Registration For Jr. CEO Is OPEN
Educating tomorrow’s entrepreneurs today across SLO County!
The Jr. CEO program starts on February 11, 2026! Join us for the FREE kick-off meeting for parents via Zoom on February 11th at 6PM, which will go over the program and include Q&As.
Jr. CEO is a six-week digital business education course that teaches kids the basics of starting their own business, offered by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce. The program has been developed with the theme of how to open a lemonade stand-style business. At the end of the program, students will open their lemonade stand (or another concept that they created) during “Jr. CEO Business Day.”
The program is designed to present information at a Junior High learning level and covers five key areas:
- Business Fundamentals (such as creating a business plan and setting up a bank account)
- Cost Models
- Safety & Food Preparation
- Marketing & Customer Service
- Money Management
Each virtual session will be led by Josh Cross, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, along with a local business leader as a guest speaker.
Tuition is $30 per student or $50 per family and is open for kids in San Luis Obispo County. Questions? Call the Atascadero Chamber team at (805) 466-2044, Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 5:00 PM to learn more!
Jr. CEO Program Dates
Kick-Off & Weekly Sessions Held Via Zoom At 6:00 PM
- February 11 – Kick-Off Parent Meeting With Q&As
- February 18 – SESSION 1: Fundamentals For Setting Up Your Business
- February 25 – SESSION 2: Cost Models
- March 4 – SESSION 3: Marketing And Customer Service
- March 11 – SESSION 4: Savings and Money Management
- March 18 – SESSION 5: Safety And Food Prep
- April 12 – Jr. CEO Business Day: At the Sunken Gardens (6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero) From 11 AM – 2 PM
- May 17 – Jr. CEO Graduation/Celebration
*In addition, all Jr. CEOs are required to visit City Hall to acquire a special “business license.” Appointments are encouraged and can be made by calling (805) 461-5000.
The 5 Sessions In The Jr. CEO Program
Session 1: Fundamentals for Setting Up Your Business
The first session focuses on the basics of officially starting the business. Developing a business name, business structure, filing paperwork for their DBA, their business license, setting up a bank account, etc.
Session 2: Cost Models
Students are taught how to form a business plan by using a cost model for their hot chocolate stand: What ingredients are needed and how much of each ingredient is needed for the recipe. How to source ingredients, cost of goods sold, selling price point, profit margin, etc.
Session 3: Marketing & Customer Service
With the business officially up and running, it’s time to market the brand and bring in customers! This session walks students through some marketing basics and best practices, and the importance of having exceptional customer service.
Session 4: Savings & Money Management
The sales are coming in! Now what? This session will address the importance of savings and money management. How much do you use to re-invest in the company? How much should be put into savings/reserves? This session will walk students through a plan on how to manage their profits.
Session 5: Safety & Food Prep
Before the business starts selling to customers, safety protocols and food prep guidelines must be in place. This session goes over the importance of food prep, safety, and the importance of having guidelines and protocols.
Jr. CEO Business Day
At the end of the program, students will open their lemonade stand (or another concept that they created) in downtown Atascadero for “Jr. CEO Business Day”. Join them at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero on Saturday, April 27, 2025.
Testimonials From The Jr. CEO Program
“Just wanted to reach out and thank you SO much for promoting and organizing this amazing activity for our kids! My son has learned so much about running a business and has taken such pride in his booth!
I see how much better he is at preparing, organizing, and talking to customers. It’s the best thing he’s participated in, and I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity. Sports and school are fun for our kids, but this really hits a passion that can’t be met anywhere else!”
– Summer A.
