Young Entrepreneurs Fair: Build a Business. Share Your Creativity.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Makers, Builders, and Business Leaders
The Wake Forest Area Chamber Foundation’s Young Entrepreneurs Fair gives students the chance to dream, create, and launch their very own small business—right in the heart of Meet in the Street. Students ages 9–14 gain the opportunity to discover their entrepreneurial spirit by creating, marketing, and selling their own handmade products. As part of the Wake Forest Area Chamber’s annual Meet in the Street, participants get to set up shop and engage with real customers throughout the event.
Students design and produce their own items—such as jewelry, pottery, artwork, clothing, or other creative goods—and even homemade foods and beverages are welcome. To complete the application, participants must submit photos of the items they plan to sell. Photos may be emailed or delivered as hard copies.
Each young entrepreneur receives a 10’x10’ display space that includes one table and two chairs. Participants are responsible for bringing their own tent, table covering, displays, and booth setup. Electricity and generators are not permitted. Setup begins at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Applicants will be reviewed by a selection committee, and accepted participants will be notified by February 16, 2026. Booths may have a maximum of two participants, and all students must be between 9 and 14 years old before May 2, 2026. A completed application and photo/video release waiver are required.
To help participants prepare for a successful fair, the Chamber Foundation offers two free, hands-on workshops:
- Thursday, February 26 — 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Creating Your Business Plan - Thursday, March 26 — 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Marketing Plans and Strategies
These workshops teach the essentials of cost of goods sold, pricing, branding, and customer engagement—giving young entrepreneurs the tools they need to boost sales and increase profits. Both workshops will be held in the lower-level community room at Wake Electric Membership Corp., 100 S. Franklin Street in Wake Forest.
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Click below to download and complete the Young Entrepreneurs Fair application:
