SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
GURNEE MILLS — ENTRANCE G
6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL
5
Event
Highlights
Grade
Vendors
3rd - 12th
Free
To Attend
ABOUT THE EXPO
Where Young Entrepreneurs
take the Stage.
The IKIC Children and Youth Business Expo is an annual, free community event dedicated to giving young people in 3rd through 12th grade a real platform to launch, showcase, and sell their businesses — in front of their community, their families, and the world.
This isn't a school project. This is the real thing. Young vendors set up booths, pitch their products and services, and walk away with business experience, confidence, and community support that no classroom can replicate.
YV
YOUTH VENDORS
3rd–12th grade entrepreneurs showcase & sell
FS
FASHION SHOW
Young people take the runway
YE
ENTERTAINMENT
Youth performers take the spotlight
YP
YOUTH PANEL
Young leaders share stories
BA
BUSINESS AWARDS
Recognizing outstanding young entrepreneurs
BEFORE YOU APPLY- READ EVERYTHING
Know the Rules.
Come Prepared.
We want every young entrepreneur to have the best experience possible. Review all requirements below before submitting your application. Only 25 spots available — first come, first served.
1
8 -FT Table
2
Chairs
25
Total Spots only
REQUIREMENTS
✓ Grades 3rd–12th only. All vendors must be current students in 3rd through 12th grade.
✓ Handmade or student-created products only. All items must be made or created by the student.
✓ Black floor-length tablecloth required. Size: 90x156. You may purchase one from the organizer.
✓ Up to 3 participants per booth. Submit one application per business.
✓ Prepackaged food/drinks allowed. Food items must be prepackaged — no open or homemade food.
NOT ALLOWED
✕ No toys. Labubu, Bbox, Popmart, plushies, or similar items are prohibited.
✕ No anime or 3D-printed items. These are not permitted at this event.
✕ No non-handmade or permanent jewelry. All jewelry must be handmade by the student.
✕ No trademark-infringing or unlicensed products. Items cannot copy branded characters or logos.
✕ No last-minute business plan changes. Your application is your commitment.
PAYMENT RULES
! $75 fee due at registration. Your spot is NOT held until payment is received.
! Applications processed first-come, first-served. Only 25 spots total — apply early.
! Must be approved by both God's Essence Aromatherapy and Gurnee Mills. Approval confirmation sent via email.
BOOTH RULES
! Kids must run their own booths. Parents may help with setup but cannot sell or promote.
! If a parent is found selling, the business will be disqualified from the competition.
! One vendor business per table — no exceptions. Each business gets one 8-ft table.
! Limited electricity available. Requests reviewed in order received — not guaranteed.
Questions before applying? Email us at support@godsessence.com and we'll get back to you within 48 hours. We want every young entrepreneur to come prepared and confident on May 30!
!
FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Ready to Run
Your Business?
If you're in 3rd through 12th grade and you have a business, a product, a service, or an idea — this expo is your stage. Set up your booth, meet your customers, and show your community what you've built.
1
Complete Your Vendor Application
Via Acton Children's Business Fair — our official partner
Tell us about your business — what you sell, your pricing, your marketing plan, and how you'll measure success. Applications are reviewed by both God's Essence and Gurnee Mills. Up to 3 participants per business. First-come, first-served — only 25 spots available.
2
Pay Your $75 Vendor Fee
Your booth is not held until payment is received.
The $75 vendor fee includes one 8-ft table and two chairs. Payment must be received to complete your registration. No spaces are held without payment.
Once both steps are complete, you will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours. Questions? Email support@godsessence.com
FOR ATTENDEES
Come Shop. Come Cheer.
Come Support.
Admission is completely free. Bring the whole family, explore booths run by young entrepreneurs from your community, enjoy live entertainment, a fashion show, and a youth panel — and leave knowing you helped a young business owner believe in themselves a little more.
DATE & TIME
Saturday, May 30
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
LOCATION
Gurnee Mills
Entrance G · 6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL
ADMISSION
Free for Everyone
No tickets needed. Just show up and support!
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Choose Your Level.
Make Your Impact.
Your sponsorship puts real resources behind young entrepreneurs in our community. Whether you're a small business, a corporation, or a community organization — there's a way to get involved that fits your goals.
CHAMPION
Brand Visibility
$2,500
TOP TIER
✓ Large logo on all event signage
✓ Logo on printed materials & programs
✓ Named in press releases to regional media
✓ Featured social media posts pre & post-event
✓ Onsite booth for community outreach
✓ Branded giveaways distributed to youth
✓ Verbal recognition at opening & closing
✓ Full post-event impact report
SUPPORTER
$1,000
✓ Large logo on all event signage
✓ Logo on printed materials & programs
✓ Named in press releases to regional media
✓ Branded giveaways distributed to youth
✓ Verbal recognition at opening & closing
✓ Full post-event impact report
COMMUNITY FRIEND
$500
✓ Listed on event signage
✓ Logo on printed materials
✓ Thank-you social media post
✓ Branded giveaways to youth
✓ Verbal recognition at ceremony
✓ Summary impact report
ADVOCATE
$250
✓ Listed on event signage
✓ Verbal recognition at ceremony
✓ Summary impact report
SMALL BUSINESSES WELCOME
YOUTH MENTOR — SMALL BUSINESSES
$125
Designed specifically for small business owners who want to invest directly in one young entrepreneur's journey — in person or virtually.
✓ Verbal recognition at ceremony
✓ 1:1 mentorship of one young entrepreneur (in-person or virtual)
In-kind sponsorships (printing, supplies, equipment) are also welcome and may qualify for recognition benefits. Contact Angela to discuss what works for your business.
Champion, Supporter, Community Friend, and Advocate levels are open to businesses of all sizes — from local shops to regional corporations.
!
"My children made $90 selling their handmade jewelry. They talked about starting a real business one day." — Nawana Walton, IKIC 2019 Parent
KEY SPONSOR DATES
Time-Sensitive
Deadlines.
LOGO DEADLINE
April 11, 2026
Commit by this date to guarantee logo on all printed materials
PRESS RELEASE
April 25, 2026
Sponsors named in regional media press release
FINAL PAYMENT
April 30, 2026
All sponsor payments due by this date
IMPACT REPORT
June 27, 2026
Post-event impact report delivered to all sponsors
CURRENT PARTNERS
Thank You to Our
2026 Partners.
HOSTED & PRESENTED BY
God's Essence Aromatherapy
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Acton Children's Business Fair
EVENT VENUE PARTNER
Gurnee Mills - A Simon Center
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Five Simple Steps
to Get Started.
1
Reach out to Angela to confirm your interest and level
2
Receive your one-page sponsor agreement
3
Return signed agreement with payment to lock in benefits
4
Submit your logo and any branded materials
5
Show up May 30 and be part of something that matters
Ready to get started? Contact Angela directly:
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Coming Next.