Lemonade stands are often a child’s first foray into business.

This year, children in Maine will be given some guidance by Lemonade Day, a nationwide event that teaches entrepreneurial skills with tips to run a successful business.

Having just moved back to the Portland area after 11 years away, Kate Krukowski Gooding was looking at various opportunities when she heard about Lemonade Day. An entrepreneur herself, she decided to launch a local chapter of the program.

“I saw the potential with this program to teach youth entrepreneurial skills at a young age so they can carry this up through and really give Maine a boost in the economy with sustainable businesses,” Gooding said.

While Lemonade Day is not until June 5, 2011, Gooding has set the ball rolling with various fundraisers for the program and getting the word out to area children who may be interested in signing up. Currently, Bangor Savings Bank is the program’s largest sponsor.

“They were so excited about the program and embraced the concept,” Gooding said.

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Children who register will receive a backpack stocked with helpful materials, including an entrepreneur workbook and material with tips on setting up a successful lemonade stand with a quality product to sell.

“The entrepreneur book teaches them how to set goals, develop a business plan, establish a budget, seek investors, provide customer service and give back to the community,” Gooding said.

Through her efforts, she said she will encourage participants to “spend, save, share.” With the money they earn from their lemonade stand, the children can spend some, save some and then donate the remainder to a charity of their choice.

Throughout the process, children will work with a parent or guardian. Those adults will have their own guide, and Gooding said they will be encouraged to help the children along rather than doing things for them.

Along with Lemonade Day in June, Gooding is planning a proclamation day in April and a contest day in May, judging the best lemonade, the best business plan and the best lemonade stand.

“We are also creating a most-sustainable-business track, because that’s a really big focus for us in Maine,” Gooding said. “I don’t think any age is too young to become aware of this.”

 

Staff Writer Emma Bouthillette can be contacted at 791-6325 or at: ebouthillette@pressherald.com

 

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