Hartford County, CT

The Future Belongs
to Young Minds

Show the world what you are made of. The Young Entrepreneurs Fair is a celebration of big ideas, independent thinking, and the next generation of innovators — ages 10 to 18.

Open to students ages 10–18 · Free to apply · Prize money available

Ages 10–18
All students welcome
3 Brackets
Age-group competition
$500+
In prize money
100%
Student-run businesses

About the Fair

Your Idea. Your Story. Your Moment.

Every great business started as a spark of an idea. This is your chance to take yours seriously — build something real, share it with your community, and discover what you are truly capable of.

STEP 01

Dream It

Start with what excites you — a hobby, a problem worth solving, or a product you wish existed. Your idea doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

STEP 02

Build It

Figure out your costs, set your prices, and get your product or service ready to share. Want a head start? Join one of our free prep workshops — made just for you.

STEP 03

Shine On Fair Day

Set up your booth, talk to real customers, and share your story with judges who genuinely want to hear it. Win or learn — either way, you walk away with something real.

Important

A Note for Parents

We know how much you want to jump in — that support means everything to your child. The most powerful thing you can do is step back and let them lead. Encourage them to make the decisions, solve the problems, and take real ownership of their idea. On fair day, judges will have a warm, casual conversation directly with the students — and the kids who light up the most are the ones who truly built something they are proud of. They might just surprise you.

Your job: drive them there, cheer loudly, and watch them shine.

Awards

Recognition That Means Something

Awards are given by age bracket so you are always celebrated among your peers — and our named awards recognize what makes each business truly special.

Ages 10–12

Junior Entrepreneurs

Most Innovative Idea$75 + Award of Recognition
Best Young Entrepreneur$50 + Award of Recognition
Ages 13–15

Rising Entrepreneurs

Most Innovative Idea$150 + Award of Recognition
Best Business Spirit$100 + Award of Recognition
Ages 16–18

Senior Entrepreneurs

Most Innovative Idea$250 + Award of Recognition
Best Business Plan$150 + Award of Recognition

Prize amounts are subject to confirmation. Additional special recognition awards may be announced.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

Any student between the ages of 10 and 18 is welcome — no experience needed, no perfect plan required. If you have an idea you believe in, that is enough to get started.

When and where is the fair?

The Young Entrepreneurs Fair will be held on [date] at [time] at [location]. Accepted participants will receive a confirmation email with all the details.

Can my parents help me?

Parents are your biggest cheerleaders — and that is exactly where they shine. The idea, the plan, and the work should come from you. On fair day, judges will have a friendly conversation with you about your business, so the more it is truly yours, the more confident and excited you will feel talking about it. Parents: drop them off, cheer from the sidelines, and get ready to be amazed.

How are businesses judged?

Think of it as a friendly conversation, not a test. Judges are genuinely curious about your idea — how you came up with it, what you are selling, and what you have learned along the way. There are no wrong answers. The students who do best are the ones who are excited to talk about something they built themselves.

What should I bring on fair day?

Your products or samples, a simple display or table setup, any promotional materials you have made, and a price list. You do not need a fancy booth — a clean, thoughtful setup that reflects your brand goes a long way.

Do I need money to start?

Not at all! Lots of great businesses start with almost nothing. Some students use savings, some make a small first batch and reinvest from there, and some ask a parent for a small startup loan — with a plan to pay it back, just like real entrepreneurs do. Getting creative with what you have is one of the best parts.

Can I sell food?

Food businesses are absolutely welcome! Just make sure to check school and local health guidelines with a parent or guardian before applying so you are all set on fair day.

Can I apply with a partner?

Yes — you can team up with one other student. Both of you need to be between 10 and 18, and both should be ready to talk about the business on fair day. Teams are a great way to share the work and the excitement. Note that teams are placed in the bracket of the oldest partner.

How many products do I need?

There is no minimum. One great, well-thought-out product is absolutely enough — and can absolutely win an award. Quality always beats quantity here.

Will there be prizes?

Yes! Awards are given by age bracket, so you are always recognized among your peers. We also give out named awards like Most Innovative and Best Business Spirit — because winning looks different for everyone. See the Awards section for details.

Ready to Give It a Go?

The application takes about 10 minutes and it is all yours to fill out. You already have everything you need to get started.

Start Your Application