Children’s Business Fair Comes to Anne Arundel

Lemonade stands, cupcake bakers and duct tape crafts will all be on display in Anne Arundel County on April 27 as part of Financial Futures Now Children’s Business Fair.

Children entrepreneurs from Maryland, DC and Virginia are being encouraged to share their ideas and learn more about the business world at the inaugural fair, which will be held in Severna Park.

Financial Futures founder and fair organizer Vanessa Bright said she is always looking for ways to highlight children who are interested in business.

“April is Financial Literacy Month so I wanted to have an activity this month,” Bright said. “When I am teaching kids at camps, entrepreneurship is always something we discuss, and I want kids to know that is a viable option for them.”

South River High School has been promoting the fair on its website, and kids from all over the county are encouraged to attend.

As of Monday, Bright said 14 kids ages 7-14 have signed up to participate in the fair. Bright said they will be presenting business ideas from lemonade stands, cupcake making, duct tape crafts, and lip-gloss.

For $10 any kid age 7-16, whether they are established or just beginning, can signup to be showcased at the fair. There will be judges on hand to score the business ideas on creativity and sustainability, and the top three winners will be awarded monetary prizes.

Bright offered a few words of advice to fair-goers.

“It’s important for them to know about good customer service,” she said. “Acknowledge people when they come to your table and be clear about your product and what it costs. Make sure your table is inviting.”

Along with the fair, there will be moon bounces, a performance from Baltimore Children’s Mandolin Orchestra and a poster contest with the theme Dream Big, sponsored by Wells Fargo. There also will be a workshop at 11 a.m. on April 20 where someone from Wells Fargo will speak with the kids about the business world. Bright said the workshop is open to anyone.

There’s an admittance fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children and proceeds from the Children’s Business Fair will go to CASA of Anne Arundel County, which advocates for abused children.

Bright said she is most looking forward to the kid’s proposals as well as their excitement.

“I am hearing from their parents that they are very excited to be getting ready,” Bright said. “I just want to make sure people come out and support the kids—that’s the most important part.”

The Children’s Business Fair will be held at the Severna Park Community Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 27. To register for the fair, visit childrensbusinessfairmd.com.

Are you participating in the Children's Business Fair? Tell us in the comments or email kaitlyn.carr@patch.com.