Volume 18, Number 1, Fall 2007

“Ask the Entrepreneurs”

Erica Tobe

Did you know that futurists predict that by as early as 2010, as many as 50 percent of workers will be self employed or home based? That’s why Macomb County 4-H Future Entrepreneurs Club is taking big strides in learning the basics of financial education and entrepreneurship with local teens.

In 2006, eight counties (Delta, Macomb, Mackinac, Marquette, Oakland, Saginaw, Schoolcraft and Wayne) were selected to offer the first “Future 4-H Entrepreneurs Club” projects throughout Michigan. The clubs educate teens on entrepreneurship skills, then help them develop business plans and start their own businesses individually or as a group. This program is funded by a grant through Michigan State University Extension.

One successful 4-H Future Entrepreneurs event happened June 6, 2007 with the Macomb County 4-H Entrepreneurs club. They held their first annual “Ask the Entrepreneurs” event at the Macomb County MSU Extension office. Forty people attended the event, including some adults not associated with 4-H that are interested in beginning businesses themselves.

Four entrepreneurs spoke to the group: Kyle Humphrey from Kyle Builders Inc., Gail Mayberry who creates gift baskets, Wendy Achatz, owner of Achatz Pie Company, and youth club member Kevin Lewandowski, who has started a lawn cutting company and Moon Bounce Co. Panelists talked about the difficulties they had when they started their businesses, how long it took to get where they are now, and what made them start their particular businesses.

Club members contributed and often made items for the event’s silent auction, including a hand-made necklace and earrings, hand-decorated vases, Detroit Tigers tickets and a chocolate cream pie. In total, the 4-H Future Entrepreneurs club raised over $100 for their first event of this type.

For more information about the 4-H Entrepreneurs club in Macomb County, please contact Kathy Jamieson (jamies13@msu.edu); for information on 4-H Entrepreneurs Clubs statewide, please contact Laura Allen (lacourse@msu.edu) or Erica Tobe (tobee@msu.edu).