By Maya McFall
Mail

The Scottsdale Children’s Business Fair is coming to Desert Ridge Marketplace April 18, at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd.

Presented by the Acton Children’s Business Fair, children will have the opportunity to showcase their own business during the one-day event.

Up to 50 businesses will be accepted at the outdoor gathering, and vendors must provide their own 6-foot tables, tablecloths and chairs. Tents are not permitted.

Children will develop their own brand, product or service and create a marketing strategy for their business before their grand opening. No more than three participants can work as a group for each business.

Parents may help with the application and sit in the booth, but they are not permitted to help sell or promote a child’s business.

Electricity will be available by request and requires an extra $10 charge with the regular $20 booth fee. These booths will be limited and positioned in designated areas.

Scottsdale Children’s Business Fair organizer and president of Scottsdale Homeschoolers Betty Boiron supports the event’s message and impact on young entrepreneurs.

“I believe business skills are essential for any career path - financial literacy, understanding the value of money, learning how to communicate, how to present yourself, how to connect with people, etc,” Boiron said. “These are life skills, not just business skills.”

As a homeschool mom, Boiron was searching for a meaningful way to teach her children about business when she discovered Acton Children's Business Fair.

“It was exactly what I was looking for - not just for my kids, but for our whole homeschool community. So, I started one,” she said. “That was five years ago, and it's been growing and thriving ever since.”

Boiron has seen the impact the fair has on children.

“They learn that their ideas have value, that hard work pays off, and that they are capable of more than they imagined. Those lessons don't stay at the booth - they carry forward into everything these kids do,” she said.

Her message to any child who may feel hesitant to try something new is this: “You don't have to be perfect. You just have to start. Every great entrepreneur began exactly where you are, with an idea and a little courage. This fair is a safe, supportive place to take that first step, and we will be cheering for you the whole way.”

The fair will take place 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday, April 18.

Applicants can sign up at childrensbusinessfair.org/27305/booth_applications/new

For volunteering opportunities at the fair, email Boiron scottsdalehomeschoolers@gmail.com.