CREATE
Develop a product, service, project or creative idea genuinely made or delivered by children.
IDEA + PRODUCTNY FAMILY EXPO · FREE FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURSChildren's
Children's
Business Fair.
A real marketplace for young entrepreneurs. Children create a business idea, prepare a product or service, present it to visitors and learn what entrepreneurship feels like by doing it.
CHILDREN'S BUSINESS FAIR HERO IMAGE SPACE
FREE PARTICIPATION
This Year, Young Entrepreneurs Participate for Free.
We decided to make the Children's Business Fair absolutely free for young entrepreneurs. We want more children to have the chance to try entrepreneurship, meet real customers and learn by doing—not be limited by a participation fee.
Registration is still required.
Space is limited and each application is reviewed for fit, safety and available capacity. Accepted participants will receive final setup and event logistics before the Expo.
HOW IT WORKS
From an Idea to a Real Customer.
The Fair gives children a simple, practical entrepreneurial experience: imagine something, make it, explain it, price it, present it and learn from real interactions with visitors.
PREPARE
Choose a name, price, presentation and simple display. Think about what customers need to understand.
BRAND + BOOTHPRESENT
Meet Expo visitors, explain the idea, answer questions and practice speaking with real customers.
COMMUNICATIONLEARN
Notice what people like, what questions they ask and how the idea could become better next time.
FEEDBACK + GROWTHLEARN BY DOING
Skills Become Real When Customers Arrive.
The goal is not simply to sell something. The experience helps children practice creativity, responsibility, communication, decision-making and confidence in a real but family-friendly setting.
Entrepreneurship
Understand value, customers, pricing, simple promotion and what it takes to turn an idea into an offer.
Communication
Explain an idea clearly, answer questions, listen to customers and become more comfortable talking with new people.
Creativity & Problem Solving
Build something original, respond to feedback and discover how small changes can make the business better.
PARTICIPATION RULES
Children Run the Business.
The rules are designed to keep the Fair child-led, safe, manageable and fair to all participants. Accepted participants will receive final setup and event logistics before the Expo.
Participation
- Children may apply individually or as a group of up to three participants.
- Each business submits one application that includes all team members.
- Parents may help with the application, but children should contribute as much as possible.
Business Ideas
- Duplicate ideas are allowed—for example, more than one art or jewelry business.
- Only goods or services created or produced by children may be offered. Reselling commercial or adult-made products is not permitted.
- Food and drinks may not be sold through the Children's Business Fair.
At the Fair
- Children are expected to handle their display, customer interaction and sales.
- Parents must supervise their children but should not sell or promote products for them.
- Businesses should remain open for the assigned Fair period and keep their area clean and orderly.
Booth & Conduct
- Displays and materials must fit inside the assigned space and must not interfere with neighboring participants.
- No loud music, unsafe materials or disruptive behavior.
- Final table, chair, electricity, arrival and setup details will be provided to accepted participants.
Submission of a registration form does not automatically confirm a space. Participation is subject to review, available capacity, venue rules and final organizer confirmation.
REGISTRATION
Apply for the Children's Business Fair.
Participation is free. Tell us who is participating and what the young entrepreneur plans to present. A parent or guardian may submit the form on the child's behalf.
BUSINESS FAIR PARTNERS
Help Young Entrepreneurs Get Started.
Businesses, schools and organizations can support the Fair through mentoring, workshops, prizes, judges, educational content, supplies or sponsorship. Programs and services for children and families can also participate in the wider NY Family Expo as exhibitors.
HELP SHAPE THE PROGRAM
Have an activity families would love?
Schools, clubs, museums, businesses, performers, sports organizations, educators and community groups are invited to propose additional activities for NY Family Expo.