A nationally recognized youth entrepreneurship initiative is coming to Kamloops for the first time this summer. Lemonade Day, a free program that teaches children business and leadership skills through the experience of running a lemonade stand, officially launches in the city on Aug. 22.

The program, which began in 2007, has reached over one million children across North America, including in Canada, where it is growing steadily.

 It empowers youth from kindergarten through grade eight to learn how to start and operate a small business, while gaining hands-on experience in goal setting, budgeting, and customer service.

“This is a free community-wide youth program that teaches children to become little mini entrepreneurs, where they will start, own, and operate their very own business,” said Jennifer Brown-Binns, City Director for Lemonade Day Kamloops and Projects and Communications Manager at Community Futures Thompson Country.

Participants can choose to follow the curriculum using a physical workbook or through the My Lemonade Day app. “Once a youth registers, they can access the curriculum by way of the workbook, or we actually have a Lemonade Day app,” Brown-Binns said. “All the curriculum and tips on how to start their business, goal setting, budgeting, it’s all within the app.”

Registration opened May 7 and is available to youth in Kamloops and surrounding communities. More than 20 children have already signed up, and organizers are thrilled with the early interest. “I feel like we’re already successful,” said Stacy Owen, City Champion for Lemonade Day Kamloops. “Yes. Done. Checked. We’re doing the thing.”

As City Champion, Owen saw the great value and need for equipping the children and youth of the community with knowledge and skills to successfully start a business and develop life-changing newfound confidence in their abilities.

“We’re the first city within the Interior that’s brought Lemonade Day,” Brown-Binns said, with only five other Canadian cities currently participating.

Owen, a seasoned entrepreneur, says the most important lesson for the kids is simply realizing that becoming a business owner is possible. “You don’t have to go the traditional route, the entrepreneurial life is pretty fantastic,” she said.

In addition to education, the event encourages community participation. Local businesses are invited to become “sweet spots” by hosting lemonade stands, and a map of stand locations will be available online. Some young entrepreneurs have already submitted stand names like Thirst Aid Lemonade, Slingshot Me Lemonade, and Pour Some Sugar on Me.

“Community Futures is proud to bring Lemonade Day to Kamloops and surrounding communities,” said Blair Grey, General manager of Community Futures Thompson County. “This day not only showcases their creativity but also nurtures their future leadership in our community.”

The team is also welcoming sponsors and donors for this event, who will be joining a long list of helpers like Tourism Kamloops and Wild Flour.

For more information on how to register, volunteer, or support Lemonade Day Kamloops, visit lemonadeday.org/kamloops.