P.E.R.K. Coffee Shop creates opportunity for students to learn about business [Video]

OSAWATOMIE, Kan. — A couple in Osawatomie, Kansas, founded the nonprofit, Prospective Entrepreneurs of Rural Kansas, or P.E.R.K., just over 10 years ago.

“We’re hoping to fill Main Street again with small businesses and keep our kids in our community,” said Jordy Goff, the group’s co-founder.

The organization was built with its community in mind. The goal was to drive the local economy with local spending.

Osawatomie, Kansas youth planning out the shopping list for P.E.R.K. Coffee House as part of its Young Entrepreneur Program.

Osawatomie is located off U.S. Highway 169 in Miami County, Kansas. With a population near 4,500, the community doesn’t have a full-service grocery store or other brick and mortar retail stores.

The Miami County Economic Development Department reported in August 2024 that unemployment was up from the first half of 2023.

The August Economic Climate data reports the City of Osawatomie operates on a 0.39 …