The Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Club

If I've learned anything about Extension in my 12 weeks with CEDIK, it's that no two projects are alike. I tried to keep that in mind as I was putting together The Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Club, a Youth Engagement Leadership Program focused on entrepreneurship that would be based at the Plantory in Lexington.

It was through The Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Club that I was able to meet Anthony and William, two aspiring entrepreneurs with a real passion for making their community better.

Over the course of the program we asked big questions, like "Who, what, and where makes up your community?" I was taken aback by how well informed the boys were on issues specific to their community.

A program I had thought would showcase community problems, had quickly evolved into a space for youth voices to be heard. Anthony and William both hope to own a business that not only stimulates the local economy, but also provides jobs and financial security to those close to them.

For someone who loves to talk as much

as I do, I found myself doing a lot of listening. Both Anthony and William had very different but valid views on how to better their communities. Anthony was eager to provide transportation for those who did not have easy access. William focused on creating a specialty business that could bring in customers from all over the state.

On July 27th, 2016 Anthony and William will present their business plans to their friends, family, and community at the Plantory.

The Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Club taught me a lot about the strength that comes from empowering others. Just by donating our time and energy, we created an environment where youth felt welcome to share their ideas and interests. The mission statement of Extension is to "make a difference in the lives of Kentuckians through research based education." And I am pleased to say that The Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Club definitely made a difference in mine.