Objective

By the end of this lesson, Elijah will have a foundational understanding of basic business concepts, including entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial literacy. He will also create a simple business plan for a product or service he is passionate about, enhancing his creativity and critical thinking skills.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and pencil for note-taking and brainstorming.
• Markers or colored pencils for drawing and visualizing ideas.
• A timer (you can use a phone or clock) for timed activities.
• A space to work comfortably, free from distractions.

Before the lesson, it would be helpful for Elijah to think about a product or service he enjoys or is interested in. This will make the activities more engaging and relevant to him.

Activities

• Brainstorming Session: Start by having Elijah brainstorm different business ideas that excite him. Encourage him to think outside the box and consider products or services that solve problems or fulfill needs. Set a timer for 10 minutes to keep the session energetic!
• Create a Business Plan: Once he selects an idea, guide him through creating a simple business plan. He can outline the product/service, target audience, pricing strategy, and marketing ideas. Use a template or create headings on a blank sheet of paper to organize his thoughts.
• Marketing Pitch: Have Elijah prepare a short marketing pitch for his business idea. He can practice presenting it as if he were trying to convince someone to invest in his idea. Encourage him to think about what makes his business unique and why others would want to buy from him.
• Fun Role-Playing: Engage in a role-playing activity where you act as a potential customer and Elijah pitches his business idea to you. This will help him practice his communication skills and receive feedback on his presentation.

Talking Points

• "What do you think makes a business successful? Is it the product, the service, or something else?"
• "Can you think of a problem that needs solving? Businesses often start by addressing a need in the community!"
• "What is your favorite product or service? Why do you like it? This can help us understand target markets!"
• "How would you describe your business idea in one sentence? This is called an elevator pitch!"
• "What makes your idea different from others? Unique selling points are essential in business!"
• "How much do you think your product should cost? Pricing is a critical part of a business plan!"
• "Why is marketing important for a business? It helps people know about your product!"
• "If you could choose one social media platform to promote your business, which one would it be and why?"
• "What are some ways you could get feedback on your idea before launching it?"
• "How do you think you would handle a customer complaint? Good customer service is key!"
• "What are your goals for your business? Setting goals can help you stay focused!"
• "What did you enjoy most about creating your business plan today? Reflecting on the process helps improve future ideas!"