A group of Chestermere youth has spent the last several weeks learning the ins and outs of owning and operating a business of their own – and June 9, these budding entrepreneurs will put their newfound skills to work in the City’s third annual Lemonade Day. “Kids have so much fun with lemonade stands,” said Catherine Proulx, manager of Economic Development with the City of Chestermere. “It is a very basic business, but it teaches all the principles of entrepreneurship.” The program, which has been operating around the world since 2007, gives participants the chance to learn everything from setting goals to measuring their final outcomes. These major points are taught to participants through five mentorship sessions put on by the City of Chestermere in the weeks leading up to Lemonade Day. “Participants get a workbook that breaks down the thought processes and gives them activities to do to help them learn what kind of thinking is required,” Proulx said. “Then, when they get out there and open their business, they actually start implementing it.” Open to youth between kindergarten and Grade 6, the program teaches kids about budgeting, location scouting, saving money, working with investors and business partners, product diversity, and more. According to Proulx, participants also learn the value of giving back. “When we talk about financial goals, one of the things we discuss is the idea of sharing,” she said. “If you’re going to be in business and you’re doing well, you should consider giving back to your community or to a charity – something that is meaningful for you. It’s a nice way of planting that seed for youth.” The program is entirely free for youth, Proulx said, thanks to sponsorship funding provided by businesses and organizations throughout Chestermere. However, participants are required to pay for all the costs directly related to their individual businesses, including all necessary supplies and materials – “just a part of running a business,” Proulx said. “We’ve seen really great support from the community each year, especially now that people are starting to become more familiar with it,” she said. “The first year, we had just over 100 kids participating. Last year, we had around 135, and this year, we’re at 165.” Anyone interested in getting a glass of lemonade or a homemade snack June 9 can check out the community’s page at lemonadeday.org/chestermere to see a map of all participating lemonade stands. “It’s quite a big day in the community – we encourage everybody to get out, visit as many stands as you can and drink lots of lemonade to help support these kids in achieving their goals,” Proulx said. “It’s great for them, and it’s great to get the community behind them, too.”
