Lemon University Encourages Youth Entrepreneurship

Media Contact:

Jessica Delvo

770-639-6348

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2023

Lemon University Encourages Youth Entrepreneurship in Williston

Williston, N.D. - The Western Star Foundation (WSF), an organization of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC), is pleased to announce some changes to Lemonade Day to launch in 2024. Inspired by Lemonade Day, Lemon University (LU) is preparing to equip the next generation of Williston youth with critical entrepreneurship skills, as the program celebrates its tenth anniversary in Williston. Beyond traditional education, the program seeks community involvement, sponsorships, and volunteers to help fulfill its goal of developing Williston's future leaders and entrepreneurs.

PROGRAM DATES AND HIGHLIGHTS:
- Launch Party (January 13th): Strike Zone is hosting a launch party where kids can sign up for Lemon University and the Lemonade Day App and enjoy free pizza and bowling.
- LU1: Business + Banking (February 24th): Participants explore the realms of banking and best practices, learning how important financial management is to the success of entrepreneurs.
- LU2: Marketing, Communication, and Sales (March 23rd): This session focuses on developing successful marketing, sales and communication strategies, giving young people the tools they need to effectively promote their ideas and products.
- LU3: Building a Business (April 20th): Putting it all together! The kids will finalize their business plans and receive hands-on instruction on assembling the components and setting up their booths or storefronts in preparation for the Lemon Junior Market.
- Lemon Junior Market (May 18th): The program's finale, held at The Raymond Family Community Center, is a lively vendor fair where young business owners present and sell their wares. A traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, a DJ, media attention, giveaways, and a friendly rivalry for the day's greatest sales will all make this an unforgettable celebration of the participants' achievements.

COMMUNITY IMPACT:
By providing kids with real-world, experiential learning opportunities that equip them for the opportunities and difficulties of the corporate world, Lemon University goes beyond traditional education. This program aims to provide Williston’s youth, our future business owners and leaders, with important life and professional skills including entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and communication.

Youth Empowerment: Promotes creativity and innovation by giving young people the self-assurance and capacity to follow their entrepreneurial goals.
Community Involvement: When local companies and the community work together, harmony is created, which makes it easier for young people to grow and prosper.
Skill Development: Emphasizes financial savvy, problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication—all crucial for both personal and professional growth and company success.
Economic Growth: By exhibiting their inventiveness and promoting local economic growth, young entrepreneurs support the Lemon Junior Market and the local economy.

The WSF/WACC has already identified several public and private partners in this program and look forward to continuing to identify those partners and seeing the community engage and grow together as they lead our youth to success. 

Jessica Delvo, City Director of Lemonade Day Williston, says, “It's not just about education; it's a game-changer for our community. We're shaping future leaders and entrepreneurs who will help Williston keep growing and thriving. It's all about inspiring these kids to aim high and achieve more. Supporting their growth isn't just something we have to do; it's something we're proud to do,” emphasizing her excitement about the program.

Anna Nelson, WACC/WSF President, adds, “Lemon University builds upon the principles of Lemonade Day, expanding product and service offerings beyond lemonade to demonstrate the foundation of entrepreneurship: passion. This new platform allows participants to build a business around an idea that they are truly passionate about, while inviting local businesses to go on that journey with them. We hope that passion extends to our business community, reigniting their ‘why,’ and helping them to teach these ‘youthpreneurs’ to follow their dreams, benefiting both participants and businesses alike.”

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED:
Lemon University extends an invitation to people, companies, and groups to become engaged through program participation, event sponsorship, or volunteer work.

For media inquiries or for more information, please contact:

Anna Nelson, WACC/WSF President: anna.nelson@willistonchamber.com, 701-570-0747 (c), 701-577-6000 (o)

Jessica Delvo, Lemonade Day City Director: jessicad@willistonchamber.com, 770-639-6348

Thank you for your consideration and support of this program.

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