Who says that 4-H is only about raising animals and exhibiting at state fairs?
In Rapid River, 28 teens in the 4-H Club are sharpening their entrepreneurial skills by operating a coffee shop, known as "A Cuppa Joe." They took out a $9000 business loan and opened up shop. A piece of cake? Not quite.
"It's just an up-and-down ride," says Shelby Boris, the 17-year-old manager of the shop. "Sometimes we're doing really good, and sometimes it's not so good."
The youngsters have had to cut back on wages and change their marketing strategies, but they're still at it, determined to make it a success.
And they've gotten some recognition. The business has already won some awards, and their business is now being copied by a 4-H group downstate.
Source: 4H USA
4-H teens are receiving hands-on business education and work experience in addition to providing a safe place for all members of the community at Cuppa Jo Java House.
The Intrepid Teen 4-H Club has been in existence for only a short time, but they have already managed to follow their dream of opening a gathering spot where both youth and adults can share in fellowship and good times. The Cuppa Jo Java House officially opened its doors on January 29, 2005.
Cuppa Jo Java is a youth-run small business venture supported by the more than 30 members of the Intrepid Teen 4-H Club and 23 adult volunteers. (Read More)