How It Works & FAQs

• The Young Business Showcase is a one-day marketplace that gives young entrepreneurs (7-17) the opportunity to launch businesses, sell in an authentic environment and earn their own money.

See individual event pages for details, here.

• 8.30am Entrepreneurs set up
• 9.30am CBF starts
• 2.30pm Prize giving
• 3.30pm Event ends

**These timings may vary depending on the location. See individual event pages for details, here.**

• Entrepreneurs aged 7 to 17 on the date of the business fair can participate.

Applications generally close five weeks before the event.

See individual event pages for details, here.

We do not provide electricity or running water at any of the events.

• See individual event pages for details, here.

Entrepreneurs launching products that they’ve made themselves will be prioritised.

• We do not accept businesses selling second-hand items or reselling bought stock.
• We do accept businesses who add value to second-hand items (eg: up-cycling and customising second-hand clothes.)
• Please note – clay beads, jewellery, crochet and 3D printing have all seen a huge increase in applications recently.
• If you do want to launch in these categories, think VERY carefully about applying as you’ll face strong competition and might not get through the application process. Make your business as unique as possible.

• We do not accept businesses selling hot food, as you will be required to obtain a food hygiene certificate – an expensive and time-consuming exercise.
• Please note that baked goods (biscuits, cakes etc) are acceptable as they are considered ‘low risk’. (Remember that baking is often a stressful, last-minute business with smaller profits – be warned!)
• All food businesses must follow a simple allergens and preparation guidelines, with clear labelling throughout.
• Questions? Get in touch: info@youngbusinessshowcase.co.uk

There is a £30 stand fee from all accepted businesses.

• This is to reserve the entrepreneur’s spot at the fair and hold them accountable to attend as stalls are limited.
• We require this fee to be paid within 48hours of acceptance.
• If not paid on time, your spot will be released to our waiting lis
• If you struggle to pay for the start-up cost and stand fee, please get in touch to find out more about the CBF Scholarship. info@youngbusinessshowcase.co.uk
• Please note – refunds will not be issued for cancellations after the initial stand payment. No exceptions.

If the event is cancelled for any reason (eg: high winds):

1. We do everything in our power to find an alternative date. You can transfer your place to that rearranged event.
2. If you cannot make the alternative date, you may postpone your spot to the next cohort of events, but not beyond the next cohort.

• When you apply, we will send you a starter pack called My Business Plan.
• It’s a simple guide to starting a business and features ideas for start-up businesses.

• Applications must be submitted online.
• Please submit one application for each business.
• If you are working as a group, you should submit one application that includes each of your teammates’ information.
• No more than 3 participants per business.

The application guides you through the key things every entrepreneur needs to think about before launching a business.

It’s simple, but it helps you plan like a pro: your product, pricing, costs and how you’ll reach customers.

The more detail you give, the stronger your application. We’re not looking for perfection, just passion and clear thinking. The more we can see that you’ve thought through your idea, the more likely you are to be accepted. Every answer helps us understand your business and helps you get ready to launch with confidence.

We choose successful applicants on a number of criteria. The three most important:

#1 – ORIGINALITY
How original is the idea? Original ideas always catch our eye. Do your research and check out our socials for businesses that do well.

#2 – FOCUS
Focussing your efforts on one type of product means can guarantee quality, rather than being stretched across lots of different items. Your sales pitch to customers will also be clearer.

#3 – APPLICATION EFFORT
How much effort have you put into your application? The more detail you add to your application gives us a stronger indication of how well you know your business and how passionate you are.

Competition is part of being an entrepreneur. We want to see how you tackle it.

So, what makes your business stand out? Is it your brand, your quality, your pricing or the way you present your stand? Maybe it’s all three.

Important: Some categories are very popular, especially crochet and jewellery. Think carefully about what makes your idea different, unique or better. Show us that you’ve really thought about your product and your customer.

We can’t accept every application, but strong, original well-thought-out ideas always rise to the top.

Card machines are not obligatory, but most entrepreneurs bring a combination of a cash float as well as  a card machine to take payments.

Please note that all card payment systems need to be registered and linked to an adult bank account, as under 18s are not permitted to have a card machine or app in their name.

There are several options available, from card readers to payment apps. All come with charges. Do your research for the best rates.

This event is designed to give young entrepreneurs the real experience of creating a business and selling their own products.

Please note: As the event takes place in a public space, at least one parent or carer must be present for each business at all times.

Beyond this, one of our core values is ownership.

Young entrepreneurs plan, set-up, run customer interaction and sell themselves. It’s not your business. It’s their business, their customers and their success to own. Parents are encouraged to step back and let their young entrepreneur take the lead. You’re there as a Chief Cheerleader – not CEO.

If a parent is found creating the business, selling products or promoting on their behalf, the business will not be eligible for an award.

• Yes. We have awards in specific categories: Best Product, Best Stand, Best Sales Pitch and Customers’ Choice.
• All entries will be automatically entered into the competition.
• Judges will ask the entrepreneurs questions about the fundamentals of their business, such as how they came up with product prices and who their target market is.
• Judges will evaluate how much of the business reflects their own work (versus parents’).
• Customers’ Choice is voted on by members of the public.

Young entrepreneurs learn best when parents step back.

Let them imagine, create and problem-solve on their own. Your role is to cheer them on, not take over.

Keep things simple. Let their ideas, designs and sales pitch reflect their creativity and confidence – not yours.

Mistakes are a critical part of the process. Painful to observe as an adult, take it from us, mistakes are where the real learning happens.

Manage expectations. Reassure your young entrepreneur that they can relaunch with lessons learned.

Because when they are given space to take ownership, they build the confidence, curiosity and resilience that lasts far beyond the event.

The Young Business Showcase is the new name for the Children’s Business Fair UK.

We’re changing our name because:

1. It reflects our broader mission in supporting a network of locally run events to give every young person in UK the opportunity

2. It’s more age-neutral, allowing us to grow with our entrepreneurs and build a pathway from first launch to growth and beyond.

Thank you for supporting thousands of young entrepreneurs since 2018. We’re excited for the next stage of growth.

Questions?
Message us – info@youngbusinessshowcase.co.uk

• We started in November 2018, with the Guildford Children’s Business Fair UK, where we hosted 12 businesses selling to 375 customers.
• We’ve since hosted 43 UK events where thousands of young entrepreneurs have launched and made combined revenues of £250k.
• In 2025, we decided to rebrand to a more age-neutral name to allow us to grow with our entrepreneurs.
• The original Children’s Business Fair was launched in Austin, Texas in 2007 by inspirational founders Jeff and Laura Sandefer (co-founders of Acton Academy). Jeff and Laura have since given the opportunity for thousands of others to host their own fairs, with events spreading all around the world.
• 2025 marked a new chapter in the UK with a brand overhaul, but we are proud to stay close to the same crucial values that Jeff and Laura first established.