Small Business Design

DRIVING QUESTION:

How can I design a small business that has the potential for financial success in 2023 and beyond?

Project Overview:

In this project, students in Entrepreneurship 11/12 will be designing a small business that provides a service, creates a product, or plans an event. We will be meeting with many local entrepreneurs throughout the project. Students will work through designing a business plan over the course of many weeks and will learn the competencies in the course through the context of their project.

After approximately 2-3 months (in a linear course) of developing their business, they will be asked to perform a Dragon’s Den type presentation in front of an authentic audience (professionals who have previously communicated with the class). The group will provide feedback on the small business design (depending on class size) that they move forward with in the second half of the course. Then, the students will use the feedback to continue working on their business plan and preparing for funding requests through the ACS DLF. A date will be set for any major events to complete the project in a timely fashion.

All proceeds from the events/products and services will be either a) kept by the student entrepreneur or b) donated to an NPO of the students choosing.

“There were many celebrations throughout the project. Students were engaged in their businesses and were providing real needs for a real audience. They learned so much through the process of the project that helps to equip them for the future. I have to find a way to alter the project for kids who are not as motivated to start a business. There was a clear line between the kids who were all in on the project, and the kids who did very little. Unfortunately, there is little you can do when the project requires a ton of work outside of school for those who are struggling to keep up.”

Todd Bakker: ACS Teacher & Project Designer

Product/Presentation:

Small businesses

How has this engaged students in ACS’ mission and vision?

The idea of developing a small business from the ground up gives students an opportunity to develop independence and critical thinking skills that fall directly in line with our call to “engage minds and nurture hearts.” I also want to prepare future entrepreneurs with the skillset needed to fulfill their calling in a way that aligns their passions for business with our mission and calling to “shape God’s world.” I think this project provides opportunity for students to grow in many areas of their life.

How has this learning experience served or connected to our community?

Many of the entrepreneurs that we will visit as our way of preparing and understanding the elements of a good business plan have shared how their faith has shaped them in an ever-changing business world. We have had the opportunity to hear stories about the impact that a Christ-centered community can have on both employees and customers who recognize that something is different in the way a business operates. I hope that by giving students positive role models in the entrepreneurial community, they will be shaped and guided to do likewise in their future endeavours.

“I actually know much drive I have to do something I’m passionate about. Creating this business gave me something to be motivated and dedicated to building. Every time I think about the potential it has, I get so excited. If I was going to do something differently when I started, I would record my finances and receipts better.”

“In terms of successes, I think I’ve learned a lot about how to coach and structure a basketball camp or training clinic, and I have made valuable connections that will help me going forward.”

“I’ve learned so much through this project, what an amazing opportunity for a secondary student!”

“As we continued our business, we believe that we experienced success. Our photoshoot with the model who volunteered brought us nice photos to post on Instagram and since we gained a decent number of followers on our account. We believe that it is a quite huge success for us as we have seen the great potential that this business can possibly bring us in the future. “

Student Reflection