Build Your Own Business: Shark Tank Edition Due April 29th
at 1pm
Project Overview
In this assignment, you will create your own business idea and present it to a panel of “Sharks.” The Sharks will listen to your pitch, ask questions, and decide whether they would invest in your business. You may choose to work in teams of 2 or alone.
This activity will help you practice important workplace skills such as:
• Communication
• Public speaking
• Problem-solving
• Confidence and self-advocacy
• Planning and organization
• Professional presentation skills
Your business idea can be realistic or creative, but it should solve a problem or help people in some way.
Project Submission Options
Your project may be submitted in one of the following formats:
• Written document (Word document)
• PowerPoint presentation
• Poster board
• Audio recording
• Video recording
• Braille document
• Any format approved by the instructor
Students will also give a 1–2 minute presentation during the Shark Tank activity.
Part 1: Create Your Business
Include the following sections in your project.
1. Business Name
Choose a name for your business.
Explain:
- Why you chose this name
- What your business does
2. Mission Statement
Your mission statement explains the purpose of your business.
Answer:
- What problem does your business solve?
- Who does your business help?
Example:
“Our mission is to provide accessible technology training that helps seniors stay connected and independent.”
3. Vision Statement
Your vision statement describes what you hope your business will achieve in the future.
Answer:
- What impact do you want your business to have?
- What does success look like in the future?
Example:
“Our vision is to become a trusted technology resource for seniors across the community.”
4. Population Served
Describe the group of people your business will help.
Examples may include:
- Students
- Seniors
- Families
- People with disabilities
- Small businesses
- Pet owners
- Community members
Explain why your services would benefit them.
5. Product or Service
Describe what your business provides.
Examples:
- Tutoring services
- Cleaning services
- Technology training
- Clothing or handmade products
- Fitness coaching
- Transportation services
Explain how your product or service works.
6. Problem You Are Solving
Successful businesses solve problems.
Explain:
- What problem exists
- How your business helps solve that problem
Example:
“Many seniors struggle to learn how to use smartphones. My business provides simple technology lessons that help them feel confident using their devices.”
7. Skills Needed to Run the Business
What skills would someone need to run this business?
Examples:
- Communication
- Organization
- Customer service
- Technology skills
- Leadership
- Creativity
- Problem solving
Explain:
- Which skills are most important
- Which skills you already have
- Which skills you may need to develop
8. Accessibility and Inclusion
Explain how your business will make sure everyone can access your services, including people with disabilities.
Examples:
- Accessible website
- Screen reader compatible technology
- Physical accessibility
- Clear communication options
9. Marketing Plan
How will people learn about your business?
Examples:
- Social media
- Flyers
- Word of mouth
- Networking
- Community partnerships
- Website
Part 2: The Investment Ask
In the Shark Tank presentation, you must ask the Sharks for an investment.
10. Investment Amount
Answer:
How much money are you asking the Sharks to invest in your business?
Example amounts:
- $1,000
- $5,000
- $10,000
- $25,000
11. How Will the Money Be Used?
Explain how the investment will help start your business.
Example:
| Expense | Cost |
| Equipment | $3,000 |
| Supplies | $1,200 |
| Marketing | $800 |
| Website | $1,000 |
Students do not need exact numbers, but should show basic planning.
Part 3: Shark Tank Pitch
Students will give a 1–2 minute presentation to the Sharks.
Your pitch should include:
- Your name
- Your business name
- What your business does
- Who your business helps
- The problem your business solves
- Why your business is unique
- How much investment you are asking for
Example Pitch
“Hello Sharks, my name is Alex and I am the founder of Tech Access Solutions. My business helps seniors learn how to use smartphones and computers so they can stay connected with family and access important services.
Many seniors struggle with technology, and my business provides simple one-on-one training that builds confidence and independence.
Today I am asking for a $5,000 investment to purchase training equipment, marketing materials, and develop a website so I can begin serving clients in the community.”
Part 4: Shark Questions
After each pitch, the Sharks may ask questions such as:
• Why did you start this business?
• What problem does your business solve?
• Who are your customers?
• How will people find your business?
• What skills do you need to run your business?
• What challenges might you face?
• Why should we invest in your business?
Part 5: Shark Investment Decision
After the questions, the Sharks will decide:
“I’m In!” – The Shark would invest in your idea
“I’m Out.” – The Shark explains what could improve the idea
Each Shark will have a set amount of pretend money to invest in the businesses they believe in.
Evaluation Criteria
Students will be evaluated based on:
✔ Creativity
✔ Effort and completeness
✔ Clear explanation of the business idea
✔ Confidence during presentation
✔ Ability to answer questions
✔ Professional communication
✔ Answer all Reflection Questions
Part 6: Reflection Questions
After the activity, students will answer:
- What did you learn from creating your business idea?
- What was the most challenging part of the project?
- What skills did you use during the presentation?
- How is pitching a business similar to interviewing for a job?
