Junior Koopies
- claccdig
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
A Wonderful Opportunity for Kids
By Muriel Nelson
The Clear Lake Area Community Center is home to many talented, community‑minded entrepreneurs, and one who exemplifies this Katie Wagner, owner of Kate’s Coffee Koop. Katie has her business headquarters at the center and operates both mobile coffee vans plus a brick‑and‑mortar coffee shop located next to Pillar Bank on Clear Lake’s main street.
Now, she’s launching a new venture designed especially for young people: Junior Koopies—a hands‑on program that helps kids turn their creative ideas into real businesses. The program offers “hands-on experience where young entrepreneurs learn, create and build while growing their confidence through real business ideas.”
The Clear Lake area is full of imaginative kids ages 4–17 who may want to design and make their own products—sewn items, beaded jewelry, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more. Others may be drawn to offering services such as kid‑sitting, lawn care, dog walking, or similar ventures. Junior Koopies gives them the environment, guidance, and encouragement to explore those possibilities.
Learning sessions will be held at Kate’s Coffee Koop, adjacent to Pillar Bank at 327 3rd Ave., Clear Lake, WI. Sessions take place from 5:30–6:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays in April, May, and June. Participants will learn from practicing entrepreneurs and established business owners about all aspects of starting and running a small business.
The program culminates in an exciting real‑world opportunity: each young entrepreneur will sell their products or promote their services during Clear Lake Heritage Days, June 26–27.
The goal of Junior Koopies is to help the youngest generation tap into their creativity, build confidence, and experience something they may never have tried otherwise.
The cost is intentionally minimal—just $15, which includes a custom t‑shirt featuring their business logo and a binder with training materials. A parent or guardian (age 18 or older) must attend each session with their child.
Families interested in learning more or registering can find full details and the registration form at www.KatesCoffeeKoop.com/juniorkoopies or contact Katie Wagner directly at katescoffeekoop@gmail.com. Late registrations are welcome, and participants are not required to attend every session.
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