BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — When life hands you a start-up, make lemonade.
A planned pop-up shop space that doubles as a drink stand is bringing the age-old entrepreneurial venture of selling lemonade to aspiring business owners in Brooklyn.
The Lemonaide Stand will help entrepreneurs set up a temporary brick-and-mortar to showcase their products and services for free, said founder Africa Hannibal.
“I chose this idea because that’s usually the first business step you take as a child, and for many who will be part of this incubator, this will be their first entrepreneurial step,” Hannibal said.
For three months, start-ups can use the space and receive mentoring from local business owners at no cost.
“We believe that’s what makes the world go ‘round: entrepreneurs,” said Shana Jeannot, who assists in Lemonaide’s marketing. “We want to increase resources for minorities and increase diversity in the field.”
When the area is not in use, it will function as an actual lemonade stand and co-working space for the neighborhood. It will serve fresh lemonade daily using ingredients from local farmers markets, and profits will go toward building business owners’ dream locations, Hannibal added.
The Lemonaide Stand will also partner with an architectural firm to help clients transform the space to match their vision.
“In a lot of disenfranchised areas throughout New York, there isn’t that much small business growth,” Hannibal said.
“Small businesses really drive and support the community. What I hope is that while these individuals are in the incubator, they’ll be able to build their own clientele and find a permanent location not too far away so they continue giving back.”
Following a fundraiser effort last month, The Lemonaide Stand is currently looking for a home in Bed-Stuy.
“We want to have something different there for everyone to enjoy,” Hannibal said.
