At just 8 years old, Elijah Silva is making waves as an entrepreneur, author, and CEO of his family’s nonprofit organization. The young third-grader from Hemet has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since June 2022. His journey into entrepreneurship began when he was just four years old, expressing his interest in running a lemonade stand.
It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that Elijah’s mother, Delesia Silva, took action to kickstart Elijah’s Gumdrop Lemonade venture. With the support of his parents, Elijah successfully established his lemonade stand at the age of five, selling around two and a half gallons during each setup.
Inspired by the success of his lemonade stand, Elijah ventured into other business opportunities, including a candy business with gumball machines. He recently placed his fifth gumball machine at the Chamber of Commerce office, showcasing his commitment to serving the community.
Elijah’s parents, both U.S. Navy veterans, play a significant role in his journey. Delesia, with her background in organizational management and DIY skills, helped Elijah establish the nonprofit organization, Elijah Cares. The nonprofit’s mission is to empower youth in underserved communities through educational opportunities and arts and crafts activities.
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Elijah is also an author with two books to his credit. He serves as a motivational speaker and a Youth Commissioner with Youth Empowerment for Community Enrichment. Recognized for his exceptional managerial skills, Elijah was honored by Black Voices of the Valley with the Youth Entrepreneurship Award.
Elijah Silva’s dedication to community service and entrepreneurship is truly inspirational, making him a role model for other youth in his community. Through his various endeavors, he continues to make a positive impact and empower those around him.
