Dear John,

The exchange of goods and services via an established transactional medium should be a simple process.

Let me put that another way. I make cake. You want to eat that cake. So I sell you the cake I made, money changes hands, and it's time for tea. That's pretty simple, isn't it?

Unfortunately, it's never that simple. All around the world, government requirements interfere with what really should be an uncomplicated business transaction. In Lithuania, a simple business license enables small entrepreneurs to register and run their businesses legally. Atlas Network's local partner, the Lithuanian Free Market Institute (LFMI), has been a powerful advocate for these licenses, and they work constantly to keep efforts to curtail the license program at bay.

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Ona makes amazing traditional cakes, known locally as šakotis, that are in demand for weddings, holidays, and special occasions. When you see just how incredible these cakes are, you'll understand why everyone wants one. You'll want one, too! But renewed pressure to eliminate the simple license that makes Ona's cakes legal is threatening her business. Other businesses—including childcare, construction, and auto repair—that need this license have already lost them.
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By championing Ona's cause, LFMI is a strong voice for small businesses, and their research and high-profile media presence demonstrates why this license is so important in helping the economy grow.
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So go grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy a piece of Lithuania's famous "treecake" with Ona and LFMI. You can also read our behind the scenes take on the story ([link removed]) , written by my colleague AJ Skiera and illustrated with photos from Bernat Parera, who were in Zūbiškės with the Atlas Network film crew. I'm already trying to figure out how to get šakotis delivered to California!

Cheers,
Melissa

P.S. As always, we're so grateful to the John Templeton Foundation for their support of our Poverty & Freedom video series.
Thanks again for your support ([link removed]) , too! Our next phase will take us to Africa and of course the U.S., and we'd love it if you would forward Atlas Network's stories, videos, and photos with your friends. You can use the links below, too!

Melissa Mann
Vice President of Communications
Atlas Network
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