COLUMBIA, Mo. -From roadside lemonade stands to full-service car washes, young people have always dreamed of ways to earn extra spending money. Now, with guidance and support from University of Missouri Extension 4-H, these young people are learning how to turn their dreams into reality.

“Here in Boone County we’re starting something called the ‘E’ project,” said Steve Henness, MU Extension 4-H state youth specialist. “We’re helping 4-H members explore opportunities in entrepreneurism and realize that they can do what they love and love what they do.”

Henness said the entrepreneurship project shows that 4-H members can create and develop a business centered on topics they are already learning about in 4-H, such as photography, baby-sitting and gardening.

“We’ll help them identify skills and talents they possess, develop a business plan and sell their products or services.”

According to Henness, many 4-H members are already making money from their projects, which will be showcased at the “E” project’s first meeting, Nov. 18. The launch of the “E” project coincides with Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 16-22, a worldwide initiative designed to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“We want to help MU Extension 4-H members achieve success, whether by creating their own part-time job, becoming their own boss in the future or making their community and world a better place to live,” Henness said.

For more information about entrepreneurship and the “E” project, see http://4h.missouri.edu.

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