Entrepreneurship is the process by which people develop and turn an idea into a business or other venture. You can become a "Cloverpreneur" in 4-H by seeing opportunities, doing things other people value, and applying your skills to make the world a better place.
As a 4-H Cloverpreneur, you can:
- Create your own part-time job
- Earn money from your 4-H projects
- Provide needed products or services to your community
- Gain experience in business and entrepreneurship
The entrepreneurship project works great alongside other 4-H projects to explore the world of entrepreneurs, learn characteristics of a successful businessperson, identify business opportunities around you, and take steps to start and run your own business!
Resources for all levels
LO441 Entrepreneurship (Citizenship)
Start your own business! Join a team of young executives in learning how to launch and run a small business. Grasp how entrepreneurs find good ideas and get them off the ground. Build business skills to work more effectively as a team. Plan a group fundraising project. Investigate options, see business opportunities, find a bright idea, make a plan, and go for it.
Curriculum
EP442 Entrepreneurship 1
Become a business investigator. Find out what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Investigate yourself, your family and who is down the block.
Curriculum
EP443 Entrepreneurship 2
Take your business investigation to the next level. Investigate what you value and how you can make a difference, dress like a pro, manage your time and make the sale.
Curriculum
- ESI Unit 2 - Analizando Mi Caso: Investigacion Sobre Actitudes Empresariales
- ESI Unit 2 - The Case of Me
EP444 Entrepreneurship 3
Finish as a master business investigator. Explore your business ideas, set goals, conduct market research, determine a price, manage your money and plan and run your own biz.
Curriculum
Living in a digital age, youth who start their own business are no longer limited to a lemonade stand in the front yard, or a booth at the local farmers market. E-commerce, or selling online, gives young entrepreneurs the potential to expand their business far beyond their neighborhood or community, literally around the world. But going online also comes with new risks. This page includes information on basic e-commerce tools young people can use to get started. It also includes information for parents and families whose top priority is ensuring youth remain safe. Please note: some of the sites featured have an age minimum or require an adult account holder.
Safety first
As young entrepreneurs prepare to take their businesses online, it is paramount for parents and families to remain aware and personally involved. Talking over Internet use, privacy, and customer interactions with youth is a good first step. Establishing clear roles and guidelines for e-commerce activities will help ensure youth have a positive experience and remain safe. Below are sites offering tips and advice to parents on these issues:
- Children and Internet Safety
- Tips to Respect and Protect Teens Using the Internet
- Netsmartz for Parents
E-commerce tools and sites
Social media and online platforms provide entrepreneurs with the tools to broadcast their entrepreneurial ventures to a worldwide customer base. Several sites most commonly used by youth entrepreneurs are featured below, with tips on how to make each work to their advantage:
Used to help connect with people interested in your businesses.
- Facebook 101 for Business: Your Complete Guide
- Facebook for Business
- Facebook Pages: Tools for your Business, Brand, and Organization
Usable for connecting with friends and customers
YouTube
A usable site that you can share videos with your family, fiends, and community.
Etsy
A site 4-Hers can use to sell their homemade goods.
- Open at Etsy Shop(opens in new window)
- What Items Can I Sell on Etsy?
- Big Cartel (an alternative to Etsy)
Pinterist
A site 4-Hers can use to help with business brainstorming.
- Nine Tips: Boost Your Business with Pinterest
- Unleash the Power of Pinterest: 5 tips to help you get started
Craigslist
A site on local classifieds 4-Hers can use to find the parts they need.
eBay
A site where 4-Hers can sell their goods in the world's largest auction system.
PayPal
A site that 4-Hers can use to transfer money or make a payment securely.
GoFundMe
A personal fundraising site for those with an idea to change the world.
Kickstarter
A crowdfunding site for creatives to find resources to make their ideas a reality.
E-commerce skills
Blogs
How young entrepreneurs can use blogs to tell their story.
Listing titles
How you list your items determines whether people click to or click away.
Product descriptions
How you describe your product online is everything.
Photos
How to take high-quality photos to help sell items online.
Videos
How to use video stories to spread the word about your business.
Websites
Tips for developing an effective website as the hub of your online business.
Show-Me 4-H Wares
The Show-Me 4-H Wares booth is accepting applications beginning May 1, for young entrepreneurs to sell their 4-H products and services at the Missouri State Fair.
State Fair
4-H exhibits and competitions are part of the fun of the Missouri State Fair. You won't want to miss this special event; visit the 4-H building to see the projects of our 4-H youth or catch the judging competitions. Whatever your niche, there is something for everyone. Bring the family! The Missouri State Fair is located at the intersection of Highways 50 and 65, and less than 20 miles south of I-70, Sedalia is roughly an hour from Kansas City, Columbia and Jefferson City.