Children’s Business Fair FAQ (2026)

 

WHAT IS THE CHILDREN’S BUSINESS FAIR?

The Children’s Business Fair (CBF) is a one-day event that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship by allowing youth to create and run their own small businesses. Our local fair is affiliated with the Acton Children’s Business Fair, the largest youth entrepreneurship event in North America.

 

 

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Youth ages 8 through high school may participate. Preference is given to students who live in or attend school in Nodaway County. Businesses may include up to three youth working together.

 

 

HOW DOES THE FAIR WORK?

Young entrepreneurs “hire themselves” by submitting an application and developing a product or service to sell at Market Day. Participants think through key elements of their business, including:

• Product or service

• Pricing and costs

• Marketing

• Customer experience

• Measuring success

Participants are supported through several structured steps leading up to Market Day. Each step builds on the one before it.

 

 

WHAT IS A “VETERAN ENTREPRENEUR”?

A veteran entrepreneur is a participant returning to the Children’s Business Fair with the same business they have entered in a previous year.

• Participants returning with a completely new business are treated as first-time businesses for that year.

• First-time businesses complete a business plan.

• Returning businesses with the same idea complete a “Level-Up” reflection focused on growth and improvement.

 

 

ARE ALL PARTICIPANTS JUDGED THE SAME WAY?

All businesses are judged by age group, using the same core judging criteria.

The preparation process differs slightly to support fairness and growth:

• First-time businesses focus on foundational planning.

• Returning businesses focus on how they have improved or refined their business.

• Judging categories and age divisions may be adjusted as needed to create groups that are as equitable as possible.

 

 

WILL THERE BE PRIZES?

Yes. Businesses are judged by local entrepreneurs, and prizes are awarded by age group.

Core award categories include:

• Most Original Business Idea

• Highest Business Potential

• Best Presentation

Additional recognition may be awarded to highlight growth or first-time entrepreneurship.

If a business includes participants of different ages, it will be judged in the age group of the oldest participant.

 

 

HOW MANY BUSINESSES WILL YOU ACCEPT?

Up to 50 businesses will be accepted.

 

 

IS THERE A FEE TO PARTICIPATE?

There is a $15 refundable participation fee per business, due with the application. Please pay with cash or check.

• The fee is refunded on Market Day for businesses that follow through and host a table.

• Team businesses submit one fee total.

• Scholarships are available if the fee is a barrier to participation.

 

 

HOW DO WE APPLY?

Applications are submitted online via the link or QR code provided by the library. Paper applications are also available.

Please submit one application per business, including all participating youth and parent/guardian information.

 

 

 

WHAT IF SOMEONE HAS THE SAME BUSINESS IDEA?

That’s okay. Similar ideas are allowed, and market forces are part of the learning experience.

 

 

WHAT WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE ON MARKET DAY?

Each business will be provided:

• One approximately 6-foot table

• Two chairs

Tablecloths are not provided. A limited number of electrical outlets are available and must be requested on the application. Availability is not guaranteed.

 

 

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PARENTS?

This event is designed to give children the experience of running their own business.

Parents may:

• Help their child think through ideas and logistics

• Assist with tasks that are unsafe for children to complete alone

• Share marketing materials created by the child on social media

• Assist with completing the end-of-day sales tax form

Parents may not:

• Sell or promote the product on behalf of the child

• Interact with customers in place of the child

Parents may sit at the booth, but children must handle setup, sales, and customer interaction.

Businesses found to be parent-run may be disqualified from competition.

 

 

HOW WILL WE COMMUNICATE?

The library communicates primarily through the Remind app. Families are encouraged to join the Children’s Business Fair group to receive updates and reminders.

 

 

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Elizabeth Argo at the Maryville Public Library with any questions: 660-582-5281 or youthcoordinator@maryvillepubliclibrary.org