- Plymouth Public Schools
- Children's Business Fair
Plymouth's 1st Annual Children's Business Fair
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Plymouth Public Schools fifth grade students are invited to channel their entrepreneurial spirit and debut their own innovative products and services at our one-day marketplace on Thursday, October 21st! This exciting opportunity aims to inspire the next generation of business owners by providing a safe space in which to show and sell their products.
Students will develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace. Students will not only learn the important skills and knowledge it takes to bring an idea to market, but also how it relates to everyday learning - Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and English!
Thursday, October 21st: Children’s Business Fair! 6:00-8:00 PM at West Elementary School
Print out the full Children's Business Fair packet here or find each form below.
Español - Print out the full SPANISH Children's Business Fair packet here.
Português do Brasil - Print out the full BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE Children's Business Fair packet here.
Please contact your child's school principal with additional questions.
Getting Your Business Started
Children's Business Plan FAQ's
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What is the Plymouth Children’s Business Fair?
Plymouth Public Schools fifth grade students are invited to channel their entrepreneurial spirit and debut their own innovative products and services at our one-day marketplace! This exciting opportunity aims to inspire the next generation of business owners by providing a safe space in which to show and sell their products.
Students will develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace. Students will not only learn the important skills and knowledge it takes to bring an idea to market, but also how it relates to everyday learning - Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and English!
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How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 75 businesses.
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Why is the Plymouth Children’s Business Fair only open to fifth grade students?
With this year’s event being Plymouth’s FIRST, we are focusing on a small number of participants with the goal of growing in the future.
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How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Permission Slips and Business Plans must be submitted to your school’s Business Fair Liaison. Please contact your school’s principal for more information. Children working as a group should submit one Business Plan that includes each child’s information. No more than 2 participants per business.
Permission Slip due Friday, September 24th.
Business Plan due Friday, October 1st.
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What is on the Business Plan?
The Business Plan asks students to think through some simple, but important elements of their business:
- What product or service do you plan to sell?
- What price will you charge for each product/service? How much will each product/service cost you?
- At the end of the fair, how will you determine if your business was a success?
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Will I have a Mentor?
Yes! Thanks to our partnership with the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, local business owners will be available as Mentors to each student/group. Mentors will help students understand branding, inventory, point of sale, etc., and be a great contact for any entrepreneurship related questions.
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What if someone else has the same business idea?
Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem. In general, we will let market forces play out, though we will let later entries know if another applicant has a similar idea so the later entrant can decide what to do.
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How will the fair be set up?
The fair will be an in-person event with COVID-19 protocols in place. Each business will be given a long table and 1-2 chairs. Table cloths will not be provided. We are not able to accommodate businesses requiring electricity.
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Will electricity be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide electricity to the booths.
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What are the expectations for parents of vendors?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. Parents may sit in the booth, but we ask that children be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales.
Parents may help their child fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves. Let your children own their business and--consequently--own their success...or their failure. A lot can be learned either way.