UK Cooperative Extension, Economic Development Collaborative host Kentucky 4-H Entrepreneur Workshop
Lexington, Ky.— On March 28th, the UK Cooperative Extension Service and the UK Economic Development Collaborative partnered to host a Kentucky 4-H Entrepreneur Workshop at the UK Cornerstone. Led by Mike Meyer, Associate Program Leader for Kentucky 4-H, and Melody Flowers, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development and Real Estate, the workshop aimed to empower Kentucky youth in entrepreneurship.
The workshop brought together 4-H agents and students from Harrison County, Lawrence County, and Logan County, alongside various community and university leaders in the entrepreneurship space. The focus of the event was a half-day working session dedicated to exploring the development and expansion of youth entrepreneurship programming through 4-H.
“The goal of our Kentucky 4-H Entrepreneurship Workshop was to introduce our partnership with the UK Economic Development Collaborative and commitment to creating a youth entrepreneurship progressive experience program for Kentucky 4-Her’s,” Myers said. “We are excited to explore future partnerships and collaborations with businesses and organizations across the state that will help in ensuring an inclusive and holistic educational experience.”
The workshop delved into strategies for fostering entrepreneurial spirit among youth, identifying opportunities for mentorship and networking, and developing practical skills for launching and managing businesses. By engaging with community and university leaders, the organizers aimed to establish robust support systems that nurture young entrepreneurs and help them thrive.
Discussions explored potential partnerships or support initiatives for a culminating experience in Spring/Summer 2025, which would have brought 4-H entrepreneurship students to the UK campus. This immersive experience aimed to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, exposure to innovative ideas, and access to valuable resources to further develop their entrepreneurial ventures.
“One of the top economic development needs in Kentucky is an educated and trained workforce tied to the Commonwealth. Not only do youth entrepreneurship programs help build critical skills such as problem solving, financial management, communications, and teamwork, organizations like 4H also instill and nurture deep-rooted connections to our communities,” Flowers said. “Whatever these students’ ultimate career paths end up being, these programs are helping develop our future community and business leaders.”
The workshop contributed to the vibrant ecosystem for youth entrepreneurship in the state. Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, organizers aimed to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators and leaders in Kentucky's entrepreneurial landscape.