Children’s Business Fair

Where kidpreneurs build, sell, and shine.

Tentative date for our next fair: Saturday, February 13, 2027. Join the mailing list to be notified when applications open.

Does your child have something they’re passionate about? The Children’s Business Fair of Port St. Lucie gives them an opportunity to showcase their idea to the world — and make some money.

Tentative: Saturday, February 13, 2027
Location: TBD — in the Port St. Lucie area
Watch this page or join the mailing list for updates.
A young entrepreneur handing her product to an adult customer for cash A crowd at the Children's Business Fair Another view of the crowd at the Children's Business Fair

It’s like a farmer’s market — but all the vendors are kids.

Observe the opportunity for the next generation to launch their very own startup business at the Children’s Business Fair of Port St. Lucie. These “kidpreneurs” develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and open for customers at our one-day marketplace.

We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.

The Children’s Business Fair is open to all families who want their child (ages 5–17) to have the opportunity to:

  1. Make something with his or her own hands
  2. Sell it (safely) to a stranger
  3. Experience the freedom (and responsibility) of having a little extra spending money as a reward

Cash prizes will be awarded for Best Salesmanship, Most Creative, and Highest Business Potential, as determined by local entrepreneur judges.

Real-world learning through failure and competition.

Every year, there are a large number of businesses that sell similar items, in particular lemonade and bracelets. Whereas normal markets would limit the number of similar vendors, we do not.

The purpose of the Children’s Business Fair isn’t to simulate markets and competition. It’s to provide children the opportunity to be entrepreneurs. We welcome competition because it forces hard but important questions: what is my unique selling proposition? Why should people buy from me?

That may mean some children “fail” by not getting many sales. Good. Failure is the most important thing entrepreneurs must experience. Fail early, often, and cheaply now so they’re ready to succeed as job creators, bosses, and innovators in the ever-changing global economy.

FAQ

Questions about Participation

No electricity is available. Businesses that require it should contact the organizers first; we can accommodate a limited number of generators.
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling. Parents may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for as much as possible — set up, salesmanship, and handling cash.
No specific policy. It’s up to your entrepreneurs to decide what forms of payment they want to take.
Yes, but Florida state laws have requirements for selling food and drink. Review the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website.
We provide one 6′ table and one chair per kidpreneur. Families are responsible for a 10′ × 10′ tent or canopy.
Three $50 cash prizes — Best Presentation, Most Creative, and Highest Business Potential — awarded across three age categories (5–7, 8–11, 12–14).

Questions about the Application Process

There is a $25 Booth Reservation Fee. We recommend treating it as a startup cost the kidpreneur must pay back.
No more than 4 children can be listed as owners. They may hire additional employees.
Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem. We let market forces play out.
The application asks: What will you sell? What will you charge and what does it cost you? How will you pay for startup costs? How will you market your business? How will you measure success?
Sponsor the Fair

Invest in the Treasure Coast’s next generation.

Local businesses can sponsor at three tiers, from $100 Friend of the Fair to $1,000 Visionary of the Treasure Coast.

Learn More

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors

The Treasure Coast’s next generation is sponsored by these local champions.