First Lockport Children's Business Fair Planned In September

LOCKPORT, IL — Young business owners can still apply for the first annual Lockport Children's Business Fair, planned for September 17.

The fair will host 40 young entrepreneurs, from 9 to 11 a.m., on the lawn outside Lockport City Hall, 222 E. Ninth St., according to a news release. The event is free and open to the public.

There are still available spaces for the event, where children create a product or service, develop a brand, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at this one-day marketplace. The children are responsible for the setup, sales, and interacting with customers, according to a news release.

This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton Next Great Adventure, as well as donors and volunteers.

Ashley York, who owns Realtopia Real Estate in Lockport, is spearheading this event along with the City of Lockport and Lupine Montessori School.

“Seeing how proud these children are to sell their homemade products and earn real money is something you just have to witness for yourself,” York said in a release.

The inspiration to host this first annual event was sparked after seeing her daughter sell her hand-drawn pictures at another children’s business fair.

“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s business innovators and leaders. The Children’s Business Fair gives students the opportunity to spread their entrepreneurial wings and get a head start on promising business careers,” said Jeff Sandefer, founder of the Acton School of Business, one of the sponsors of the fair.