Tuesday marks the 5 year anniversary of the Lemonade Day Louisiana kickoff.

The first event was held on Tuesday in New Orleans; Baton Rouge and Lafayette will have their kickoff events next week. Last year, 13,000 kids participated and the goal for this year is 18,000. Lemonade Day Louisiana is a free learning program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their own business-a lemonade stand.  The Louisiana program began in 2010 and has continued to grow each year.

Each child that registers receives a backpack with an Entrepreneur Workbook that teaches them the 14 lessons of Lemonade Day like creating budgets, setting profit-making goals, serving customers, repaying investors, and giving back to the community. Along the way, they acquire skills in goal-setting, problem solving, and gain self-esteem critical for future success. They keep all the money they make and are encouraged to spend some, save some and share some.

For more information visit: www.louisiana.lemonadeday.org.