A Las Vegas entrepreneur is helping local youth develop business skills and confidence through the Lemonade Stand Business Plan, now offered in schools, camps, and community groups across Southern Nevada.
A Las Vegas-based initiative is giving local kids a head start in entrepreneurship by teaching them how to turn simple ideas into real businesses. The Lemonade Stand Business Plan, created by Brandon Ward, founder of the leadership consulting firm WE Mentality, is designed to help children and teens in Southern Nevada discover their strengths and learn practical business skills.
Ward, who has mentored students in the region for nearly a decade, launched the program as an online workbook more than a year ago. It has since expanded into a digital platform, with in-person workshops and partnerships with schools, summer camps, and organizations like the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada.
Building Skills Beyond Lemonade
While the program uses the classic lemonade stand as a starting point, its curriculum goes far beyond selling drinks. Participants learn about customer service, punctuality, professionalism, and conflict resolution—skills Ward says are essential for future employment. The program also incorporates personality assessments to help kids identify their strengths and areas for growth, and introduces them to responsible use of artificial intelligence tools.
Some students have launched lemonade stands, but others have started businesses selling cookies, bracelets, or custom phone cases. Ward emphasizes that the program is designed for all types of kids, not just those who consider themselves creative. “Every child is different,” he says, noting that the goal is to help each participant leverage their unique abilities, whether in cooking, art, research, or technology.
Mentorship and Real-World Experience
As part of the program, students are matched with local business owners and community mentors. This hands-on approach gives them exposure to real-world business challenges and opportunities to present their ideas. Over the summer, WE Mentality partnered with the Urban Chamber of Commerce to host a Youth CEO camp, where participants ages 12 to 17 learned about marketing, sales, product development, and pitching their business concepts.
According to Jenn Cruse of the Urban Chamber, the camp culminated in a business pitch competition, with teams developing projects such as a fragrance line—complete with branding, scent development, and packaging. Parents reported being surprised by the confidence their children gained through the experience.
Expanding Access and Future Plans
Ward sees the Lemonade Stand Business Plan as a way to reach kids who may not thrive in traditional academic settings but have leadership potential or other talents. He believes early identification of strengths can help young people make better decisions about their futures and avoid feeling lost as they enter adulthood.
Looking ahead, Ward envisions expanding the program beyond Nevada, potentially launching a pilot in other states or countries. He also hopes to establish a dedicated entrepreneurship-focused charter school, offer conferences and certifications, and create a franchise model to make the program accessible virtually in more communities.
For now, the Lemonade Stand Business Plan continues to grow in Southern Nevada, aiming to equip the next generation with the confidence and skills to succeed in business and beyond.
