Tacoma Children’s Business Fair was created to give children a meaningful space to explore entrepreneurship, creativity, and confidence. on their own terms.
Nicollette (she/her) is the founder of Tacoma Children’s Business Fair, mother-of-three, and has dedicated her work to building pathways for children and families at the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and community.
Through this fair, she creates spaces where young people are the decision-makers and supported in leading with their passions--turning their ideas into reality. She believes children are sacred and should be respected, listened to, and have their ideas taken seriously.
Through the UW–Tacoma internship program, 3–4 college students recieve stipends to take the lead in running the fair during the summer months, with Nicollette supporting them as a guide and mentor in event planning, coordination, and execution. The future goal for the fair is to have it be entirely youth-run year round!
Tacoma Children’s Business Fair was founded with the belief that children learn best when they are given ownership of their ideas and the freedom to learn through the lens of what they're most interested in.
Rather than being told what to create or defining success for them, children lead with their naturally creative and authentic ideas. What makes them uniquely them is their power. We want to amplify that. This is real-life experiences in an environment where it's ok to make mistakes and learn from them. That's the magic in it all.
This fair exists to celebrate children’s voices, creativity, and innate leadership.
The spirit of the Tacoma Children’s Business Fair is deeply rooted in Montessori-inspired principles that honor children as capable, curious, and self-directed learners.
Children are encouraged to:
Lead with their passions
Make their own business decisions
Learn through hands-on experience
Build confidence through real-world practice
Adults serve as guides and supporters. not directors, allowing children to take ownership of their work.
Children are trusted as leaders of their own ideas and businesses.
Every child’s interests and talents are celebrated.
Families, educators, and local partners come together to uplift young entrepreneurs.
Children gain confidence by doing, trying, learning, and growing.
Whether you’re a parent, a young entrepreneur, or a community supporter, Tacoma Children’s Business Fair invites you to be part of a movement that believes in children’s potential.