Lemonade Day Returns June 14 Teaching Kids To Be Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs

Yummy Lemonade by Sophia in Vermilion. Photo Sonya Lee

On June 14 youth across Northern Alberta celebrated Lemonade Day presented by Community Futures. Community Futures is proud to offer a wide range of entrepreneurship programs for school-aged children and encourage entrepreneurial and community spirit. Programs often provide students with financial literacy skills, mentorship from the business community, and a chance to showcase their passions.

Lemonade Day is more than just selling lemonade, it’s a free, hands-on program designed to teach kids the fundamentals of entrepreneurship by guiding them through the exciting experience of running their very own lemonade stand.

Open to children from kindergarten and up, Lemonade Day empowers young participants with real-world business skills in a fun and engaging way. The journey begins when parents register their children for the program through the official Lemonade Day website, where they can also find a list of participating towns across Northern Alberta.

Once registered, kids attend “Lemmy University,” an interactive workshop where they receive a Lemonade Day backpack filled with a workbook or get access to the My Lemonade Day App. With help from instructors, participants learn everything they need to know, from setting business goals and budgeting to food safety and marketing. Lessons also include choosing a business partner, crafting the perfect lemonade recipe, and designing an eye-catching stand.

One of the most exciting parts of Lemonade Day is the chance for kids to partner with a local business. By “renting” a high-traffic business location for the day, young entrepreneurs gain real-life experience and a greater chance for success.

Here in Vermilion, 5-year-old, Sophia Villamosa, and her Yummy Lemonade stand won Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Tasting Lemonade, and Best Stand Winner.

Best of all, participants keep all their profits, which encourages them to apply the program’s core principle: “Spend some, save some, and share some.”

Lemonade Day also includes exciting opportunities to win prizes, such as Best Tasting Lemonade, Best Lemonade Stand, Area Best Entrepreneur, and Regional Entrepreneur of the Year. Participants who complete the program and submit their final business results will be entered into a draw to win a brand-new bike.

Lemonade Day is a fun, educational, and rewarding way to inspire the next generation of business leaders, one cup of lemonade at a time.