Social Impact Startup: Addressing Community Needs
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Social Impact Startup: Addressing Community Needs

College/UniversityOther7 days
In this project, college students develop a social impact startup to address a pressing social issue in their community. They identify a problem, create a sustainable business model, and write a comprehensive business plan with financial projections and marketing strategies. Students then pitch their social enterprise idea to a panel of judges and analyze the potential social and economic impact of their venture. The project emphasizes social responsibility, teamwork, and the application of business principles to create positive community change, culminating in a pitch and impact assessment report.
Social EntrepreneurshipCommunity NeedsBusiness ModelSocial ImpactBusiness PlanMarket ResearchFinancial Projections
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we develop a sustainable business model that effectively addresses a pressing social issue in our community and creates lasting positive change?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can a business model be used to create positive social change?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will identify a pressing social issue within their community.
  • Students will develop a sustainable business model to address the identified social issue.
  • Students will create a comprehensive business plan, including financial projections and marketing strategies.
  • Students will pitch their social enterprise idea to a panel of judges.
  • Students will analyze the potential social and economic impact of their proposed venture.
  • Students will understand the principles of social entrepreneurship.
  • Students will learn about different business models and their applicability to social enterprises.
  • Students will develop skills in market research, financial planning, and marketing.
  • Students will improve their presentation and communication skills.
  • Students will cultivate teamwork and collaboration abilities.
  • Students will develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
  • Students will understand the importance of social responsibility and ethical business practices.
  • Students will learn about the challenges and opportunities of starting a social enterprise.
  • Students will explore case studies of successful social enterprises.
  • Students will understand the legal and regulatory aspects of starting a business.
  • Students will learn about funding opportunities for social enterprises.
  • Students will network with local entrepreneurs and community leaders.
  • Students will reflect on their learning and personal growth throughout the project.
  • Students will understand the role of innovation and creativity in addressing social problems.
  • Students will learn about the importance of measuring and evaluating the impact of social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of community needs and assets.
  • Students will learn about different approaches to social change.
  • Students will explore the concept of sustainability in business and its relevance to social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in starting a social enterprise.
  • Students will learn about the importance of stakeholder engagement in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the challenges and opportunities of scaling a social enterprise.
  • Students will learn about the role of technology in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of collaboration and partnerships in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the role of advocacy in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of storytelling in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of leadership in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the role of mentors and advisors in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of continuous learning in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the importance of resilience in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of celebrating success in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the importance of giving back to the community in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of social justice in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the importance of environmental sustainability in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of economic development in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the importance of cultural diversity in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of global citizenship in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the importance of social innovation in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of systems thinking in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the importance of design thinking in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of lean startup methodology in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the importance of social impact investing in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of impact measurement in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the importance of social return on investment (SROI) in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of social entrepreneurship education in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the importance of social entrepreneurship ecosystems in social enterprises.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the importance of social entrepreneurship policy in social enterprises.
  • Students will learn about the importance of social entrepreneurship research in social enterprises.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Headline Challenge

A local news clip showcases a community problem (e.g., food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, environmental pollution). Students must analyze the root causes of the issue and brainstorm potential social enterprises that could offer sustainable solutions. This event sparks immediate interest by highlighting real-world problems and connects directly to the project's core goal of addressing a community need.

Community Immersion Challenge

Organize a 'community listening session' where students interview local residents, community leaders, and representatives from non-profit organizations to understand their needs and challenges. Students must identify a common thread or unmet need that could be addressed through a social enterprise. Connecting directly with the community helps students understand the real-world context of social problems and ensures that their projects are relevant and impactful.

Social Innovation Design Sprint

Launch a 'Social Innovation Design Sprint' where students, working in teams, generate rapid prototypes of social enterprise ideas to tackle a specific problem. The sprint culminates in a 'pitch day' where teams present their prototypes to a panel of judges for feedback. This fast-paced, hands-on activity encourages creativity, collaboration, and rapid iteration, aligning with the project's focus on entrepreneurship.

The Failure Turnaround

Present students with a 'failed' social enterprise case study. Analyze the reasons behind its failure, identifying key mistakes in the business model, marketing, or impact measurement. Challenge students to re-engineer the enterprise, creating a revised plan that addresses the shortcomings and increases the likelihood of success. Analyzing failures can be as insightful as studying successes, and this entry event promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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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

Problem Identification & Validation

Students conduct thorough research to identify a specific social problem within their community. They will use local data, news articles, and community reports to understand the scope and impact of the issue. The activity culminates in a problem statement that clearly articulates the social need their venture will address.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Explore local news sources, community reports, and government data to identify potential social problems.
2. Conduct a literature review to understand the background and context of the identified problem.
3. Analyze the data to determine the scope, impact, and affected population of the social issue.
4. Craft a clear and concise problem statement that articulates the social need the venture will address.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed problem statement, supported by research data and community insights, outlining the social issue the startup will address.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of identifying a pressing social issue within the community.
Activity 2

Business Model Blueprint

Students will explore various business models commonly used by social enterprises. They will analyze the revenue streams, cost structures, and value propositions of each model, and determine which one best fits their identified social problem. This activity includes creating a visual representation of their chosen business model.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research different business models used by social enterprises (e.g., B-Corp, non-profit, hybrid).
2. Analyze the revenue streams, cost structures, and value propositions of each model.
3. Determine which business model best fits their identified social problem and target population.
4. Create a business model canvas outlining the key components of their social enterprise.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive business model canvas outlining the key components of their social enterprise, including value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and cost structure.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of developing a sustainable business model and understanding different business models applicable to social enterprises.
Activity 3

The Social Enterprise Playbook

Students will create a detailed business plan for their social enterprise, including market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plans. They will conduct market research to understand their target population and competitive landscape. They will develop a marketing plan to reach their target audience and promote their social venture. They will also create financial projections, including revenue forecasts, expense budgets, and funding requests.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Conduct market research to understand the target population and competitive landscape.
2. Develop a marketing plan to reach the target audience and promote the social venture.
3. Create financial projections, including revenue forecasts, expense budgets, and funding requests.
4. Write an operational plan outlining the day-to-day operations of the social enterprise.
5. Compile all the components into a comprehensive business plan.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA complete business plan that includes an executive summary, market analysis, marketing plan, operational plan, financial projections, and funding request.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of creating a business plan, including financial projections and marketing strategies, and developing skills in market research, financial planning, and marketing.
Activity 4

Shark Tank: Social Impact Edition

Students will prepare and deliver a pitch for their social enterprise idea to a panel of judges. They will refine their presentation skills by practicing their pitch and receiving feedback from peers and mentors. They will work collaboratively to create a compelling presentation that showcases the social impact and financial sustainability of their venture.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Develop a pitch deck that includes key information about the social problem, proposed solution, business model, and financial projections.
2. Practice the pitch and receive feedback from peers and mentors.
3. Refine the pitch based on feedback and rehearse the presentation.
4. Deliver the pitch to a panel of judges and answer their questions.
5. Record the presentation for future reference and sharing.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished pitch deck and a recorded presentation, showcasing the social impact and financial sustainability of their venture.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of pitching their social enterprise idea, improving presentation skills, and cultivating teamwork and collaboration abilities.
Activity 5

Impact Assessment & Measurement

Students will analyze the potential social and economic impact of their proposed venture. They will identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the social and economic outcomes of their social enterprise. They will develop a plan for collecting and analyzing data to track their progress and demonstrate their impact.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the social and economic outcomes of the social enterprise.
2. Develop a plan for collecting and analyzing data to track progress and demonstrate impact.
3. Estimate the potential social and economic benefits of the social enterprise based on the collected data.
4. Write an impact assessment report outlining the potential benefits and a plan for measuring impact.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn impact assessment report outlining the potential social and economic benefits of their social enterprise and a plan for measuring and evaluating their impact.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of analyzing the potential social and economic impact of their proposed venture and understanding the importance of measuring and evaluating the impact of social enterprises.
Activity 6

Reflections & Scaling Strategies

Students will reflect on their learning and personal growth throughout the project. They will write a reflective journal documenting their experiences, challenges, and insights. They will also explore the challenges and opportunities of scaling a social enterprise and develop a plan for expanding their venture in the future.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Write a reflective journal documenting experiences, challenges, and insights throughout the project.
2. Research the challenges and opportunities of scaling a social enterprise.
3. Develop a plan for expanding the venture in the future, considering potential challenges and opportunities.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective journal documenting their experiences, challenges, and insights, and a plan for scaling their social enterprise in the future.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of reflecting on their learning and personal growth throughout the project and understanding the challenges and opportunities of scaling a social enterprise.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Social Impact Startup Portfolio Evaluation

Category 1

Problem Identification & Validation

Evaluates the ability to identify and articulate a pressing community issue based on thorough research and data analysis.
Criterion 1

Clarity of Problem Statement

Assesses the coherence and precision of the problem statement developed based on research findings.

Exemplary
4 Points

The problem statement is exceptionally clear, concise, and directly supported by comprehensive research data and community insights.

Proficient
3 Points

The problem statement is clear and well-supported by research data and community insights.

Developing
2 Points

The problem statement is somewhat vague and supported by limited research data.

Beginning
1 Points

The problem statement lacks clarity and is minimally or not supported by research data.

Criterion 2

Research Depth and Rigor

Measures the extent and thoroughness of research conducted to validate the social issue.

Exemplary
4 Points

Research is exhaustive and involves diverse sources including news reports, community data, and academic literature.

Proficient
3 Points

Research is substantial and involves a good variety of sources but lacks some diversity.

Developing
2 Points

Research includes basic sources and lacks depth and variety.

Beginning
1 Points

Research is minimal or incorrect, involving few or inappropriate sources.

Category 2

Business Model Development

Assesses the creation and practicality of the business model developed for the social enterprise.
Criterion 1

Business Model Canvas Completeness

Evaluates the detailed inclusion of all necessary components in the business model canvas.

Exemplary
4 Points

Canvas is comprehensive, with all elements detailed thoroughly and interconnections clearly articulated.

Proficient
3 Points

Canvas includes most elements with good detail, and some interconnections are articulated.

Developing
2 Points

Canvas includes several elements but lacks detail and clear interconnections.

Beginning
1 Points

Canvas is incomplete with many missing elements and lacks clarity.

Criterion 2

Alignment with Social Problem

Measures how well the business model is aligned with addressing the identified social issue.

Exemplary
4 Points

The business model aligns perfectly with the social issue, addressing it innovatively and comprehensively.

Proficient
3 Points

The business model aligns well with the social issue and addresses it adequately.

Developing
2 Points

The business model aligns partly with the social issue but addresses it insufficiently.

Beginning
1 Points

The business model does not align with the social issue effectively.

Category 3

Business Plan and Strategy

Evaluates the completeness and quality of the business plan, financial planning, marketing strategy, and operational planning.
Criterion 1

Comprehensiveness of Business Plan

Assesses the extent to which the business plan addresses all key components (market analysis, financials, marketing, operations).

Exemplary
4 Points

Business plan thoroughly addresses all components, showcasing comprehensive planning and strategic insight.

Proficient
3 Points

Business plan addresses most components adequately, indicating good planning.

Developing
2 Points

Business plan addresses some components but lacks depth and comprehensiveness.

Beginning
1 Points

Business plan is incomplete with many missing components.

Criterion 2

Quality of Financial Projections

Gauge the accuracy and realism of financial projections provided in the business plan.

Exemplary
4 Points

Financial projections are highly realistic, well-supported by market analysis, and detail-oriented.

Proficient
3 Points

Financial projections are realistic and generally well-supported by market data.

Developing
2 Points

Financial projections are somewhat realistic but lack detail and support.

Beginning
1 Points

Financial projections are unrealistic or poorly supported.

Category 4

Pitch and Presentation

Assesses the delivery, content, and persuasiveness of the social enterprise pitch presentation.
Criterion 1

Effectiveness of Pitch Delivery

Evaluates presentation skills demonstrated during the pitch, including engagement, clarity, and professionalism.

Exemplary
4 Points

Pitch is engaging, clear, and professional, capturing audience interest and demonstrating excellent communication skills.

Proficient
3 Points

Pitch is clear and professional, demonstrating good communication skills.

Developing
2 Points

Pitch is somewhat clear, with a few communication skill shortcomings.

Beginning
1 Points

Pitch lacks clarity and professionalism, with significant communication gaps.

Criterion 2

Content and Structure

Analyzes the logical arrangement and completeness of the content shared in the pitch deck.

Exemplary
4 Points

Content is logically structured, comprehensive, and convincingly argues for the social enterprise's feasibility and impact.

Proficient
3 Points

Content is well-structured and covers the essential components required.

Developing
2 Points

Content is partially structured, missing some essential components.

Beginning
1 Points

Content lacks structure and is missing multiple key components.

Category 5

Impact Assessment

Evaluates the development and potential effectiveness of the impact assessment plan.
Criterion 1

Detail and Feasibility of Assessment Plan

Measures how well students articulate a detailed and feasible plan for impact assessment.

Exemplary
4 Points

Assessment plan is thorough, detailing clear, feasible methods and KPIs for measuring social impact.

Proficient
3 Points

Assessment plan details feasible methods and KPIs, though lacking some depth.

Developing
2 Points

Assessment plan is somewhat feasible and lacks clear methods and KPIs.

Beginning
1 Points

Assessment plan is vague with unrealistic methods and unclear KPIs.

Category 6

Reflection and Growth

Evaluates the depth and insightfulness of students’ reflections on their learning experience and plans for future scaling of the enterprise.
Criterion 1

Reflection Insightfulness

Assesses the depth of insight and critical thinking reflected in the journal entries concerning personal and team experiences.

Exemplary
4 Points

Reflections are insightful, showing profound understanding and critical analysis of personal and team development.

Proficient
3 Points

Reflections show good understanding and analysis of personal and team development.

Developing
2 Points

Reflections show limited understanding and analysis of personal and team experiences.

Beginning
1 Points

Reflections lack insight and depth, with minimal analysis.

Reflection Prompts

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

What was the most significant challenge you faced while developing your social impact startup, and how did you overcome it?

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Question 2

How has your understanding of social entrepreneurship evolved as a result of this project?

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Question 3

To what extent do you believe your social enterprise could create a lasting positive change in your community? (Scale 1-5)

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Question 4

What new skills or knowledge did you gain during this project that you believe will be most valuable to you in the future?

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Question 5

If you had the opportunity to continue working on this social enterprise, what is one key area you would focus on improving or developing further?

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