| | 4-H clubs are well known in rural areas. For generations they have been a source of the best and proudly peaceful products we have – the next batch of young energetic entrepreneurs and farm mangers.
“Hands-on learning changes people’s lives,” says Stacy Murray, regional 4-H specialist. “With 4-H experience under their belt, youth excel in the areas of leadership and teamwork.”
In 4-H, youth run the show. 4-H clubs typically meet once a month as a large group, where youth of all ages take on different leadership roles to make decisions and plan events. Clubs organize fun outings, achievement days and fundraisers, and participate in various activities within their communities.
Young entrepreneurs also try their hand at small business activities, with guidance from their local 4-H club. More traditional projects such as beef, horse or canine, help members develop skills from production through marketing. In the end they’ve produced a product, whether it be a trained dog or freezer beef. If a young Albertan is passionate about small business, they are encouraged to look to their local small business or multi club.
“The Fairview 4-H Small Business Club has been running for six years,” says Mary Lundgard, 4-H leader. “The sky-is-the-limit when it comes to the variety of business ideas. Erik Lundgard sold freezer lamb meat as his project. As her service business, Allison Vos built a website depicting the history of her great-grandparents, Dr Mary Percy Jackson and Frank Jackson, well known pioneers in the Manning and Keg River region. Check out her design at www.drmaryjackson.com.”
A petting zoo that provided entertainment at birthday parties and trade fairs was one of the Peace region's longest running businesses. It provided two sisters the money to attend university and even some extra spending money. They have since sold the business for a profit.
Beekeeping is another business project in the Peace. Working under the supervision of a beekeeper, the club members sell the honey produced. Some members have developed what started as a 4-H business project into their livelihood.
“To start a 4-H small business project, we like members to be at least 12-years old, so they can do the math and handle all aspects of small business from production through product marketing,” says Murray. “Mentors are another important component of this project. Their guidance helps members create successful businesses.”
“It all starts with members thinking of a service or product that they can sell and then working with their club leader and mentor to develop their business plan. It is a very exciting process. Watching a young person set goals and contribute to their community is a wonderful experience.”
4-H opens the world of entrepreneurship for youth. Young Albertans between 9 and 20 are invited to join a club and start their own project. It is an amazing opportunity for young people to reap the rewards of the 4-H program and learn-to-do-by-doing. 4-H members develop project and life skills while having fun, and these skills will serve them well into the future.
For additional information about or to join the Fairview 4-H Business Club, call Mary Lundgard at (780) 338-2935.
For information on the 4-H program or clubs call the provincial 4-H office at (780) 422-4444
Additional information is also available on the 4-H website.
Contact:
Elaine Stenbraaten
New Venture Business Coach, Alberta Agriculture
(780) 835-7531 |
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