Course 2: Entrepreneurship for Teens — From Idea to Action
Level: Intermediate
Format: Self-paced course with 5 lessons
Duration: 6–8 hours
Outcome: You will understand how to validate a business idea, test it, and begin building your first real project.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will:
- Know what it means to be an entrepreneur
- Understand how to validate a business idea and test it with real people
- Learn how to create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Build your first “teen business plan”
- Gain the mindset to overcome fear and start
Lesson 1: What Is an Entrepreneur?
Theory:
An entrepreneur is someone who creates value by taking a risk. They don’t just dream — they act. Entrepreneurs see problems and ask: “What if I could fix this?”
Traits of a Teen Entrepreneur:
- Curious
- Brave
- Creative
- Persistent
- Willing to fail and try again
Teen Case Study:
Aliya, 14, noticed that her classmates struggled to save money. She created “Smart Teen Budget” — a weekly budget planner with stickers. She printed 50 copies, sold out, then reinvested profits into a digital version.
Activity:
Write down 3 times you fixed a problem — even a small one. That’s the mindset of an entrepreneur!
Lesson 2: How to Test Your Business Idea
Theory:
You can’t build a business just on a “cool” idea. You need to ask:
- Does this solve a real problem?
- Would people pay for it?
- Can I actually make it?
Validation Steps:
- Talk to 5–10 people in your target audience
- Ask open questions:
- “Have you ever faced this problem?”
- “How do you solve it now?”
- “Would you pay for this idea?”
- Adjust your idea based on feedback
Example:
Your idea: sell custom phone cases. Validation: Everyone says they want grip + drop protection, not just pretty designs. Now you focus on function + fashion.
Assignment:
Interview 3 people in your target group. Write their responses and what you learned.
Lesson 3: Build a Simple MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Theory:
An MVP is the simplest version of your product that people can use, buy, or try. Don’t wait until everything’s perfect — start small and real.
MVP Ideas for Teens:
- Canva poster of your product
- Free sample service (1-hour tutoring, design help, etc.)
- Google Form to collect orders
- Demo version of an app using Adalo
Mindset Shift:
You don’t need a perfect product. You need a real start.
Assignment:
Choose an idea and describe your MVP: what it looks like, how you’ll test it, and when you’ll launch it.
Lesson 4: Your First Business Plan (Teen Edition)
Theory:
A business plan doesn’t need to be 20 pages long. It needs to answer 6 smart questions.
The 6-Sentence Teen Biz Plan:
- My product/service is…
- It helps people who…
- They face this problem…
- My solution is unique because…
- I will earn money by…
- I will test my idea by…
Example:
“I sell illustrated study planners for teens who struggle to organize homework. Many feel stressed and unmotivated. My planners use bright design and daily goals. I’ll sell on Instagram and get feedback from friends.”
Assignment:
Fill out your own 6-sentence plan. (Use it later for a pitch or presentation!)
Lesson 5: From Fear to First Step
Theory:
Most teen businesses never start — not because the idea is bad, but because the founder is scared. Fear of judgment, failure, or not being “ready.”
How to Fight Fear:
- Start small (1 product, 1 post, 1 friend)
- Celebrate every step
- Talk to a mentor or peer
- Remember: failure is data, not defeat
Real Advice from Teen Entrepreneurs:
- “You don’t need to know everything. You just need to start.”
- “Every ‘no’ taught me how to make a better offer.”
- “Posting the first story was scary, but then it felt amazing.”
Assignment:
Write down:
- One fear you have
- One small step you can take today
- One person you can tell about your idea
Final Project: Your Launch Plan
Instructions:
Create a one-page launch plan with:
- Your business name + what you sell
- A short description of your target customer
- MVP details (how they’ll test it)
- Price + where you’ll sell (IG, school, site)
- What your first post, product, or pitch will be
