Lemonade Day: A Growing Opportunity for Youth Entrepreneurs in Northern Alberta

By Haylee Winger
The annual Lemonade Day event, a free educational initiative designed to teach youth about entrepreneurship, is set to take place on June 14, 2025. This hands-on program empowers children to start, own, and operate their own lemonade stands, providing them with valuable skills in business management, financial literacy, and community engagement.
Lemonade Day, originally launched in 2007 in Houston, Texas, has grown significantly over the years, reaching over 1.5 million children across 90 communities in the United States, Canada, and beyond. In Northern Alberta, the program has seen remarkable success since its introduction in 2018. Since then, Lemonade Day participants have generated more than $144,900 in profit and donated over $43,800 to local charities. In 2024 alone, over 1,300 kids took part in the event.
Amanda Robinson, Marketing Analyst for Community Futures and City Director for Lemonade Day in Northern Alberta, highlighted the growth of the program. “We have more towns participating for Lemonade Day 2025 than ever before,” Robinson said. “Lemonade Day is about so much more than selling lemonade and making money. The kids learn business skills and learn about their communities and the importance of giving back.”
The program encourages participants to spend, save, and share their profits. In 2024, 93% of participants donated a portion of their earnings to charities, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on community responsibility.
What makes Lemonade Day truly stand out, according to Robinson, is its inclusivity. “What I love most about the program is that it is open to kids of all abilities,” she explained. It gives kids a chance to showcase their strengths in so many areas because it includes a bit of everything. Math skills, art skills, customer service skills and so much more.”
Lemonade Day Northern Alberta is open to children from kindergarten through High School. Registration for the 2025 event is now open, with the deadline set for May 15, 2025. Upon registering, participants will receive a free backpack and an Entrepreneur Workbook at Lemmy University, which will guide them through the steps of planning, managing, and operating their business. The program focuses on goal setting, financial planning, and entrepreneurship, equipping young participants with essential skills for both business and life.
Robinson also noted the ever-growing creativity and dedication shown by participants each year. “Every year, Lemonade Day gets bigger and better. The stands become more elaborate, and the kids continue to amaze me with their dedication and creativity. It truly is an event the whole community can get involved in and enjoy.”

As Lemonade Day continues to grow, it remains a valuable opportunity for youth in Northern Alberta to gain real-world business experience, develop essential skills, and contribute to their communities. On June 14, 2025, young entrepreneurs across the region will once again take part in this exciting event, showcasing their hard work and creativity. With the support of local businesses and families, Lemonade Day promises to inspire the next generation of leaders, business owners, and community advocates. For more information or to register, visit https://lemonadeday.org/northern-alberta before the May 15 deadline.