To bring back the entrepreneurial spirit that's been hiding behind screens, lockdowns, and pandemic restrictions. It's time to add some zest back into our lives and rekindle the fire of creativity and hard work in our young ones!

Mercier firmly believes that entrepreneurship isn't an innate quality. Instead, it's about fostering the right knowledge and attitude early on. With kids glued to video games and outdoor playtime dwindling, we need a refreshing change of pace.

Recognizing that kids crave mentorship and group involvement when exploring entrepreneurship, Mercier and the Ukiah Boys & Girls Club have introduced the Lemonade Stand program: a step-by-step, zest-filled adventure that takes youngsters from daydreams to business plans, teaching essential skills along the way.

The program covers everything from brainstorming ideas, marketing strategies, and financial planning to customer service and teamwork. It's a comprehensive and interactive experience that equips kids with the tools they need to succeed in any entrepreneurial venture.

The sweetest part? This program encourages kids to spend, save, and share their profits, fostering a sense of community and generosity. As they learn to balance personal gain with giving back, they grow into compassionate leaders who value social responsibility.

The Ukiah Boys & Girls Club aims to prepare our future trailblazers through engaging, hands-on programs brimming with life skills, character education, and entrepreneurial know-how. The ultimate goal? To transform today's youth into tomorrow's business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers, and forward-thinking citizens.

It's time to revive the can-do attitude and teach our kids the value of hard work and chasing their dreams. As a society, we need to tackle challenges like the diversity pipeline, traditional success vs. entrepreneurship, and revamping our education systems to embrace new approaches.

So, let's raise a glass of lemonade and toast to a brighter, more entrepreneurial future for our kids, one lemonade stand at a time! Here's to empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators, one sip of sweet success at a time. Cheers!