Economics 2008 Spring Business Project

You are going to open a new business. You have a great idea, but unfortunately you don't have very much money. You need to put together a business plan to attract investors. You know that a bank is going to want 10-25% of the loan for collateral and you don't have that much to put down. To raise money, you decide to look for a partner. This website will allow you to advertise your idea and attract money from investors. Your business plan will need to be good! You are in a competition with other investors and there are limited funds available.

When you are finished with your project you will reverse your role. You will be the partner looking for a good business to invest your money. You will want your money to go to a business that will be successful. Pick the one that looks like it has been well thought out and has the best chance for success. You will receive instructions for this on the last day of the activity for doing this.

This project will have four basic sections:

1. Business Outline:

   So just what exactly is your great idea? What is this business you want to open and what will it do? Please be very specific here. For example: don't tell me that you want to open a restaurant. Tell me what kind of restaurant. Is it fast food, upscale, ethnic, or comfort food? What role will your parner play in the business? Are you looking for someone to help you run the day-to-day operations, or are you looking for a silent partner? How much of the cut will you offer your partner(s).

    

    

    

2. The Hook:

   What will make this business different from others? Do you have a totally original idea that no one else is doing or do you have a way of doing business that will set you apart from everyone else. You must be specific here! Don't just tell me you will treat the customer right, tell me WHAT you will do differently. This portion of the project should draw a potential investors interest for your creativity. You are selling an idea or a dream!

    

    

3. Marketing Strategy:

   No business can succeed without advertising. The business that cannot afford advertising, cannot afford to be in business. What will you do to advertise? You can place advertisements on television, radio, and the Internet, You can print fliers, business cards, brochures. Successful businesses find creative ways to get messages to potential customers. Follow the link to a marketing worksheet to get you started. You are not confined to this worksheet!  You may be be as creative as you like, just make sure you base your plan on real data. You will also need to ome up with one example of an actual advertisement. It can be a newspaper ad, a billboard, a flier, or anything else.

   >>> Marketing Worksheet >>>

    

4. Financial Plan:

   This is an extremely important aspect of your business plan. Unfortunately for many business owners, it is often overlooked. Many people skip this part of planning because it is not the most exciting part of the process. Basically, you will be drawing up a budget for the startup of the business. How musch will the business cost to open. How much money is it projected to make? How long will it take to make a profit? Be carefull here! Many businesses fail because people don't understand that a business does not magically make a profit the day you open the doors. You need to plan to sustain losses for at least the first six months of your business. Some businesses can "float" themselves much sooner than others. Follow the link to a workseet to help you draw up a financial plan.

   >>> Financial Worksheet >>>

    

Business Marketplace:

Business listings will go here. You will be able to place a small banner here (800 pixels wide by 200 pixels tall) to advertise your business. The banner should have your business name, a logo, and a slogan.

2nd Period

Austin B

Melinda C

Alyssa C

Kristen E

Madeline E

Jorge F

Kacy G

Emily J

Brittany J

Natalie K

Sarah K

Allison M

Ashley M

Blake P

Kaci S

Stephanie S

Brian T

Zach V

Micheal W

3rd Period

Skyler A

Aaron A

Hillary C

Sierra C

John H

Dean H

Bailey H

Melissa H

Kayley J

Tanner K

Chris K

Kelli K

Nathen L

Erica M

Holly P

Libby P

Brittany R

Jared R

Katlyn Ri

Katelyn Ro

Tori S

Stephanie+Sh

Alexandra S

Samantha S

Luke W

Kalee Y

4th Period

 Alex B

Jacob B

Meredith C

Sarah C

Jonathon D

Dana D

Libby H

Jessica H

Krystal H

Liesel H

Audrey H

Ben J

Walt A

Ciara L

Brennen P

Whitney P

Corey P

Michael S

Alexander S

Joel T

last but not least,

Chris V