Kids are ditching the lemonade stand for more entrepreneurial endeavors

FORT MYERS, Fla. Some children are turning their backs on the classic lemonade stand business.

Jake De la Cruz, 15, has been a DJ and a business owner since he was seven-years-old.

De la Cruz was discovered at a market place that is designed to help children who are interested in running their own businesses.

“Just getting up there just mixing music together, I just love it,” he said.

Andrea Bowe helps organize events that teach young entrepreneurs the tricks of the trade.

“They get a chance to develop their business plan, their marketing plan and then have a chance to go sell it at a live market and see if it actually is viable or not without too much risk,” Bowe said.

Dr. Hilary Levey Friedman understands the benefits of entrepreneurship but also suggests that parents with mogul-minded kids start small.

“It’s so important to not go for Shark Tank right away, right?”she said. “To keep the focus at a manageable pace for a child so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.”

Business classes can be a great opportunity but stresses balance should be boss, Friedman said.

“The danger is if their identity becomes over-involved in just one thing,” she said. “What happens if they burn out? What happens if they experience a failure?”

De la Cruz’s father follows his son’s lead regardless if he becomes a music star or not.

“At least he’s learning these life skills that he can take with him,” he said.

Child labor laws govern what kind of jobs are allowed and how many hours per week children can work at specific ages.

Visit the United Stated Department of Labor for more information.