Find answers to common questions about the Tacoma Children’s Business Fair below. If you still need help, feel free to reach out. we’re happy to connect.
Anything you can dream up! Past favorites include 3D printed toys, jewelry of all kinds, crochet, upcycled things, original artwork, slime, books written and illustrated by you, etc. Think aboutwhat you love and go from there!
Yes! You and your lenders, depending on how you got your start-up costs (some get loans from parents or grandparents), the fair does not keep anything that you make.
That's exactly why it's here! This is not about perfection but about progress. It's a fun, one-day market, where you can practice those real life skills without any pressure. Whether you've never done a fair before or you've scaled your business from years past, this is a space for you to showcase your ideas in whatever way you'd like! There's no wrong way to do it!
Yes! I would suggest no more than 3 CEO's per business as then you'll less likely to have to split any funds or prizes you get between too many folks. But this is entirely up to you.
Vendors: this event is free. It’s important to me that we keep it as low barrier as possible so everyone has access to this opportunity as much as possible. In the past, we have had suggested vendor donations of $15 to go towards the cost of the event. We will gladly accept the donation that goes towards putting on these events but it’s by no means a requirement.
For visitors: this event is free and open to the public.
Each individual business will take the payment form of their choosing, some electronic payments like Venmo, Paypal, Cash App or Zelle while also taking cash. Small bills and coins are highly suggested though! We recommend plenty of $1 and $5 bills. Extra info: The Waterfront Market at Ruston currently does not have an ATM, the closest one in Ruston is at Obee Credit Union. The wifi there can be spotty as well making some of the electronic payments take some time to process. But cash helps our young entrepreneurs with their counting and math skills!
For fairs that take place at the Waterfront Market at Ruston, there is parking in the lot and in the garage for free now. For events that may take place elsewhere in the community throughout the year, please check the Facebook events page for that specific fair for details. In general though, I try to not hold the fair at a place where parking would be paid to ensure as many visitors as possible for the kids.
5-17 years old
All vendors are responsible to bring what they would need including a table, chair, decorations, change if you accept cash payments, signage, QR codes to scan for electronic payments made via Paypal/Venmo/Cash App if you have that, and anything else you may need. We cannot give access to outlets for electricity so please don’t bring anything needing to be plugged in. We suggest all battery-operated devices if necessary.
You’ll have enough for a 6 foot long table, about 10 feet across total.
Please link them to the giving/support page
There will be complimentary coffee/tea and baked goods during set up. I let everyone know we start at noon; however, I also understand life happens. If things come up and you can't make it or you are running late -- that is perfectly okay. The kids and their parents get all the grace in the world on event day.
Once the fair starts at noon, it's really about enjoying the experience. Please shop around, help your child with sales and counting money (if needed), but ultimately you get the enjoyment of sitting back and watching them surprise you!
Every entrepreneur will receive a signed certificate, as well as other goodies inside including money to keep - it's entirely up to them to save it or perhaps spend it at another peers business. We use to give cash prizes in different business categories but have since pivoted and value spreading the prize funds across all youth participants instead.
Children are able to shop other booths whenever they'd like. "Closing up shop" at anytime is entirely up to them. This is a fair that allows children to be the owners of their business and decide when they'd like to be done.
If you have questions that aren’t answered above, please reach out.
✉︎ Email: TacomaCBF@gmail.com
◴ Response Time: Typically within 48–72 hours or less
Follow along for updates, event announcements, and highlights from our young entrepreneurs.