lenny

Ready to Launch Your Business?

user image

Lesson Plan

Business Idea Brainstorm Blueprint

Guide students to identify personal passions and translate them into viable business ideas through brainstorming and discussion, culminating in a written reflection of their top concept.

This lesson cultivates entrepreneurial mindsets by linking self-awareness to real-world problem solving. Students practice critical thinking, collaboration, and creative ideation—key skills for future career readiness.

Audience

8th Grade Class

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Passion-driven, hands-on ideation and reflection

Materials

Entrepreneurship 101 Presentation, Passion Mapping Activity, Your Dream Business Discussion, Idea Reflection Prompt, Chart Paper and Markers, Sticky Notes, and Pens and Paper

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Passion Mapping

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Passion Mapping Activity to each student
  • Ask students to list three activities or topics they love
  • Have them connect each passion to potential problems or needs
  • Circulate to prompt deeper connections

Step 2

Mini-Lecture: Entrepreneurship 101

10 minutes

  • Present the Entrepreneurship 101 Presentation
  • Define entrepreneurship and discuss successful teen-led ventures
  • Highlight how passions can inspire business ideas
  • Pause for quick Q&A to clarify concepts

Step 3

Discussion: Your Dream Business

10 minutes

  • Organize students into small groups of 3–4
  • Provide groups with the Your Dream Business Discussion prompts
  • Each student shares one passion-based business idea
  • Groups give constructive feedback and vote on the most promising idea

Step 4

Brainstorm Activity: Idea Generation

15 minutes

  • On chart paper, each group lists 5–7 refined business ideas based on feedback
  • Encourage creative naming and basic value propositions
  • Groups post their charts around the room
  • Conduct a gallery walk: students leave sticky-note comments on peers’ charts

Step 5

Cool-Down: Idea Reflection

5 minutes

  • Hand out the Idea Reflection Prompt
  • Students individually write a short reflection on their top business idea: purpose, target customers, and next steps
  • Collect reflections for formative assessment
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Entrepreneurship 101

• What you’ll learn:

  1. Definition of entrepreneurship
  2. Inspiring teen entrepreneurs
  3. Connecting passion to business
  4. Brainstorming basics

Welcome students! Introduce today’s mini-lecture: Entrepreneurship 101. Explain that we’ll define entrepreneurship, look at real teen examples, and explore how passions can spark business ideas. Encourage questions.

Agenda

  1. Define Entrepreneurship
  2. Why It Matters
  3. Teen Entrepreneur Examples
  4. Linking Passion to Business
  5. Brainstorming Steps
  6. Quick Partner Discussion

Briefly run through the agenda so students know the flow. Keep this slide to two minutes.

What Is Entrepreneurship?

• Starting and running a venture to:
– Solve real problems
– Create value for customers
– Earn profit and make impact
• Involves creativity, planning, and persistence

Define entrepreneurship clearly. Emphasize risk-taking, creativity, and solving problems. Invite a quick raise of hands: who knows someone with their own business?

Why Become an Entrepreneur?

• Develop critical thinking & creativity
• Gain real-world experience
• Solve community or global problems
• Flexibility and independence
• Potential to earn while learning

Highlight why entrepreneurship matters to students’ futures. Relate to skills they already use: teamwork, creativity, responsibility.

Teen Entrepreneur Success Stories

• Moziah Bridges (Mo’s Bows): handmade bow ties sold nationwide
• Mikaila Ulmer (Me & the Bees Lemonade): sweet lemonade business using local honey
• Nick D’Aloisio (Summly): mobile news app acquired by Yahoo

Share three concise stories. Ask volunteers: Which example surprised you?

Linking Passion to Business

  1. Identify what you love
  2. Spot problems or needs in that area
  3. Brainstorm products or services to solve them

Explain the formula: Passion + Problem = Business Idea. Use a quick on-the-spot example: a student loves skateboarding and notices no safe local ramps—could design portable ramps.

Brainstorming Basics

• Step 1: List your top passions
• Step 2: Note challenges or gaps related to each passion
• Step 3: Combine passion + solution into an idea

Walk students through the three-step brainstorming process. Tell them they’ll practice this in the upcoming group discussion.

Partner Discussion

Think of ONE passion you have.
• Brainstorm one business idea solving a related problem.
• Write a short value proposition (Who? What?).
• Share your idea with your partner and get feedback.

Set clear directions. Give students 2 minutes to jot ideas, then 3 minutes to share with a partner.

What’s Next?

• Group Discussion: Your Dream Business
• Collaborative Brainstorm on chart paper
• Gallery Walk & Feedback
• Individual Reflection

Preview next steps: the full group discussion and chart-paper activity. Remind students this mini-lecture sets them up for the brainstorm ahead.

lenny

Warm Up

Passion Mapping Activity

Instructions

  1. Think about three activities, hobbies, or topics you love.
  2. For each passion, identify a problem, challenge, or need you notice.
  3. Use the space below to record your ideas.

Passion 1: What I Love







Problem/Need I Notice:







Passion 2: What I Love







Problem/Need I Notice:







Passion 3: What I Love







Problem/Need I Notice:







lenny
lenny

Discussion

Your Dream Business Discussion

Group Instructions

  • Form groups of 3–4 students.
  • Each student takes turns sharing their passion-based business idea.
  • Use the prompts below to guide your conversation.

Discussion Prompts

  1. Passion & Problem: What passion did you choose? What problem or need does it address?

  2. Idea Overview: Describe your business idea. What product or service will you offer?

  3. Target Customers: Who would benefit most from your idea? Why?

  4. Value Proposition: What makes your idea unique or valuable?

Feedback Guidelines

  • Ask one clarifying question: e.g., “Can you explain how it works?”
  • Give one positive comment: highlight something you like.
  • Offer one suggestion: propose one way to improve or refine the idea.

Follow-Up Questions

  • What could you name your business?
  • How might you reach or market to your customers?
  • What challenges might you face, and how could you overcome them?
  • What resources or skills will you need to make this idea a reality?

Use these prompts to deepen your discussion and help classmates refine their ideas. Good luck!

lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Idea Reflection Prompt

Take a moment to reflect on the business idea you developed today. Write thoughtful responses to each prompt below.

1. Your Top Business Idea

Write the name of your idea and describe it in one or two sentences.







2. Purpose & Impact

What problem does your idea solve, and why is it important? How will it make a difference for your customers?







3. Target Customers

Who are the people most likely to use or buy your product/service? Explain why they need it.







4. Next Steps

List three specific steps you will take to move your idea forward (e.g., research cost, create a prototype, find partners).











lenny
lenny
Ready to Launch Your Business? • Lenny Learning