In this XP, you'll explore all of the different ways you can think/act/BE like an entrepreneur. Maybe you'll discover you already are one!

• Take a look at this list of entrepreneurial traits... do any of them sound familiar? Are there any you may want to work on?
• Research the history of your favorite company or organization. Who began it? How did they start?
• Learn about the 4 types of entrepreneurship. Can you think of any businesses you know for each type? Which type of business do you find most interesting?
• Knowing yourself well is often the first step to success. Consider these 5 types of entrepreneurs. Which type would you say you are?

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

Ask students to think of one person they consider to be an entrepreneur and answer the following questions:

• Which type of entrepreneurial business do they have?
• What is the business/service/product that this person offers?What kind of entrepreneur do you think they are?
• What makes them entrepreneurial?
• What is one thing they do that makes them successful?

For example, behind every great company is likely an even greater origin story. Listening, reading, and learning from their journeys can help us get a better understanding of the ups and downs of entrepreneurship... and there are plenty of those!

What is your favorite company? Do some research on the internet to find their history. Can't pick a favorite? There are many blogs, YouTube channels, and podcasts that tell the startup stories of many successful businesses. Explore a few stories and then head to the "submission requirement" section to complete this XP.

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

After learning about a start-up story (have students listen to an episode of this podcast: How I Built This Podcast). Ask students to think about the journey that the founder went through. Then answer the following questions:

• What was one major obstacle the founder(s) had to overcome?
• What decisions would you make in their position? How do they differ from the founder's decisions?
• What have you learned from this founder's story that you can use when you start your own business?

One of the first big steps after deciding to become an entrepreneur is developing the idea that's inspiring you. By taking the time to map out your idea you can begin to understand what steps to take next to lead you to success!

1. Consider the problem you're trying to solve. Most big ideas are successful because they recognize a problem in society and propose a solution. What challenge is your idea trying to solve?
2. Is it worth it? Another important question to consider is whether or not people will pay money for your product or service.
3. Research! Collect information about your proposed customers, competitors and the market your product or service will be in. Knowing these details can help you fine tune your idea.
4. How will you promote your product or service? For your business to take off, you'll need a way to spread the word to your customers. Advertisements, social media, and word of mouth are all efficient methods of promotion.
5. What resources do you need to get started? Now that you have a clearer vision of your product or service, do some more research to figure out what you'll need to finally get started!

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

Have students come up with an original idea. Then, help them expand upon it to get ready for the next step on the road to entrepreneurship! Ask students to answer the 5 questions in the description.

Additional Resource: https://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/en/developing-your-ideas/

In this XP, you’ll learn what the four types of businesses are, and learn how to start a sole proprietorship. You’re gonna wow your friends.

There are four basic ways to structure a business:

1. Sole proprietorship
2. Partnership
3. Limited liability company (LLC)
4. S or C corporation

Most businesses start out as sole proprietorships and many of them stay that way. Let’s focus on this structure.

Being a sole proprietor just means that you own and run the business, and there is no legal difference between you and it. The business debt - and the business profit - is all yours. It’s super simple to start a business this way: pick the name, register the name, get any licenses or permits needed.

Think of a business you’d like to start. Be as real or wild as you want and give it a great name. Now, let’s check to see if someone already has your great name. In Florida, Sunbiz.org is your resource for starting a business. It’s where you’ll check if your business name is available.

1. Go to Sunbiz.org
2. In the menu bar, click on "Search Records"
3. Under FICTITIOUS NAMES, click > "Fictitious Names"
4. In the "name" box, type in the name you picked
5. Click "Search"

Did your name show up? If not, it’s all yours! If it did, it may be taken. Click on a name to explore more about the business.

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

Get students familiar with Sunbiz.org by having them search for potential business names.

• if your future business name did not come up in the Sunbiz list, cool! Write it down.
• If your future business name did come up, include the STATUS code letter and explanation of what it means (you will have to click on the business name to see) the text box under the name.

The joy of creating your own business also comes with a lot of responsibility. However, unlike other superheroes who can hide behind a mask or a super suit, the success of your business is often tied with your ability to sell yourself and your ideas to others.

Maybe you have to pitch your idea to an audience of people, or maybe you're having a one-on-one conversation with someone who may be an important connection. Even though it can sometimes feel awkward to "sell" yourself to people, you gotta get comfortable with being uncomfortable in order to successfully spread your ideas and grow your business!

Check out the resources below to get an idea of what to think about when creating your message and your personal brand. Can you think of any speakers you admire? How do they get their message across to their audience?

The second part of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable has to with receiving feedback. When we have a really good idea or a business, it can be really hard to hear criticism or suggestions from others. But there is a lot we can learn from others as well! Check out this video on how to use feedback to your advantage.

Reflect: which ideas from the speaker stood out to you most? Remember what you learned because you will be putting yourself and your ideas out into the world to complete this XP!

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

It's time for students to share their voice and vision with the world. Ask students to do one of the following:

• Share your story in front of a live audience. Friends and family are definitely allowed and may give you great feedback! Talk about yourself, your experiences, and what you are passionate about.
• Record a video of yourself using Snapchat, Facebook Live, or YouTube Live. Make sure you share a little bit about yourself, your experiences, and what you are passionate about.

Resources for creating a personal brand:

• build an awesome personal brand
• 5 steps to building a personal brand

Make time for innovation

Expect Failure

Keep learning

Stay active

Create a positive circle

Break social norms

Don't wait for permission

Stay curious

Ask for help

Be responsible for all of your decisions

Welcome change

Have fun!

FOR THE INSTRUCTOR:

Explore the links above with students. Ask what stands out to students, which things they already incorporate into their lives and what they'd like to add new.