Frequently Asked Questions
"Have questions? Explore our FAQ page for all the answers you need to make the most of the Ujamaa Youth Expo!"
What is the Ujamaa Youth Business Expo?
The Ujamaa Youth Business Expo inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur. This one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses.
Who can attend?
The general public should be invited to the event. Host as well as applicants should promote the event via flyers, radio, tv stations, or social media.
What is the process?
Young entrepreneurs first make an important decision: they hire themselves! Then they bring their parents or guardians to attend a Launch Event to learn more. At the Launch Event, they learn about the simple application process. They apply, and then begin to launch a product or service. The children plan their business at every level: product, service, marketing, accounting, cost of goods, pricing, etc. And in this process, they learn a sense of wonder, the importance of hard work, taking responsibility, and gaining confidence in the next challenge.
What emails are automatically sent to entrepreneurs during the application process?
Entrepreneurs receive a confirmation email when they submit their application.
How will the fair be set up?
Each business will be given a booth with a 6-foot table, table clothes will not be provided.
How many businesses will you except?
We will accept up to 25 businesses. (Depending on venue space more can be accepted)
Where should I begin?
Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Application must be submitted online. Please submit one application for each business. Children working as a group should submit one application that includes each child’s information. No more than 3 participants per business.
What is on the application?
The application asks kids 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?
- How will you pay for your startup costs? If someone is helping you with your startup costs, how will you pay that person back?
- How will you advertise/market your business before the fair?
- At the end of the fair, how will you determine if your business was a success?
What if someone has the same business idea?
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.
What are the rules?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. If a parent is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business will be disqualified from the competition.
Parents of younger children may sit in the booth, but the children should 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.