Today we’re talking about kid entrepreneurs and how you as a parent can help guide them along the way.
Not only can you guide them, but we also want to function as a resource and provide some opportunities that are available in the Valley for these young business leaders.
If your kiddo is ready to start a business, there’s several organizations who provide platforms for kids to sell product on a larger scale than a neighborhood lemonade stand.
Keep reading for some local kid entrepreneur events happening this spring, and a guide for a neighborhood lemonade stand.
XO,
Prepping your child for a Children’s Entrepreneur Market
As you encourage them to think through the whole process, one of the ways you can help stimulate their growth is by asking questions and allowing them to come up with the answers.
Here are some examples of questions you can ask:
- What supplies do you think you’ll need for your stand?
- How will you attract customers?
- What if you run out of your product? How would you handle that?
- How much will your product cost?
- How will you handle the money?
- Do you need to have money that you can give out for change?
When are the Children’s Entrepreneur Markets in the East Valley?
The markets happen March – April 2025. Some markets are in the mornings, others are on week nights from 5-8 p.m. Markets are being hosted in Mesa, Chandler, Fountain Hills and Scottsdale.
This is an “award-winning program that teaches young people about the power of entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership through experiential learning.”
At these markets you will find everything from snow cones and bracelets to popcorn and pillows. The booths are fully run by kids.
Kids decide what to sell, they talk to customers, and they handle the money. Parents can be there as a support, but the kids are in charge. Learn more about these market opportunities for kids here: https://childrensentrepreneurmarket.com
Registration is required, and kids can earn up to $1000 scholarships for exceptional business understanding and presentations.
Junior Achievement of Arizona
This organization offers financial literacy learning programs for kids targeted at older elementary school ages through school programs, and all the way through high school. Learn more about them here.
Selling online
A friend of mine has a daughter who made bookmarks. Once she developed her product, she sold them to friends and family for three dollars each. They made an Instagram account (run by mom) that showed pictures of the bookmarks, providing basic information like the fact that they were custom made and then people could request what they wanted. She drew and colored them on cardstock and laminated them when she was finished.
One of our contributors, Barbara, hired a high schooler who makes birthday signs and banners to sell on her Etsy shop.
There are a lot of different ways selling can be done and our goal is to empower our kids to take the steps and encourage them along the way.
Neighborhood Lemonade Stand Tips
Do you find that your child keeps asking to do a lemonade stand? Does your child like to bake treats for their friends and family? Children with an entrepreneurial spirit like to solve problems, express creativity and help others. If any of this sounds like a little human you might know, then Mama, you just might have the privilege of raising a little entrepreneur.
