The Local Lemon

Growing young entrepreneurs, one stand at a time.

What is The Local Lemon?

The Local Lemon is a youth entrepreneurship program presented by the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, designed to introduce young participants to the fundamentals of starting and running their own business. Through this hands-on experience, students gain valuable skills in leadership, creativity, communication, and financial literacy—all while bringing their own lemonade stand to life.

This multi-day program provides a fun and engaging environment where participants learn by doing. From brainstorming ideas and designing their stand to marketing their product and managing profits, students are encouraged to take ownership of their business and think like entrepreneurs.

About the Program

The Local Lemon is open to youth ages 10–16 who are eager to learn, create, and grow. Participants will take part in guided sessions covering key business concepts such as branding, budgeting, customer service, and goal setting. With support from local mentors and business leaders, students gain real-world insight into what it takes to run a successful venture.

The program culminates in a community-wide lemonade stand event, where participants showcase their businesses, interact with customers, and celebrate their hard work. This final experience allows them to apply everything they’ve learned in a meaningful and rewarding way.

Why It Matters

The Local Lemon is more than just a summer activity, it’s an investment in the future of our community. By introducing youth to entrepreneurship at an early age, the program helps build confidence, encourages innovation, and shows participants that their ideas have value.

Through The Local Lemon, students don’t just learn about business they discover their potential.

The Local Lemon kicks off June 22nd and will last until the 27th culminating with a Lemonade Stand day of.  Applications are due no later than June 5th, 2026. Please send your completed application to businessrelations@callawaychamber.net.