Collierville Fall Children's Business Fair

The Collierville Fall Children's Business Fair is an exciting one-day marketplace aimed at inspiring children aged 6 to 17 to discover their entrepreneurial spirit. Hosted at the Mid-South Gifted Academy in Collierville, this event allows young participants to launch their very own startup businesses. Each child is responsible for developing a brand, creating a product or service, and building a marketing strategy, before opening for customers at one of the 75 available booths.

This outdoor event encourages hands-on experience in entrepreneurship while fostering creativity and problem-solving skills among the participants.

The fair is a community effort that invites public, private, and homeschool students from across the Mid-South area, reflecting the diversity and talent within the region. Last year, it featured young entrepreneurs representing over 23 different schools. Each business is limited to three participants, ensuring that every young entrepreneur can take an active role in their venture.

The application process encourages children to think critically about their business ideas, including aspects such as startup costs, marketing strategies, and success evaluation. Jessica White, the Founder and Head of School at Mid-South Gifted Academy, is a driving force behind this event, dedicated to providing real-world opportunities for children to explore their potential as innovators and leaders.

She emphasizes the importance of allowing children to take initiative and see their ideas come to life, making the fair a favorite initiative of hers. This event not only nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs but also reinforces the values of creativity, ethical leadership, and community service.