America’s favorite cookie sale began earlier this month, ushering in a new wave of Maine’s youngest entrepreneurs: Girl Scouts. Thanks to a $5,000 investment from First National Bank for the second year in a row, girls aged 5 to 17 from all around the state will have the opportunity to participate in the Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin program free of charge. A part of the larger Girl Scout Cookie Program, the Entrepreneur Family Pin program helps girls develop entrepreneurial experience through the practice of five core skills: goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

“First National Bank is proud to work with the Girl Scouts of Maine to support the Family Entrepreneur Pin program,” said Susan A. Norton, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at First National Bank. “Selling cookies is an opportunity for Girl Scouts to learn about budgeting, goal setting, sales, and how to reach your dreams.”

Initially launched in January 2022, the Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin program resulted in 490 pins earned by girls from over 130 different Maine towns and cities last year. Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME) will cover all additional costs beyond what is covered by First National Bank, meaning any girl who wishes to earn the pin, can do so at zero cost throughout the entire month of February.

The program utilizes a series of age-appropriate activities geared towards building essential life and business skills for girls and their families to complete. Activities include creating elevator pitches, business plans, selling strategies, customer lists, and more. Girl Scouts of all levels (Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador) are eligible to participate and earn the pin.

“I learned how to make a video to promote my cookie business and post it on social media with my parent’s help. I learned how to figure out how much money customers owe for their order, and how to know if they need change back,” said Amelia, a Brownie Girl Scout who earned her pin last year.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, and each year, it poses new opportunities for girls to enhance their business-building skills. “We are beyond grateful to First National Bank. Their generous contributions help empower girls around the state to build their leadership skills and in turn, strengthen their communities,” said Mara Robinov-Moorhead, CEO of Girl Scouts of Maine.

To learn more about the Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin program, visit girlscouts.org/cookie-entrepreneur-family-pin. You can order cookies now through a local Girl Scout or starting February 17 find a troop near you selling cookies at www.girlscoutsofmaine.org/cookies. The Girl Scout Cookie Program runs through April 30, 2023.

We are Girl Scouts of Maine

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs across the state of Maine and beyond, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit www.girlscoutsofmaine.org. For the latest updates follow us on Facebook @girlscoutsofmaine and Instagram @girlscoutsofmaine.