Umpqua, an Oregon-based bank, recently launched their Lemonaire campaign aimed at helping ‘really small entrepreneurs’ start their first business: a lemonade stand.
After completing an application, children can pick up a free Umpqua Lemonade Starter Kit. The kits include cups, napkins, a sticker, table cover, small business guide (’How to Become a Lemonaire’) and USD 10 start-up capital. No purchase necessary, but children must be under 13 to qualify.
A spokesperson for Umpqua explained: “We look for ways to hit people with a different mindset, and the lemonade stand is a perfect metaphor for what small business is about.”
Time for other banks to follow Umpqua’s lead, offering junior entrepreneurs the tools they need to earn and save? As long as children aren’t forced into labor, it’s a great way to teach them about business and money.
Photo by Umpqua.
Stephanie on July 24th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
That’s a cute idea. My kids are too young for even a lemonade stand yet (oldest is 5), but I love the idea of encouraging kids to be entrepreneurs.