Cynthiana, KY is a town that has been flourishing in economic development, locally owned businesses, and increased tourism over the past decade. In 2021 the birth of the Harrison County 4-H Entrepreneur Club was born at a brainstorming meeting that included Chamber, Tourism, FCS Agent, and 4-H Agent.   All agreed that with downtown moving in the right direction it was the ideal time to create an opportunity to foster an environment for the young people in Harrison County to share in the love for community and dreams of continuing small business success. Later planning meetings with additional local leaders led to a developed business plan booklet that would guide youth in brainstorming business ideas, identifying a business plan and marketing audience, and track projected expenses. Marketing techniques and navigating how to be a successful business vendor are key goals for participants. Each young entrepreneur would deliver a business presentation to a panel of adults. Presenting would require the youth to research/determine their business facts, make samples of their products, and give them exposure to speaking in front of others. Quality customer service is an underlying objective that group leaders strive to instill through learning proper marketing techniques, communication skills building, and understanding of one’s own product/service. A long-term objective of the program is utilizing returning 4-Hers in mentor roles who can share successes and failures with new entrepreneurs in successive years.

4-Hers who develop a business with the Harrison County Young Entrepreneurs also become honorary Chamber member (receiving the benefits of Chamber members). One of the presentation panel adults is a local bank representative. She offers each 4-H a micro loan of up to $250 if needed, with one program year to pay back the loan. During the first year of the program, five of the seven 4-H businesses utilized the loan option. Since the first year, 1-2 new 4-H entrepreneurs have taken some portion of the micro loan. Both the 4-Her and parent/guardian sign with the banker for this loan and then schedule a time to visit her at the bank to pay back the loan.

During the debut of the Chamber/4-H Entrepreneurs, collectively, the 7 businesses sold over $4000 worth of goods! This was the first of 4 additional vendor opportunities that summer.

During debrief sessions at the end of that first program year, 4-Hers share successes and growth opportunities. Many of the youth “sold out” at one of their vendor opportunities allowing them the learning lesson to understand the importance of inventory. Participants talked through the points of knowing their audience, anticipation of inventory, changing or adding to what they offer, etc. For example, most entrepreneurs decided that the county fair was not the best use of their time, as folks come to ride rides, watch shows and eat. Purchasing items is just not feasible as opposed to an avenue like the summer concert series where folks could run back to their vehicles easily. One 4-H business team (hair braiding) did very well with profits. They decided to lower their price, confident that lowering the price would increase their number of sales and lead to greater profits. That same business has also included an additional braid type for this year to attract an expanded audience. Another business expanded their offerings throughout the season due to consumer demand for product type.

In the years since that first vendor opportunity the young entrepreneurs (returning and new members) set up at the four Elementary Fall and Spring Festivals, Harvest for the Holidays, Strawberry Festival, Sadie’s Bash, Shop Small, Volleyball fundraiser, and summer concert series, KY State Fair and Valentine’s Market.  One entrepreneur was asked to sell his cotton candy product in the local skating rink and is now offering cotton candy for birthday parties.

Young Entrepreneurs have taken a field trip to a local clothing business and learned from a marketing manager at one of our largest factory plants in town.   Young Entrepreneurs partnered with a local business, Cymply Cynful Nutrition, where over 20 youth participants created and marketed their own bubble tea using 10 flavors and 4 different bubble options. The top two bubble teas were added to menu options in Cymply Cynful’s store! They also partnered with a local Bakery, who talked to the entrepreneurs about making donuts and then did a competition, where every 4-Her created a donut decoration, presented it, and the winner’s creation was re-created in shop for the 2 weeks leading into Halloween. Another local business, Hal’s Flowers, visited the group to explain candle making and worked with the young entrepreneurs to create and make their own scented candles.  This year, 11 entrepreneurs get to job shadow with a local business and have selected to do a community project with the Parks and Recreation coordinator to update the community skate park.

Since the inception of the Harrison County 4-H entrepreneur program, Field and Main bank has created a unique program called bonsai for school aged children. It’s a free program that teaches about starting a business, and financing. Also, the St. Matthews Chamber in Louisville has modeled their entrepreneur program for students after our Harrison County Chamber and 4-H partnership.  Harrison County was also involved in the UK Entrepreneur Planning day who met with leaders from UK 4-H, Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs, and Economic Development.