Issue or Situation
The UK Extension Community Assessment identified the need to build skills in workforce preparation.  Additionally, many young people in Todd County expressed a strong interest in starting their own businesses but lacked access to structured opportunities that taught essential entrepreneurial skills. With limited local resources focused on youth entrepreneurship, there was a clear need for a program that could introduce business fundamentals in an engaging and age-appropriate manner—helping students build confidence and real-world capabilities.

Outreach or Educational Program Response
To address this need, the 2025 Todd County Youth Entrepreneurship Day was created to provide a hands-on, interactive learning experience for aspiring young entrepreneurs. The program was developed in partnership with Farm Credit Mid America, a local business owner, the Todd County Chamber and the Todd County Extension, 4-H program.  A follow up "Down to Business Day" and Shark Tank Experience was held two months later giving the young entrepreneurs an opportunity to compete for start up grant prizes ($250 for 1st place, $200 for second and $150 for third place), Chamber Bucks for local stores and opportunities for vendor spots at three local festivals. During the Down to Business Day, participants set up posters and information about their small business and community members visited the trade show format to support and encourage the young entrepreneurs.  

The workshop featured practical modules covering:

• Budgeting and business plan development
• Marketing and social media strategies
• Communication and customer service skills
• Traits of successful entrepreneurs
• Crafting elevator speeches
• Designing professional business cards using Canva

Each session was designed to provide participants with foundational knowledge and practical tools to help them take the first steps toward launching their own businesses.

Participants and Target Audience
The workshop engaged 17 youth participants and 13 parents. This diverse group included elementary, middle, and high school students, all united by a shared interest in entrepreneurship. Many arrived with early-stage ideas for products or services, such as handmade crafts, lawn care, baked goods, jewelry, agricultural products, and digital creations. Some participants had already begun informal business ventures in their communities.

Outcomes and Program Impact
 As a result of the workshop:

• 100% of participants reported increased confidence in their ability to start and manage a small business.
• Pre- and post-workshop evaluations showed a 95% increase in understanding of core business concepts, including budgeting, marketing, and customer service.
• Participants showcased their learning by delivering elevator pitches and creating professional business cards.
• All 17 participants either currently operate a small business or have solid plans to launch one in the near future.
• During the Down to Business Day, youth earned a total of $300 for their products or services and made more than 40 new personal contacts for their business. 

This program not only ignited entrepreneurial enthusiasm among Todd County youth but also fostered goal-setting, accountability, and a culture of innovation and self-reliance.