The Metro Birmingham Children’s Business Fair is an opportunity for young people ages 6–16 to experience entrepreneurship firsthand. It gives children the chance to turn their ideas into businesses, develop products or services, and introduce their creations to real customers.
More than a marketplace, the fair is a hands-on learning experience where young entrepreneurs discover what it takes to develop an idea, plan a business, communicate with customers, and take pride in their accomplishments.
How Did the Children’s Business Fair Get Started?
In 2007, Jeff and Laura Sandefer, along with several other families, wanted to spark a sense of wonder and entrepreneurship in their children and the young people in their neighborhood. Their idea grew into the Children’s Business Fair movement, creating opportunities for children to experience the excitement and responsibility of running their own businesses.
The Metro Birmingham Children’s Business Fair held its first local fair on April 21, 2018, at the Fairfield Civic Center, courtesy of the City of Fairfield, Alabama. Since then, MBCBF has continued working to introduce young people throughout the Greater Birmingham area to entrepreneurship.
What Happens at a Children’s Business Fair?
Young entrepreneurs take the lead in creating and presenting their businesses. They:
- Develop an idea for a product or service.
- Plan how to make or provide what they are selling.
- Consider costs, pricing, and presentation.
- Set up and manage their business booths.
- Welcome customers, answer questions, and explain their products or services.
- Experience making sales and interacting with the public.
What Do Children Learn?
The experience helps young people build practical skills that extend beyond the fair, including:
- Creativity and problem-solving
- Communication and customer service
- Financial awareness and money management
- Planning and decision-making
- Responsibility and initiative
- Confidence and independence
More Than a Business Fair
The value of participating isn’t measured only by sales. It is also found in the confidence gained from trying something new, the lessons learned from challenges, and the pride that comes from bringing an idea to life.
At the Metro Birmingham Children’s Business Fair, we believe every young person has the potential to recognize an opportunity, explore an idea, and discover what is possible.
Where Possibilities Begin.
Interested in Participating?
We invite parents and young people to explore the Metro Birmingham Children’s Business Fair and learn about future fairs, workshops, and opportunities.
Visit our website and follow us on social media for announcements and updates.