The Lemonade Day program is committed to teaching kids how to start, own and operate any business venture.

More than 35 student entrepreneurs will be setting up shop in Utica on May 4th for IVAC’s 2nd annual Lemonade Day Youth Market! The community is encouraged to come to support these young business owners as they sell the goods and services they have spent the last few months perfecting as part of the Lemonade Day Illinois Valley program.

As a movement committed to the power of youth entrepreneurship, Lemonade Day Illinois Valley encourages kids to continue learning the valuable lessons offered through its program materials. The Lemonade Day program is about more than just a lemonade stand (in fact that’s just the name). The experiential program teaches life skills such as business operations, responsibility, financial literacy, goal setting, and teamwork with the end goal of starting, owning, and operating a business.

The impact of a program like Lemonade Day is four-fold: 1) teach financial literacy to kids; 2) promote entrepreneurship, which is key to jumpstarting economic growth in the state; 3) teach kids to be responsible and self-reliant, and contribute to their community’s development; and 4) foster mentorship and bring families together.

Bill Zens, IVAC Executive Director, said “After the success we had with last year’s program we are excited to bring back Lemonade Day to our area schools. From 18 students last year to 118 this year it is clear that the program resonated with both students and teachers. Seeing the excitement, and hearing the passion these students have is truly inspiring. We cannot thank the schools and teachers who have led the classroom portion, ROE 35 for their support, or our local business partners for everything they have done to make this program go.”

We are excited to have our kickoff celebration and Youth Market on Saturday, May 4th from 10 a.m. to noon at Country Kids- Utica. We will feature youth entrepreneurs, from Ottawa Central 5th grade, Waltham 5th grade, and Dimmick 5th grade with businesses offering baked goods, handmade bracelets, dog toys, hand-drawn coloring books, a custom-painted shoe service, and more!

We could not have done this without partners like the ROE, Waltham, Dimmick, and Ottawa Central Schools, Country Kids Produce, Eureka Savings Bank, Financial Plus Credit Union, and Central Bank!

We look forward to seeing the community come out and support these young business owners on May 4th. Call Bill Zens at IVAC at 815-223-0227 with any questions