Question 1

What is the Children’s Business Fair?

Accepted Answer

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.

We at Kidpreneur Lubbock are excited to bring the Children's Business Fair to the Lubbock area to give kids an opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills, to be creative, and to share their special gifts and talents with others. Our first event in February 2020 was a great success, and we look forward to future growth!

Question 2

How many businesses will you accept?

Accepted Answer

We will accept up to 30 businesses.  Applicants must be between the ages of 6 and 18 (still in high school).  Additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

Question 3

How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?

Accepted Answer

Applications must be submitted online. 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.

Question 4

What is on the application?

Accepted Answer

The application asks kids to think through some simple, but important elements of their business, including:
 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?

Question 5

What if someone else has the same business idea?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How will the fair be set up?

Accepted Answer

The fair will be an indoor event. Each business will be given a space with a 6-foot table and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths will not be provided. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.

Question 7

Will electricity be available?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.

Question 8

What are the rules?

Accepted Answer

This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service on their own. We require parents to be as hands-off as possible during the process of planning, creating, and selling. (We know it's hard!)
 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.

*We understand that some children have special needs, and may require additional support from a parent. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at hello@kidpreneurlbk.com prior to submitting an application.

Parents of participating children are expected to check their email and social media communications regarding the event on a daily basis, as these are our primary means of communication with the group.

Question 9

Is there a participation fee?

Accepted Answer

Businesses are required to pay a non-refundable $10 fee to secure a booth as part of their investment into their business once their application is accepted.  This investment is part of the authentic experience we are aiming to create for our kidpreneurs. Approved businesses will be provided with further information about how to pay this fee.

Question 10

Will children be photographed during the event?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The fair will be documented by a professional photographer and the resulting digital media will be used to market the event and share its success with the community and the world! By applying for a booth at the fair, parents are thereby agreeing to allow the Lubbock Children's Business Fair permission to photograph and film their Child(ren) and use the resulting digital media at our discretion without compensation.

Question 11

Will you keep my information private?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are committed to keeping your personal information (such as your full name, email address, school, phone number etc.) private and will not share such information with any third-party. This information is only for internal purposes.

Question 12

I want to participate but I'm not sure what to sell! Can you help?

Accepted Answer

There are so many wonderful and unique ideas out there.  Check our social media posts for more ideas, but here are a few to get you started:

PRODUCT BUSINESSES: 
Knit or crochet hats, scarves, toys
Hair accessories/jewelry
Bookmarks, Books, Stationary
Original artwork
Handmade soap, bath bombs, lotions, or candles
Pet toys/treats
Woodworking - painted signs, string art
Used toy/clothing sale
Upcycled/repurposed items (get creative!)
Painted rocks (pet rocks are still awesome!)
Baked goods/Food items (*must follow Texas Cottage Food Laws https://texascottagefoodlaw.com)

ACTIVITY BUSINESSES: 
Design your own buttons
Design your own t-shirt
Crafting
Carnival Games
Balloon Animals Face Painting
Photo booth

Question 13

What about direct sales?

Accepted Answer

We do not allow direct/national sales of any kind. Examples would include Avon, Scentsy, and Girl Scout cookies. We understand that children can learn about customer interaction and financial literacy through these businesses, but they do not support the mission of the Lubbock Children's Business Fair. If you have any questions about a particular business idea, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Question 14

Where can I learn about entrepreneurship?

Accepted Answer

Unsure where to start? Our advice is to keep it simple.
 First, think about what you can make with your own hands or a service you can provide that others might enjoy. Next, picture how you might sell it. Finally, imagine the feeling (and responsibility) of having a little extra spending money as a result. 
Start with the information on our Resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills.  
Feel free to do some research online about marketing, branding and profit. Explore examples of great product pitches, learn about interacting with customers, and get down to business creating your product or developing your service and putting the details together for your booth! Try practicing your pitch and customer service skills for family and friends at home!

You'll learn the most by getting your "hands dirty" and figuring things out all on your own.

Tip for parents: let your child follow their passion and interests! Ask them questions about what THEY find interesting, or what they would want to buy as a customer.

Question 15

How serious does my kidpreneur need to be about the business?

Accepted Answer

This is meant to be a fun experience for the youth of our community. While we want the event to be successful for our vendors, it is not meant to be overwhelming or stressful for the kids involved. This is not "Shark Tank"! Help them keep that in mind as they move through the process.

If you have ANY questions or concerns about the Lubbock Children's Business Fair, please don't hesitate to contact us at hello@kidpreneurlbk.com

Question 16

What is the role of parents on the day of the Children's Business Fair?

Accepted Answer

Ensure that kidpreneurs arrive on time to the fair for set up. Ensure kidpreneurs follow all fair rules and guidelines as well as any guidelines the venue provides. Help the kidpreneurs bring items into the venue and assist with any heavy lifting and booth set-up needs. Pack food and snacks for their kidpreneur(s) as needed. For businesses with just one kidpreneur, parents/guardians are asked to have an adult available to watch over their kidpreneur's booth and cash box if they need to go to the bathroom during the fair.  Be supportive and encouraging of all our amazing kidpreneurs! *Parents/guardians are not to do the sales, pitching, customer interactions etc. for the kidpreneurs.

Question 17

How can I support the Lubbock Children's Business Fair?

Accepted Answer

We are currently accepting sponsors and in-kind donations to offset the costs of the event. Email us at hello@kidpreneurlbk.com for more information.

We are still seeking sponsors and in-kind donations of t-shirt design & printing services, as well as sign printing services.

You can also show your support by following us on social media, and sharing the information with your friends!

Question 18

How did the Acton Children’s Business Fair get started?

Accepted Answer

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.

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