What does it take to raise a child who can think boldly, act courageously, and contribute meaningfully to the world? At Acton, we believe the answer is simple: give them the chance to try.
That’s the heart behind the Children’s Business Fair (CBF)—a one-day marketplace where young people create, market, and sell their own products or services. To passersby, it may look like rows of tables with homemade crafts, baked goods, or inventions. But beneath the buzz of customers and sales is something far more powerful: children discovering what they can do when they take ownership.
For many families, the Business Fair is their very first glimpse of Acton’s ethos in action. Even if you aren’t yet ready for full-time enrollment in an Acton Academy, this one-day event offers a taste of the freedom, responsibility, and courage that define our learning community.
Why a Business Fair?
Because business is real life.
Children must dream up an idea, create a product, set a price, and persuade customers to buy—all while competing with dozens of other young entrepreneurs. There are no grades, no gold stars, and no “right answers.” Success (or failure) comes directly from the choices they make.
This is learning by doing. And it’s unforgettable.
-
A six-year-old who decides to sell painted rocks quickly learns that presentation matters.
-
A nine-year-old baker discovers what it means to budget when the cost of sugar cuts into her profits.
-
A twelve-year-old coder realizes the importance of marketing when his app sits unnoticed until he changes his pitch.
Each lesson is immediate, practical, and self-earned. These aren’t worksheets—they’re life skills in action.
Freedom in a Safe Container
One of the most powerful features of the Children’s Business Fair is that it provides a safe space for freedom.
Kids are free to take risks, but the risks are small. They’re free to fail, but failure comes with smiles, encouragement, and second chances. They’re free to shine, but without the pressure of adults scripting the outcome.
That’s the Acton way. We don’t hand children the answers; we hand them the opportunity. And every year, they amaze us with their creativity, resilience, and courage.
A Window into the Acton Ethos
For families, the Fair offers more than just a fun Saturday outing. It’s a window into what Acton Academy believes education should be.
At Acton, we talk often about learners being the heroes of their own stories. The Business Fair gives parents a front-row seat to watch that happen. They see their children face challenges, adapt, and grow—not because someone told them to, but because they wanted to.
Even if you aren’t ready to make the leap into a full-time Acton program, the Children’s Business Fair lets you experience our philosophy in miniature:
-
Ownership belongs to the child.
-
Real-world challenges spark real learning.
-
Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand.
The Ripple Effect
The impact of one day often stretches far beyond the event itself. Parents tell us their children talk about the Fair for months afterward—refining their ideas, sketching new logos, and planning for “next time.”
And in the process, they’re building habits that last a lifetime:
-
Courage to try something new.
-
Resilience to face setbacks.
-
Creativity to see opportunities others miss.
These aren’t just business skills. They’re life skills. And they’re exactly what young people will need to thrive in tomorrow’s world.
Mark Your Calendar
This year’s Children’s Business Fair will be held on November 22. Full details will be posted soon, but in the meantime, families eager to participate can begin preparing now.
👉 Apply here: https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/
👉 Follow us here: https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensBusinessFair/
Whether your child sells cookies, crafts, or cutting-edge inventions, the Fair is more than an event. It’s a first step toward freedom, a taste of real-world learning, and a celebration of what young people can do when we believe in them.
