BY STEVEN GORDON, LEMONADE DAY NATIONAL PRESIDENT

On April 1, I traveled to Colorado and witnessed Colorado Governor Jared Polis signing SB19-103 into law at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Colorado headquarters just a few blocks from the State Capitol. The bill provides the ability of a minor to operate a business on a limited basis (less than 84 days) without obtaining approval of a local government or any agency. Colorado is just the second state, along with Utah, to allow young entrepreneurs to operate a temporary business without a license or permit. That’s no April Fool’s Joke. Just two states currently have regulations to allow for occasional youth-run (18 or under) lemonade stands to operate in designated areas and without the burden of expensive permits or licenses.

Governor Polis began the signing process by declaring that this bill was the future of entrepreneurship for Colorado and a way to celebrate the achievements of young entrepreneurs across the state. The Governor went on to say that Colorado is a friendly place for all businesses to thrive and the bill makes it easier for young entrepreneurs to start a business or service. And then, the governor signed the bill with a wooden pen created by a 6^th grader! What a great show of support to youth entrepreneurship. The child was beaming with pride. We all were! Check out the Facebook Live video captured during the signing of the bill.

Steven Gordon and Governor Polis

Tony Gagliardi, NFIB’s Colorado state director, and legislative sponsors Sens. Angela Williams (Denver-D) and Jack Tate (Denver-R) and state representatives Terri Carver (Colorado Springs-R) and James Coleman (Denver-D) were also in attendance. Mrs. Jennifer Knowles, whom you’ve met in a previous blog, and her three young lemonade stand entrepreneurs were also on hand.

Activity to change the law began last year as Jennifer quickly became an advocate when her boys’ lemonade stand in a public park was shut down by police. Also known as “Lemonade Stand Mama”, she initially worked with Denver lawmakers to remove the city’s permitting restrictions. The ordinance quickly passed followed by interest and support on the state level, starting with State Senator Angela Williams.

Steven Gordon and Jennifer Knowles

While Jennifer has mentioned how thankful she is for all the support from Lemonade Day, the legislators, and other parents who helped get to the bill signing, I am grateful to her for being such a strong advocate. “Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that helping my children run a lemonade stand and raise money for a good cause would lead to an encounter with the police and receiving fines. Fast forward nine months and we stood with the Governor as he signed a bill that sanctions youth-owned, temporary businesses,” Jennifer commented.

Lemonade Day supporters know that youth entrepreneurship is vital to the future of our economy. In the Knowles’ family’s experience, they unknowingly broke the law and from there Jennifer stated that it was as if they were enrolled in Social Studies 101 class. Her children have even shared their experiences with their classmates who have all benefitted from hearing about the lessons they’ve learned. They took a sour situation and turned it into lemonade. With the signing of this bill, children in Colorado should have great experiences going forward. Jennifer’s kids were devastated when they were shut down by police but have learned to stand in their convictions and believe in themselves. I really can’t find much wrong with those lessons when the result is so positive.

Tony Gagliardi had the pleasure of hosting the signing ceremony at the NFIB offices. He’s been a supporter of Lemonade Day and believes kids should be encouraged to open a business and develop financial literacy. Tony shared, “Something needed to be done about Colorado’s permitting requirements when it comes to youth-owned temporary businesses. The Knowles family could have lost all their motivation and incentive to further inspire their kids’ entrepreneurial skills, yet they persevered, worked with lawmakers, and made a tremendous difference. In my profession, I don’t usually have this much fun watching our legal process in action.”

At Lemonade Day, we have always believed that young people, with a desire to learn business skills and financial literacy, should have unfettered access to set up their business regardless of location, where they can apply their customer service skills, collaborate with businesses owners and investors, and experience real world business owner challenges.

Senator Angela Williams has worked with Jennifer Knowles from the beginning. She also exclaimed how exciting the bill signing was. She noted that if it weren’t for Jennifer’s persistence and conviction, they wouldn’t have this bill. Sen. Williams also stated that this was a fun bill to sponsor and is thrilled that Colorado now has laws that legalize business ventures run by minors.

What an honor it was for me to represent Lemonade Day and observe youth entrepreneurship on full display in Colorado. April 1 was a good day – no fooling. We thank Jennifer Knowles and Colorado’s lawmakers for recognizing the need to eliminate the state’s previous regulations. As mentioned in recent blogs, the momentum is also growing across the country to remove or reduce the licensing restrictions for a child’s temporary beverage stand. Texas, Minnesota, and other states are reviewing their laws to enable our youth to learn lessons in free enterprise and achieve the ‘American dream’ through owning a business.

Please share this blog with your friends, family members, and co-workers. All of us at Lemonade Day National Headquarters appreciate your support!

For more information about Lemonade Day, please visit lemonadeday.org.