The Scottsdale Children's Business Fair gives kids ages 6–16 a real marketplace to launch their very own business — for one exciting day of selling, pitching, and community connection.
About the Fair
What Is the Children's Business Fair?
The Scottsdale Children's Business Fair is a one-day marketplace where kids design, create, and run their own real businesses — selling products and services to the community. Every booth is entirely child-operated.
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Real Businesses
Kids create and run actual businesses — from handmade jewelry and baked goods to original artwork and creative services.
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Real Skills
Young entrepreneurs practice marketing, customer service, money-handling, and the art of the pitch in a real, live setting.
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Community Connection
Families and the greater Scottsdale community come out to shop, encourage, and celebrate the next generation of business leaders.
70+
Young Entrepreneurs
50+
Businesses
1 Day
Of Real Business
100%
Kid-Run Booths
Thank You to Our Sponsors
📅 Upcoming Fair
Mark Your Calendar
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Date
Saturday, April 18, 2026
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Time
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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Location
Desert Ridge Marketplace, Phoenix, AZ 85054
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Admission
Free and open to the public
Get notified the moment applications open and dates are announced.
Past Fairs
See It in Action
Every fair is full of creativity, hustle, and community pride. Here's a glimpse of past Scottsdale Children's Business Fairs.
Fashion Fairy — scrunchies & jewelry
Customized hats & accessories
Pet rocks, keychains & more
Hand-painted art for sale
Sadie's Slime — a crowd favorite
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the fair?▼
Any child ages 6–16 living in or around the Scottsdale area is welcome to apply as a vendor. Kids can participate solo or with a sibling or friend as a team.
Is there an application fee?▼
There is a small booth fee to reserve your spot at the fair. Financial hardship waivers are available — we believe every child deserves the chance to participate. Please contact us for details.
What kinds of businesses are allowed?▼
Kids can sell handmade goods, baked treats, artwork, jewelry, crafts, plants, and more. Service-based businesses are also welcome. All businesses must be child-conceived and child-run.
What is the role of parents on fair day?▼
Parents may assist with setup and teardown, but during fair hours the booth must be run independently by the child entrepreneur. This is their opportunity to practice real-world skills in an authentic setting.
When and where is the fair?▼
The fair is on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Desert Ridge Marketplace in Phoenix, AZ. Follow us on Facebook or join our email list for updates and reminders!
What's included with the booth space?▼
Each vendor receives a designated space. Tables may be available depending on sponsorship — check your acceptance email for details. Vendors are responsible for their own display items, signage, product inventory, and payment processing.
Is the fair open to the public?▼
Yes — the fair is free and open to the public. Come shop, cheer on the young entrepreneurs, and celebrate their hard work. Bringing cash is encouraged!
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Applications open soon. Spots are limited — learn what it takes to participate.
Young Vendors
Launch Your Business
Everything you need to know to apply, prepare, and have a great fair day.
How It Works
Your Path to Fair Day
01
Dream It Up
Think about what you love making or doing. Your business idea should be something you're genuinely excited about — that passion will shine on fair day.
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02
Apply Online
Fill out the vendor application. Tell us about your business, what you'll sell, and what makes your idea special. Applications are reviewed by our team.
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03
Get Accepted
Once accepted, you'll receive your booth assignment and fair-day details. Pay your booth fee to reserve your spot. Space is limited — apply early.
04
Prepare & Practice
Make your products, design your display, practice your pitch, and set your prices. Think about signage and how to make change for customers.
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05
Sell It!
Show up, set up, and enjoy the best day. Talk to customers, answer questions, and count your earnings. You're a real business owner now.
Booth Tip: A great booth has a clear name and sign, organized products with visible prices, and an entrepreneur ready to talk about their work. Bring a cash box with change and a way to accept digital payments if possible.
Rules & Requirements
Vendor Guidelines
Please review our vendor requirements before applying.
Participants must be ages 6–16. Teams of siblings or friends are allowed (maximum 3 per booth).
All businesses must be child-conceived and child-run. Parents may assist with setup only.
Food vendors must comply with all applicable Maricopa County cottage food guidelines.
Vendors must remain at their booth until the fair officially closes — even if you sell out early. Use the time to engage with visitors, hand out business cards, or take orders for next time!
Vendors are responsible for all inventory, pricing, and payment collection.
All products and displays must be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.
Vendors should arrive one hour before the fair opens for setup. Breakdown begins at close.
Please be kind, be professional, and cheer on your fellow young entrepreneurs.
Questions? We're here to help. If this is your first business, reach out anytime and we'll help you get ready for the big day.
The fair is free and open to the public. Support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Sponsorship
Partner With Us
Support the next generation of Scottsdale entrepreneurs — and the community event that inspires them.
Why Sponsor
Make a Meaningful Impact
The Scottsdale Children's Business Fair runs because of generous community support. Your contribution directly funds the event, keeps vendor fees accessible, and connects your business to the Scottsdale families who attend.
Top Tier
Executive Sponsor
$150 cash / $300+ in-kind
Promo products on Sponsors Table
Logo on the back of event t-shirts
Name & logo on event webpage
Social media shout-outs
Supporting Tier
Partner Sponsor
$100 cash / $200+ in-kind
Promo products on Sponsors Table
Logo on the back of event t-shirts
Name & logo on event webpage
Social media shout-outs
Community Tier
Friend of the Fair
$50 cash / $100+ in-kind
Name on fair signage
Listed on website
Social media thank-you
Listed in event program
Individual / In-Kind
Friend of the Fair
Any Amount
Name & logo on event webpage
Social media shout-outs
Sponsorships can include in-kind donations, prizes for young vendors, or event supplies. We'd love to tailor a package that works for your organization.
Our Sponsors
Thank You to Our Supporters
We are grateful to the following sponsors for making the Scottsdale Children's Business Fair possible.
Executive Sponsors
Partner Sponsors
Parents & Educators
Supporting Your Young Entrepreneur
Everything you need to know before, during, and after the fair.
For Families
How to Help Without Taking Over
The Children's Business Fair is a hands-on entrepreneurship experience. Your role is to support and encourage — while your child takes the lead.
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Help Them Brainstorm
Ask your child what they love to make or do. Great business ideas come from genuine interest. Popular choices include:
Baked goods & lemonade
Handmade jewelry & accessories
Original artwork & prints
Slime, putty & sensory items
Plants & succulents
Cards, bookmarks & stationery
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Teach the Basics
Help your child understand simple business fundamentals before the fair:
Cost to make vs. selling price
How to make change
Choosing a good business name
How to speak with customers
Setting up an attractive display
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Application Checklist
When applying, have this information ready:
Child's name and age
Business name and description
What they will be selling
Approximate price range
Parent/guardian contact info
Any special setup needs
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Fair Day Timeline
What to expect on the day of the fair:
Arrive 1 hour early for setup
Help unload — then step back
Fair opens to the public
Pack up after closing time
For Educators
Bring entrepreneurship into your classroom with these pre-fair activities.
Business Plan
Have students write a one-page business plan before applying — product, pricing, and target customer.
Pitch Practice
Practice 30-second "elevator pitches" so kids can confidently describe their business to anyone.
Math Connection
Use pricing and profit as a real-world math unit — cost of goods, margins, and revenue goals.
Design Challenge
Run a booth sign design competition as a creative warm-up before fair day.
Attend the Fair
Bring the Whole Family
The fair is free and open to the public. Come shop, explore, and show your support for the community's youngest business owners.
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Free Admission
No tickets or fees — just show up and support these young entrepreneurs.
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Bring Cash
Most vendors accept cash. Some also accept Venmo or CashApp.
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Share the Love
Tag us on social media and help spread the word about these amazing young businesses.
Have Questions?
We're happy to help parents and educators navigate the fair. Reach out anytime.
Contact
Get in Touch
Questions about the fair, vendor applications, or sponsorship opportunities — we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Us
We're Here to Help
Choose the best way to connect with us below.
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Email
For general questions, vendor applications, and sponsorship inquiries:
The fair is held in the Scottsdale, Arizona area. Exact venue is announced with each registration cycle.
Scottsdale, AZ
Vendor Questions? Visit the Young Vendors page — it covers most common questions. Still need help? Just email us.
Sponsorship Inquiries? Review our Sponsorship page for tier details, then reach out directly.
About the Organizer
Scottsdale Homeschoolers Inc.
The Scottsdale Children's Business Fair is an initiative of Scottsdale Homeschoolers Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit homeschool cooperative dedicated to building community and enriching educational experiences for Scottsdale-area children and families.
Scottsdale Homeschoolers Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
