Just in time for the hottest weather of the season, a group of young Cedar Falls entrepreneurs is learning how to make a profit selling lemonade.
The two dozen 4th through 6th graders have been paired with downtown business owners as part of a three-day camp at the University of Northern Iowa.
Katie Bjerke runs Hatchlings and Hens, an interactive craft store. She says she’s happy to pay forward her ideas.
“I had a good mentor and that person taught me how to be professional when I was speaking with adults and other business owners," she says. “So I think to have that mentor as a child is important and can help you.”
This is the third year for the "Lemonade Day" camp, which uses a curriculum provided by the Jacobsen Institute for Youth Entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa. Five lemonade stands will be open for business in downtown Cedar Falls Saturday morning. Each has its own price, ranging from a free will donation to a dollar-fifty a glass.
One of the day-camp participants, 11- year old Kierra Justice, says she picked up some tips about customer service from Bjerke.
“She taught me that when you’re selling to make sure to try to give something to them instead of asking something from them, and to always be kind to them and be respectful," Justice said.
All proceeds will be donated to local charities.
