A sweet sounding event has become official for our local beach communities. Mayors from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have declared May 10, 2025, as C.A.K.E. Day. The event supports young entrepreneurs in starting and running their own businesses in the local community.

C.A.K.E. stands for "Creating And Keeping Enterprises." The program teaches students how to create and manage a business, including planning, marketing, and customer service skills.

On May 10, students will open their businesses to the public at different locations. A full list of participating students and business locations will be released closer to the event.

Leading up to C.A.K.E. Day, students can attend two hands-on workshops to prepare for their launch. These optional events offer lessons and tools for success.

The first workshop, Recipe for Sweet Success, is set for Saturday, March 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Coastal Alabama Community College in Gulf Shores.

Students will learn branding, marketing, business planning, and how to manage costs, profits, and expenses. The workshop is open to all C.A.K.E. Day participants.

The second event, Build-A-Stand Day, will be held Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 11 a.m. at RE/MAX of Gulf Shores. Students will build simple PVC stands to serve as their storefronts.

All students must submit a business plan by Monday, April 28. The plan must include a business name and a list of the products or services being sold.

Click here to register. Updates are also posted on Facebook under Coastal Alabama Kid Entrepreneurs.

The program is led by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and supported by Columbia Southern University, Gulf Coast Rental Co, OWA Parks & Resort, Riviera Utilities, and Volkert.

For more information, contact Ale Lewis at 251-968-7220 or email ale@mygulfcoastchamber.com.