Join 4-H for the 2026 Young Entrepreneur Program!
Are you a young entrepreneur eager to learn the ins and outs of running a business? 4-H and the Mills River Farm Market are partnering once again to launch a new year of the Young Entrepreneur Program!
The Young Entrepreneur Program is open to all youth ages 9-18! Whether you’re a beginner or already have some business experience, all are welcome. No prior knowledge is needed! Just bring your enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to learn!
About the Program This hands-on program helps youth learn how to start and run a business. Participants will build skills in marketing, money management, and business planning through real-life, hands-on activities. Youth will also create their own logo and marketing materials (like banners and t-shirts) and receive booth display materials to showcase their products, thanks to Resourceful Communities.
This free program helps youth develop real-world business skills through workshops, resources and selling at the Mills River Farm Market!
Already a young entrepreneur? That’s great! There’s still plenty more to learn! You can join this program too!
Registration for the Program
- Complete an application to the 4-H Young Entrepreneurs Program by clicking here: Young Entrepreneur Application
- Enroll in 4-H Online
(System closed for maintenance until January 12, 2026)
- Click here to go to 4-H Online
- Create a New Family Profile and add your youth as a member
- County: Henderson
- Club: 4-H Young Entrepreneurs
- Project: Entrepreneurship
- Complete forms and submit a new member profile!
- Sign up for 8 market days (leadership will help with scheduling during program meetings)
4-H Program Dates and Topics
Workshops held at N.C. Cooperative Extension, Henderson County Office from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
- February 4 – Lesson 1: Product or Service Development
- Pre-test
- Interpret key business terms
- Define an entrepreneur
- Outline goals
- Implement the design process to develop a product or service
- February 18 - Lesson 2: Business Plans, Creating Budgets, and Finding Investors
- Understanding business licensing requirements
- Identify the income vs expenses
- Create a business budget
- Categorize an inventory of assets vs liabilities
- Identify an investor
- March 11 - Lesson 3: Production & Manufacturing, Branding & Marketing
- Recognize production and manufacturing needs
- Develop a brand and market their business
- Distinguish a target audience
- April 1 - Lesson 4: Customer Service and Starting a Business
- Display good customer service
- Understand how to make a sale
- Take the first steps toward starting a business
- April 22 - Lesson 5: Selling at the MRFM market
- All about MRFM - facebook.com/MillsRiverFarmMarket
- Setting up a booth
- May 2 - Market Day!
- Visit the market
- Meet your market mentor!
