The Kruse Report by: IN State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn)
Lemonade Day is this Saturday, where young children learn valuable life skills such as responsibility and teamwork. Many communities participate in this event to teach children about entrepreneurship and small business – the backbone of Indiana’s economy.
Indiana native and entrepreneur Michael Holthouse brought the Lemonade Day program to the Hoosier State in 2009 and has been spearheading this opportunity for young children ever since. Participants put in months of planning and are given workbooks explaining budgets, marketing and customer service all for one day’s work. During the event, children will start and operate their own lemonade stand business.
In 2010, approximately 7,400 lemonade stands were open for business in Indianapolis – the city with the largest annual participation. I encourage our Fort Wayne community to get out on Saturday and support the lemonade stands around our community.
Lemonade Day helps promote the entrepreneurial spirit in young Hoosiers. It teaches them the value of money by spending and saving. They develop beneficial skills like decision making and leadership, all while running a small business.
There is a way for everyone to get involved in Lemonade Day. Whether you are a mentor, funder or volunteer, you can empower young Hoosiers to participate.
This week, we also recognize National Small Business Week. In Indiana, small businesses represent 97 percent of all employers and they provide jobs for 48 percent of the private-sector labor force. This is another reminder of how important it is for our children to learn these skills at an early age.
I encourage all businesses, big and small, to support our children this week with their own business endeavors. Lemonade Day has lasting impacts; it can help promote leadership and entrepreneurship for our future business owners.
Lemonade Day is an important time to educate and support kids with admirable aspirations, so be sure to come out and support young Hoosiers on May 17.
To learn more about Lemonade Day in your community, please visit www.lemonadeday.org.
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