Syllabus: Next Gen Entrepreneurs
Course Overview:
This professional development series will equip educators with tools and strategies to cultivate entrepreneurial skills in students. Participants will learn how to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and business acumen, culminating in a school-wide business and sales event.
Session 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurial Mindsets
Objective: Understand the importance of developing entrepreneurial thinking in students.
Topics:
What is an entrepreneurial mindset?
The role of creativity, risk-taking, and innovation
Examples of youth entrepreneurship success stories
Activities:
Group brainstorming on entrepreneurial traits
Reflective journaling on personal entrepreneurial experiences
Presentation: Creating Entrepreneurs: Kevin Honeycutt
Deliverables: Reflection journal on fostering entrepreneurship in the classroom
Session 2: Identifying Problems and Designing Solutions
Objective: Teach students to identify problems and develop innovative solutions.
Topics:
Inventive thinking and entrepreneurial cycle
Identifying "needed" products/inventions
Encouraging curiosity and observation
Activities:
Group discussion on problem identification
Collaborative solution design challenges
Examples of inventive thinking/creation
Deliverables: Product creation plan/plans for classroom use
Session 3: Building a Business Plan
Objective: Guide students in creating basic business plans.
Topics:
Key components of a business plan
Setting goals, budgeting, and resource allocation
Pitching ideas effectively (shark tank training)
Activities:
Small group development of mock business plans
Peer feedback discussion
Interactive business pitch simulations
Deliverables: Draft business plan template for classroom activities
Session 4: Marketing and Branding
Objective: Teach students how to market and brand their ideas effectively.
Topics:
Basics of branding and marketing (telling good stories)
Leveraging social media and digital tools
Understanding customer engagement and outreach
Activities:
Designing mock advertisements
Group discussions on successful marketing strategies
The importance of financial literacy
Deliverables: Marketing plan template for student projects
Session 5: Financial Literacy and Budgeting for Entrepreneurs
Objective: Provide foundational knowledge in financial literacy and business budgeting.
Topics:
Basic budgeting and cost analysis
Revenue streams and pricing strategies
Honest cost accounting for entrepreneurs
Activities:
Budgeting exercises
Youth-led businesses
Interactive money management resources
Deliverables: Classroom budgeting activities & resources
Session 6: Student Business and Sales Event
Objective: Plan and execute a school-wide business and sales event showcasing student projects.
Topics:
Event planning and logistics
Engaging families and community stakeholders
Presentation and sales techniques
Activities:
Event planning workshop
Student project presentation practice
Organizing booth assignments and responsibilities
Deliverables: Comprehensive event plan and student project showcase
Assessment and Evaluation:
Participants will complete a final project, guiding students through the creation of a business plan and culminating in the execution of the school-wide sales event.
Resources:
Zoom calls with experts
Presentations from Kevin Honeycutt
Study examples and resources
Email today to set up to design your own transformational PD!