This summer, five local students in Lac La Biche stepped into entrepreneurship through the Young Entrepreneurs Training Initiative (YETI)—delivered by Community Futures Lac La Biche for the first time in our region. Over July and August, they learned to price, plan, and pitch, and three took their ideas to market.

At Community Futures Lac La Biche, we’re proud to share that our impact is being recognized both regionally and provincially. For the 2024–2025 fiscal year:

Every child dreams of running their own business, and Lemonade Day makes that dream a reality! This fun and educational program gives kids the opportunity to start, own, and operate their very own lemonade stand, teaching them valuable life skills in the process. But why should kids participate in Lemonade Day? Here’s why this program is more than just selling lemonade—it's an experience that fosters entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and community engagement.

This year’s Power Up North Conference brought together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and business professionals for an inspiring and collaborative experience, starting with a pre-conference event at Fat Unicorn Brewery, where attendees reconnected and built new connections over wings and free drinks. This set the stage for the two-day event, held at Portage College, which was packed with valuable insights, networking, and thought-provoking discussions.

Day 1 and Day 2 saw an incredible lineup of speakers, including experts like Diana Noble, Jennifer Barroll, and Brad Kotowich, addressing topics like transforming cultures, innovating hires, and elevating brands. The sessions offered attendees fresh perspectives on leadership, workplace culture, and business strategy

We are thrilled to unveil a beautiful new addition to the Community Futures Lac La Biche building—three stunning murals that capture the essence of our community’s past, present, and future. Created by local artists Solene Lamoureux and Miya Lamoureux, this project not only enhances our space but also serves as a vibrant reminder of what makes Lac La Biche so special.

The mural project, which began in August 2023 and was completed in August 2024, consists of three unique pieces that now grace the exterior of our building. Spanning a total of 525 square feet, each mural measures approximately 17.5 feet high by 10 feet long. These works of art are more than just decorations; they are a reflection of our community’s deep connection with nature and the earth, and they symbolize our shared history, unity, and hopes for the future.

“This project was an amazing opportunity for us to grow as artists, and share our passions and talents with our community,” said Miya and Solene. “Through much planning, challenges, and paint, we are excited for the completion of the murals and to see what we will do next.”

Despite a bit of drizzle, our recent BBQ event was a fantastic success! We were thrilled to see the community come together for an afternoon of great food, engaging conversations, and fun. Here’s a look back at what made the event so memorable.

Event Highlights

We had an incredible time celebrating Lemonade Day 2024! The enthusiasm, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit shown by our young participants were truly inspiring. Across the community, lemonade stands popped up, each with unique flavors, decorations, and business strategies.

Highlights of the Day:

• Young Entrepreneurs Shine: It was amazing to see kids take charge, manage their stands, and engage with customers confidently.
• Creative Stands: From classic lemonade to exotic flavors, each stand showcased the ingenuity of our young entrepreneurs.
• Community Support: The turnout was fantastic! Our community members came out in droves to support these budding business owners, making the day even more special.
• Life Lessons Learned: Beyond the profits and sales, the kids learned valuable lessons in business planning, budgeting, and customer service.
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