Last summer, we wrote about a Dutch bank that's encouraging children to show some entrepreneurial flair. Postbank's Bizznizz program is still going strong — new features include free phone calls for calling prospective clients, and an online Bizznizz Club where members can share tips and tricks.
Umpqua, an Oregon-based bank, recently launched something similar. Their Lemonaire campaign is aimed at helping 'really small entrepreneurs' start their first business: a lemonade stand. After completing an application, children can pick up a free Umpqua Lemonade Starter Kit. The kits include cups, napkins, a sticker, table cover, small business guide ('How to Become a Lemonaire') and USD 10 start-up capital. No purchase necessary, but children must be under 13 to qualify.
Unlike Postbank's Bizznizz, Umpqua’s Lemonaire is a temporary campaign, and the marketing aspect is key here. As quoted in the New York Times, a spokesperson for Umpqua explained: "We look for ways to hit people with a different mindset, and the lemonade stand is a perfect metaphor for what small business is about." Time for other banks to follow Umpqua and Postbank's lead, offering junior entrepreneurs the tools they need to earn and save? As long as children aren’t forced into labour, it’s a great way to teach them about business and money ;-)
Website: www.lemonaire.com
Contact: customerservice@umpquabank.com
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Prepared4life.org loves this as well.....we did Lemonade day! 2800 lemonade businesses in Houston texas! see http://www.lemonadeday.org
It's a wonderful idea. Giving kids their very first experience on business should introduce them to the important points about running a business and how to take care of it.
I like this idea. Many children will surely benefit from this lemonade business. Hopefully, thes free lemonade kit will reach out to more kids who really needs it.
My experience with Umpqua is that they are fond of hitting the consumer with all kinds of hidden fees and bookkeeping that's always to their advantage (timing of deposits, withdrawals, etc.), so it doesn't surprise me that they'd be marketing to small children who don't necessarily know better yet.
I absolutely LOVE this idea! As a sales trainer who shows women entrepreneurs how to sell- one of the biggest obstacles they have is FEAR.
This is a wonderful and positive way to show kids that selling is fun!
Kim Duke
www.salesdivas.com
Kim Duke | July 19, 2007 2:56 AM