Children's Business Fair: A Day to Remember
A Day to Remember: Our Young Entrepreneurs Take Over Downtown Dublin
On Saturday, June 15th, something incredible happened at Riverside Crossing Park in downtown Dublin, Ohio. Over 100 Youth Entrepreneurs came together at the Acton Academy Children’s Business Fair.
The Acton Academy Columbus Children’s Business Fair took place alongside the bustling Dublin Farmers' Market—and the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. With the river as a backdrop and the morning filled with music, smells, and chatter, the park quickly filled with hundreds (maybe thousands!) of visitors who came not just for farm-fresh produce, but for something far more inspiring: a front-row seat to creativity and entrepreneurship in action.
Over 25 booths lined the park walkway, each run entirely by young entrepreneurs—some as young as 6—offering everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to original artwork and baked goods. These weren’t just kids playing store. They were real business owners with pricing plans, cost tracking, logos, and marketing strategies.
Creative Crafters, a homeschool trio, sold a range of hand-crocheted items, including plush toys and accessories. Their inventory was carefully planned, their booth beautifully designed, and they left having sold nearly three-quarters of their products.
Happy Crochet was a solo venture backed by birthday and chore money, selling everything from handwoven purses to detailed keychains. Their pricing strategy was thoughtful, and the learner even had change ready in a labeled coin tray—professionalism in full form.
Sweet Jocie returned with her signature nontoxic earrings and bracelets, refined over multiple business fairs. Her confident pitch and eye for design helped her attract steady traffic all morning long.
And then there was Rubber Band Rainbows, selling colorful, handwoven rubber band bracelets for $1 to $5. Simple, eye-catching, and made with care—they were a hit with kids and adults alike.
Despite predictions earlier in the week, the weather held up. The sky stayed dry, the sun peeked out, and families stayed longer than planned. Some came for the market and stayed for the fair. Others made the fair their destination—and walked away inspired by what these young minds had built.
Each learner brought their own spark of creativity, backed by real effort: startup budgets, family investors, homemade signs, word-of-mouth marketing, and hand-crafted goods. Their smiles, sales skills, and problem-solving on the fly were a testament to what young people can do when given freedom and responsibility.
By the end of the day, some booths had sold out. Others made notes on what to try differently next time. All left with pride—and a stronger belief that they are capable of great things.
A huge thank-you to the City of Dublin, the team behind the Dublin Market, and the families who showed up to support these learners. Most of all, thank you to the courageous young business owners who showed us that passion, effort, and joy are the best ingredients for success.
Until next year—keep building.