Purpose

Students will work together to create a simple business plan that their team can follow throughout the project. This plan will help them clearly understand their idea and explain it to others.

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a document that explains what a business or project is, why it exists, and how it will operate. It helps both the team and outside supporters understand the organization.

Our business plan has five main sections:

1. Introduction – Explains why the business or project was created and what problem it addresses

2. Team (Human Resources) – Describes who is involved and why they are a good fit

3. Budget – Shows what money is needed and how it will be raised

4. Marketing – Explains how the project will reach and communicate with others

5. Logistics – Outlines the supplies, materials, and support needed to operate the project

Understanding each of these sections helps your group see the project as a whole and confidently talk about it with others.

This activity works best early in the project process because it introduces key business functions and vocabulary that will be used throughout the course.

Supplies

• 5 sheets of poster paper

• Markers

Directions

1. Write one section of the business plan at the top of each poster paper using the headings below.

2. Divide the class into five groups.

3. Each group will spend 7 minutes at a poster brainstorming answers to the questions.

4. When time is up, groups rotate to the next poster and add new ideas.

5. At the end of the activity, the class will use the ideas from all posters to create one shared business plan document.

Business Plan Sections & Guiding Questions

Introduction

• What is our purpose?

• What problem are we trying to address?

• What is our solution?

Team

• Who are we?

• Why are we a good fit for this project?

Logistics

• What do we need to complete our project, and why?

• Where can we source these materials or resources?

• Who can help us with our project, and why?

Budget

• What do we need to spend money on?

• How will we raise the money?

• What are some fundraising ideas?

Marketing

• Who is our target market or audience?

• How can we learn more about them? (focus groups, interviews, surveys)

• How will we communicate with them?

• Who is our competition?