Pint-sized Entrepreneurs Debut Lemonade Day Stands at Harvest Green May 6

The words “small business owner” will take on a whole new meeting in Harvest Green with the May 6 debut of kid-owned lemonade stands at the community’s farmers market.

The stands have been designed and will be operated by young Harvest Green residents as part of Houston Lemonade Day. The annual event — which teaches young people how to start, own and operate their very own businesses — actually takes place on May 7, but the Saturday market offers pint-seized entrepreneurs a sweet opportunity to practice citrus-based commerce in a fun environment surrounded by other local vendors.

Lemonade Day was started by Paranet, Inc. founder Michael Holthouse in 2007 as a way to teach real-world business skills to children, preparing them to become the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow. Participants create a business plan, identify sponsors, develop recipes and learn how to brand their product and market it. With the money they earn, students are encouraged to spend some, save some and share some with their community.

The program is free and participants are mentored by adults who offer guidance to help make stands successful. Since its launch, Lemonade Day has grown from serving 2,700 children in Houston to 1 million children across North America.

The Harvest Green Farmers Market takes place rain or shine on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Come out and browse produce grown on Harvest Green’s Village Farm, talk to local vendors selling everything from artisanal honey to grass-fed beef and support the smallest of small business owners by purchasing a glass — or two — of ice cold lemonade.