Form Teams: Divide the students into small groups and assign each group the task of creating a startup.
Brainstorming Session: Encourage students to brainstorm ideas for their startups. They should consider the target audience, the unique value proposition of their product or service, and how it addresses a real-world problem or need.
Develop a Business Plan: Each group should develop a comprehensive business plan. This plan should include:
Executive Summary
Business Description
Market Analysis
Product/Service Description
Marketing and Sales Strategy
Operations Plan
Financial Plan (budget, revenue projections, etc.)
Team Structure
Create a Pitch Presentation: Instruct each group to create a pitch presentation. The presentation should cover the key elements of their business plan and be designed to attract potential investors or customers. Emphasize the importance of clear communication and persuasion.
Pitch Day: Give each group an opportunity to present their startup pitch to the class. You can act as a panel of “investors” or invite guest speakers from the local business community to serve as judges. Encourage students to use visual aids, such as slides or prototypes, to enhance their presentations.
Q&A and Feedback: After each pitch, allow time for questions and feedback from both you and their peers. This encourages critical thinking and helps students refine their business ideas.
Reflection: Conclude the activity with a reflection session where students discuss what they learned from the process, including challenges faced, lessons learned, and how the experience relates to the themes in “The Social Network.”
