.