Privacy Policy

Acton Children's Business Fair of Altavista ("we", "us", "our", or the "Fair"), operated through www.actonaltavista.com (the "Site"), is a community event initiative supporting young entrepreneurs ages 6-18 in Altavista, Virginia. We are committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our Site, participants, parents/guardians, sponsors, and all users.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you visit the Site or interact with the Fair. By accessing or using the Site, you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes are effective when posted, and the "Last updated" date will reflect revisions. Continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy.

1. Information We Collect:

a. Information You Provide:

  • When following the Pre-Register link (to https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/altavista-va), you or a parent/guardian may submit details such as child's name, age, parent/guardian name, email address, phone number, business idea description, or other registration information. That form is hosted by the national Children's Business Fair platform—we receive only necessary event-related data from them.

  • If you contact us via email, form (if added), or sponsorship inquiry, we collect your name, email, message content, and any details you provide.

  • For sponsorships (via any cart/checkout), contact and payment information (processed securely by third-party providers; we do not store full payment card details).

b. Information Collected Automatically:

  • Device and usage data: IP address, browser type/version, operating system, device type, pages visited, time/date of access, referring/exit pages.

  • Cookies and tracking technologies: We use essential cookies for site functionality and may use analytics cookies (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand Site usage. No advertising cookies are used. See Section 8 for more.

  • Approximate location data inferred from IP (no precise geolocation collected).

c. Information from Third Parties:

  • From the national Children's Business Fair registration platform (childrensbusinessfair.org), limited registration details needed to organize the Altavista event.

  • Analytics providers (if used).

  • No other significant third-party sources.

2. How We Use Your Information: We use information to:

  • Organize and administer the Children's Business Fair event (registration, communication about the event, judging, awards).

  • Respond to inquiries, sponsorship requests, or feedback.

  • Improve the Site and event experience.

  • Analyze general Site usage trends (aggregated/anonymized).

  • Comply with legal obligations, protect safety, or enforce event rules.

  • Send essential event updates (e.g., reminders, changes) — we do not send marketing/promotional emails unless you explicitly opt in.

3. How We Share Your Information: We do not sell personal information. We share only as necessary:

  • With the national Children's Business Fair organizers (Acton Academy affiliates) for event coordination.

  • With trusted service providers (e.g., website hosting, analytics tools) bound to use data only for our purposes.

  • If required by law, court order, or to protect rights/safety (including child safety).

  • In aggregated, de-identified form for reports or promotions.

  • With your consent (e.g., featuring a participant's business story publicly, with parent permission).

In the past 12 months, we have collected categories listed in Section 1 and disclosed them for business/operational purposes only (no sales or sharing for cross-context behavioral advertising).

4. Children's Privacy (Important): The Fair and Site are designed for children ages 6-18 and their parents/guardians. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent, in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Registration occurs via the national platform, which follows similar protections. Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising any child using the Site. If we learn we have collected data from a child under 13 without consent, we will delete it. Contact us if you have concerns.

5. Your Privacy Rights: Depending on your location (e.g., Virginia under VCDPA, California under CCPA/CPRA, or other states), you may have rights to:

  • Know/access what personal information we hold.

  • Request deletion (subject to exceptions, e.g., event records needed for administration).

  • Correct inaccurate data.

  • Opt out of any sale/sharing (we do not engage in these).

To exercise rights, email us at the contact below. We may verify identity before responding and will reply within legally required timeframes.

6. Data Security: We use reasonable safeguards (technical, administrative, physical) to protect information. However, no transmission or storage is 100% secure—we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention: We keep information only as long as needed for event purposes, legal requirements, or dispute resolution (typically 1–3 years after the event, unless longer retention is required).

8. Cookies and Tracking: We use essential cookies for basic functionality. Analytics tools may place cookies to measure Site performance (you can manage via browser settings or our banner if implemented). We do not use cookies for targeted advertising.

9. Third-Party Links: The Site links to childrensbusinessfair.org and possibly others. We are not responsible for their privacy practices—review their policies directly.

10. International Users: The Site is hosted in the United States. Data may be processed/stored in the US, where privacy laws differ from other countries.

11. Contact Us For questions, rights requests, or concerns: Email ACBFAltavista@gmail.com