Welcome to the
Children’s Business Fair
A popup marketplace for young entrepreneurs in Altavista, VA
Help your child launch their very own business at central Virginia's largest Children's Business Fair.
Who:
Kids ages 6-18 who want to own a business
When:
Saturday
Nov. 7, 2026
Where:
English Park Altavista, VA
What people are saying about the Fair:
“It was fun and we got plenty of cash, and now I can buy a fishing rod.”
- A young entrepreneur
“I loved watching him overcome his fear, and his excitement at what he had to offer.”
- A proud mom
“These kids are just incredible. I wish I had an opportunity like this when I was their age.”
- Russel Kelly, 2025 Panel of Judges
How it works:
1: Help your child come up with an idea
Encourage them to create something with their hands or sell a service. They may already have a great idea - they just need you to say yes!
2: Let them run their business in a safe, fun environment
Your child will learn how to engage with customers, solve problems on the fly, and discover the joy that comes from adding real value to other’s lives.
3: Cheer on their success!
Watch as your child grows in confidence, thrives in a real world environment, and receives the encouragement of other hard-working kids and grownups.
As if running their own business isn’t rewarding enough, we’re adding $1,000 in prize money.
A panel of judges, comprised of successful local entrepreneurs, will rank each child’s business in 3 categories and 3 age groups.
Best Overall Presentation
Highest Business Potential
Most Original Concept
2025 Award Winners
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![Two young girls smiling, standing side by side in front of an orange and blue backdrop at a public event, one holding a piece of paper and a blue envelope.]()
Cookie Monsters Cookie Jars
Sunday, age 13 + Izzy, age 10
“It was super cool to learn how to interact with people and to learn what catches their eye.”
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![Child smiling at a photography event wearing a cap and a blue shirt holding a blank sheet of paper, with a colorful backdrop.]()
Cap Your Style
Yahkin, age 8
“I would tell other kids that you get to make a lot of money, and it would be fun doing that process!”
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![Two young girls standing side by side at an awards event, smiling at the camera. The girl on the right is holding a certificate. Behind them is a decorative display with balloons and colorful letters.]()
Soap Scene
Leasa, age 13 + Scarlett, age 13
“It was fun meeting people. Sometimes you mess up, but it’s okay!”
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![Two young boys smiling at a maker faire event, one holding a certificate for highest business potential, standing in front of colorful balloons and a 'MAKER' sign.]()
Maker Bros
Isaac, age 12 + Elliott, age 9
“We almost sold out, so I definitely feel like we reached our goal. I would tell other kids to do your own thing and do what you like - it will get you far!”
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![A young red-haired girl holding an award certificate and a blue envelope, smiling, at a colorful event with orange, teal, and white backgrounds.]()
Bringing the Best Back Icee's & Key Chains
Madison, age 10
“The fair is really fun, and it will help you when you’re older to do business stuff.”
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![Two boys standing in front of colorful backdrops at an award event. The older boy is holding a certificate and a blue envelope, while the younger boy has a lollipop in his mouth.]()
Bird Necessities
Waylon, age 11 + Lucas, age 7
“We’ve learned a lot, like with building, and with marketing. It’s taken a lot of time, but it’s definitely worth it.”
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![Two young girls standing together indoors, one holding a certificate and a blue envelope, smiling at the camera.]()
Scent Scene
Ava, age 9 + Lydia, age 8
“Working is a little hard. But it was really fun working with my friend.“
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![Young boy with blond hair wearing a blue T-shirt with the U.S. Capitol building and the words "U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C." printed on it, holding papers and standing against a background with orange and white sections.]()
Sticker Fun
Tzion, age 7
“We have to be patient for customers, and we have to have good prices, and that’s all.“
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![Two young girls smiling, one holding a passport, standing in front of an orange and blue wall.]()
Sisters' Flowers
Amilia, age 6 + Alyssa, age 5
“We had flowers in our garden.“
The world needs more young heroes.
We’re a group of volunteer parents who believe in raising kids who work hard and take risks. We believe in thinking creatively to fix problems. We like finding ways to help our neighbors. We believe in learning from our mistakes. And we believe in raising world-changers, one small startup business at a time.
