Grade 4 students in Niagara now know not only what to do when life gives you lemons, but also how to make money in the process.

The young entrepreneurs will have their lemonade stands set up and their sales pitches ready when Goodman Lemonade returns to Brock University’s main campus Wednesday, June 8.

Sponsored by FirstOntario Credit Union, the event will see Brock’s Goodman Group welcome Grade 4 students from James Morden Public School in Niagara Falls and St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School in Port Colborne to sell their refreshing drinks to the campus and wider Niagara community.

Their lemonade stands, which they’ve designed and built to market and solicit customers, will be set up in Brock’s Jubilee Court from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to attend and support the budding business owners.

FirstOntario’s support of the Goodman Lemonade program, which has been teaching Niagara elementary students the basics of running a for-profit business since 2017, is part of a four-year partnership with Brock to help students of all ages build financial literacy skills through the development of innovative, student-centred programming. In addition to its support of other Brock financial literacy programming, FirstOntario’s support will help operate and grow the Goodman Lemonade program.

“We knew our partnership with Brock would give us a great opportunity to connect with students to help build their financial literacy skills,” said FirstOntario’s Joanne Battaglia, Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Community Partnerships. “Supporting the Goodman Lemonade program is one of the ways we can share what we do best to benefit our communities.”

Goodman Lemonade, in line with the Ontario Grade 4 curriculum, introduced this year’s students to concepts in entrepreneurship, business and financial literacy. Following a presentation from the Goodman Group and FirstOntario in April, the two participating Grade 4 classes were divided into 12 teams. The groups will compete this week to see who can make the most profit from $50 in seed money, provided by the Goodman School of Business.

Although this is FirstOntario’s second year as a Goodman Lemonade sponsor, this marks the first year the groups have been able to come together in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sonia Dupte, Brock’s Executive Director, Development and Campaigns, said that FirstOntario’s partnership speaks to many of the University’s strategic priorities.

“By investing in financial literacy programming at Brock, FirstOntario not only provides experiential education for current and prospective students, but also ultimately enhances the life and vitality of our community,” she said. “Brock is pleased to support the next generation of learners with the help of important community partners like FirstOntario.”

What: Goodman Lemonade event
Who: Grade 4 students from James Morden Public School in Niagara Falls and St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School in Port Colborne, in partnership with Goodman Group and FirstOntario Credit Union
When: Wednesday, June 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Jubilee Court, Brock University