Join us for an exciting opportunity for young entrepreneurs! Discovery Lane is proud to present the Children’s Business Fair, where children aged 6 to 16 can showcase their creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
At the fair, children will have the chance to set up their own booths and sell products they have created. From handmade crafts to immagitive inventions, our young entrepreneurs will impress you with their talents and business savvy.
CALLING ALL KIDPRENEURS!
Participation in the fair can boost children’s self-esteem, confidence, and sense of capability. By allowing them to develop and showcase their entrepreneurial skills, make decisions about their businesses, interact with customers, and potentially earn income from their efforts, a children’s business fair can empower young participants to believe in their abilities and take ownership of their ideas and actions.
Participants may showcase their innovation through the development of new products, the use of technology in their businesses, or the implementation of sustainable practices. Overall, the children’s business fair encourages participants to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of traditional entrepreneurship. Being creative, original, and inventive in thinking or approach.
Communities play a vital role in people’s lives by providing social support, fostering a sense of belonging, and enabling collective action to address shared concerns and interests. The children’s business fair provides a dedicated space to share the joy of young entrepreneurs. Our collaboration for a common goal: seeing children center stage as business owners. Let’s go cheer on young bright minds!
Application
FAQ
What is Discovery Lane's Children's Business Fair?
Discovery Lane children’s business fair is a day dedicated to celebrating children entrepreneurs.
It is a one-day market where children sell products to the community and learn how to be entrepreneurs.
How do I apply?
Young entrepreneurs can complete the application above the FAQ. Once the application is complete applicants will be contacted via email about their acceptance into the children’s business fair by March 18.
*Booth availability is limited.
Is there a fee to participate as a vendor?
Yes. Once selected to participate in the children’s business fair you will be sent a payment notification/invoice by email. The booth fee is $30 per business. The fee is due March 29.
Does my child have to be a student at Discovery Lane?
No. All children entrepreneurs aged 6-16 are welcome to apply.
How should I price my products?
For ease of transactions please price items to the nearest dollar.
What time should I arrive to the fair?
You should arrive to the fair at 9:30 am to begin setting up.
What should I bring the day of the event?
You should bring your products, table, and marketing materials. While not required you are encouraged to have signage and tablecloth.
Make an effort to be creative and handmake what you can.
Oh no! I changed my business idea. Now what?
If you decide to change your business idea/product after your application was accepted please contact us via email events@thediscoverylane.com for approval.
Can I sell food products at the fair?
To avoid the possibility of coming in contact with allergens food is not permitted to be sold at the fair.
Will entrepreneurs be presented with awards?
Oh Yes!
All children’s businesses will be automatically entered into the business competition. Businesses will be judged by entrepreneurs and people who work alongside entrepreneurs.
Exact title awards will be shared the week of the fair.
What payment types should I accept?
You are encouraged to accept cash and credit. There are several financial services such as Square that allow for acceptance of payments using mobile devices.
What is the role of the parent/guardian during the fair?
-
Ensure that kidpreneurs arrive on time to the fair for set up.
-
Ensure kidpreneurs follow all fair rules and guidelines.
-
Assist the kidpreneurs in bringing items into the venue and carry any heavy items to transport to the booth.
-
Prepare and pack food/snacks for their kidpreneur(s).
-
For businesses with just one kidpreneur, parents/guardians are asked to have an adult available to watch over their kidpreneur’s booth and cash box if they need to go to the bathroom during the fair. Depending on age, they may also require an additional adult to take them.
*Parents/guardians are not to do the sales, pitching, and customer interactions for the kidpreneurs. This will disqualify the child’s business from awards.
How should I prepare my child for the fair?
In preparation for the fair please browse through the photo album of last year’s school marketplace for inspiration.
Materials
- Table no larger than 6 feet
- Tablecloth
- Signage
- QR for credit/debit payments (optional)
- Products
What booth rules should I know about?
- All materials and products must fit in the dedicated booth space. You must not infringe on the space of other participants.
- A maximum of two adults are permitted in the booth area to support the kidpreneur.
- Please bring the necessary bills to provide change if you only accept cash. Although we strongly encourage accepting both credit and cash payments.
- Parents/guardians should be present and supervising their child throughout. For teenage (13-16) entrepreneurs parents/guardians presence is optional.
- Wi-fi and electricity will not be available at the event. Please prepare for this limited access.
Testimonials
The teachers at Discovery Lane are patient, creative and compassionate. Their early education philosophy is high quality, emphasizing student independence, exploration, and building self confidence. My daughter is thriving as a student under their instruction.
My son attends Discovery Lane and I can’t imagine him going anywhere else! The staff is so attentive and they truly care about these children. If you are looking for a center for children 2-5 I say Discovery Lane hands down!
I found this school driving by one day and so I stopped. Needles to say Ms. Alice was awesome and before I left I’d already decided my child was going to attend. The staff is absolutely Amazing and I’m so distraught that we will be attending Kindergarten. Discovery Lane will be a tough act to follow!!!!
Location
3081 Old Washington Road
Waldorf, MD 20601
240-803-5263
info@thediscoverylane.com
enrollment@thediscoverylane.com
School Day
Preschool- 7:30am-5:30pm
Elementary- 8:30am-3:30pm
Elementary Aftercare- 3:30pm-5:30pm