Build Your Startup: Craft a Business Plan
Created byPhillip Charles Alcock
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Build Your Startup: Craft a Business Plan

Grade 9TechnologyOther5 days
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can aspiring entrepreneurs create a successful business plan that effectively defines their target market, incorporates a mission statement, and leverages technology to adapt to market trends?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What are the key components of a successful business plan?
  • How do you define your target market and why is it important for a business?
  • What role does a mission statement play in guiding business operations?
  • How can technology enhance the effectiveness of a business plan?
  • What skills are necessary for successful entrepreneurship?
  • How do market trends impact business planning and strategy?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to create a comprehensive business plan that includes a mission statement.
  • Students will identify and analyze their target market effectively.
  • Students will evaluate the role of technology in their business plans and adapt them according to market trends.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1
Primary
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.Reason: Supports writing a business plan by articulating arguments and structuring supportive claims.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2
Primary
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.Reason: Essential for creating a clear and comprehensive business plan.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1
Secondary
Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues.Reason: Encourages collaboration and discussion in developing business ideas.
CCSS.MATH.CONSTRUCTOR.8
Supporting
Analyze and solve real-world problems involving quantitative data.Reason: Involves analyzing market trends and using data in business planning.

Next Generation Science Standards

NGSS.HS-ETS1-1
Supporting
Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution.Reason: Applicable in defining the criteria for a successful business plan.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Entrepreneurship Shark Tank

A local entrepreneur visits the class and shares a compelling story of their journey, including failures and successes. Students are then divided into teams and presented with a challenge to create a business concept in one hour, which they must pitch to a panel of 'Sharks' (other students or staff) for feedback.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Mission Statement Masterpiece

In this activity, students will learn the importance of a mission statement in guiding a business's vision and values. They will brainstorm ideas and topics that resonate with their entrepreneurial spirit, culminating in a powerful mission statement that reflects their goals.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce the concept of a mission statement. Discuss examples from well-known companies and what makes them effective.
2. Have students brainstorm their core values, interests, and what they want to achieve with their business.
3. Guide students to draft their mission statement using the sentence starter: 'Our mission is to...'. Encourage them to include their values and objectives.
4. Peer review: Students will share their mission statements with a partner for feedback and suggestions.
5. Have students revise their mission statements based on peer feedback and prepare final versions for presentation.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished mission statement that clearly conveys the business's purpose, values, and goals, ready to be showcased in their business plan.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with developing critical thinking and communication skills through W.9-10.1 (Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts).
Activity 2

Business Blueprint Builder

After crafting mission statements, students will create a comprehensive business plan. This plan will outline the business idea, market research, marketing strategies, and operational logistics necessary to bring their idea to life.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review the essential components of a business plan: executive summary, market analysis, organization structure, sales strategies, and financial projections.
2. Instruct students to research and analyze their target market, identifying customer demographics and competitors.
3. Guide them through creating each section of the business plan, starting with the executive summary, which includes their mission statement.
4. Encourage students to develop marketing strategies that align with their mission statement and determine how they will reach their audience.
5. Finally, students will create financial projections, outlining start-up costs, revenue expectations, and profit estimations.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA full-fledged business plan featuring market research, marketing strategies, operational plans, and financial projections, alongside their mission statement.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with developing analytical writing skills and project management through W.9-10.2 (Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly).
Activity 3

Pitch Perfect Presentation

In this culmination activity, students will present their business plan and mission statement to the class. Through this presentation, they will practice public speaking and persuasive techniques, acting as entrepreneurs selling their business concept.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Teach students the components of an effective pitch: introduction, problem identification, solution presentation, and compelling conclusion.
2. Students will organize their business plan into a presentation format, focusing on the most important aspects to entice potential investors.
3. Allow practice time where students can rehearse their pitches in small groups, providing constructive feedback to each other.
4. Set up a presentation day where students can showcase their plans, allowing time for Q&A after each presentation.
5. Have students self-reflect on their presentation skills and peer feedback to identify areas of strength and growth.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn engaging presentation of their business plan and mission statement, effectively utilizing persuasive techniques to communicate their business idea.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with the standards for effective communication and critical thinking skills through W.9-10.4 (Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience).
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Entrepreneurial Business Plan Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Mission Statement Clarity

Evaluates the clarity, coherence, and alignment of the mission statement with the students' business goals and values.
Criterion 1

Mission Statement Coherence

The mission statement clearly articulates the business's purpose and goals.

Exemplary
4 Points

The mission statement is clear, concise, and provides a strong guiding vision perfectly aligned with business goals.

Proficient
3 Points

The mission statement clearly aligns with the business's goals and values, providing an effective guiding vision.

Developing
2 Points

The mission statement mentions business goals but lacks full alignment or clarity in its purpose.

Beginning
1 Points

The mission statement is unclear and does not effectively convey the business's purpose or goals.

Criterion 2

Mission Critical Analysis

Evaluates the student's ability to critically analyze and refine their mission statement based on feedback.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional use of feedback to enhance the mission statement, integrating it seamlessly with strategic improvements.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively uses peer feedback to make meaningful improvements to the mission statement.

Developing
2 Points

Makes some changes based on feedback, but the mission statement remains somewhat unclear or misaligned.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows minimal or no integration of feedback, with little improvement to the mission statement.

Category 2

Business Plan Development

Assesses the comprehensive creation of a business plan, including clarity of ideas, market analysis, and financial planning.
Criterion 1

Business Plan Structure

Evaluates the organization and structure of the business plan.

Exemplary
4 Points

The business plan is exceptionally well-organized, with clear and logical progression of ideas and sections.

Proficient
3 Points

Well-organized business plan with clear progression and complete sections.

Developing
2 Points

The plan has some logical order but lacks consistency in structure and completion.

Beginning
1 Points

Poorly organized plan with missing sections and unclear ideas.

Criterion 2

Market and Financial Analysis

Assess the depth of market research and financial projections included in the plan.

Exemplary
4 Points

Includes comprehensive market research and financial projections that are realistic and well-integrated.

Proficient
3 Points

Market research and financial projections are thorough and relevant.

Developing
2 Points

Includes basic market and financial analysis but lacks depth or relevance.

Beginning
1 Points

Limited or irrelevant market research; financial projections are incomplete.

Category 3

Presentation and Communication Skills

Evaluates the effectiveness of communication during the business plan presentation.
Criterion 1

Presentation Clarity and Engagement

Measures the clarity and engagement level of the business plan presentation.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presentation is highly engaging, clear, and effectively communicates essential points to the audience.

Proficient
3 Points

Presentation is clear and covers major points thoroughly, maintaining audience interest.

Developing
2 Points

Presentation communicates basic ideas but lacks engagement or clarity at times.

Beginning
1 Points

Unclear presentation with minimal audience engagement.

Criterion 2

Peer and Self-Reflection

Assesses the ability to reflect on one's own presentation skills and implement feedback from peers.

Exemplary
4 Points

Shows deep reflection and effectively integrates peers' feedback into improved presentation techniques.

Proficient
3 Points

Reflects on feedback and integrates it into improving presentation skills.

Developing
2 Points

Limited reflection on feedback with some integration into future improvements.

Beginning
1 Points

Minimal reflection or integration of feedback regarding presentation skills.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on your journey of creating a business plan. What were the most challenging aspects, and how did you overcome them?

Text
Required
Question 2

On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident do you feel about creating a business plan using technology and market analysis?

Scale
Optional
Question 3

How do market trends influence the decisions you made in your business plan? Select the most relevant aspect.

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Customer demand
Competitor actions
Technological advancements
Economic conditions
Question 4

In what ways has developing a mission statement enhanced your understanding of the role of values in business?

Text
Optional
Question 5

Rate your teamwork and collaboration skills throughout this project. Were you able to communicate and collaborate effectively with your peers?

Scale
Optional