User Generated Education

I have done a social entrepreneurship unit with two groups of gifted students, grades 3rd through 6th. It was one of my favorite units . . . ever, and from their reactions, I believe it was one of theirs, too. I call it a perfect STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) unit – see https://usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com/2018/05/13/elementary-social-entrepreneurship-a-perfect-steam-lesson/ for more information about this unit.

The purpose of this post is to expand on this notion of social entrepreneurship to assist learners in developing a pitch as if they were promoting their product or service to potential funders on a show like Shark Tank for kids.

Standards Addressed

Framework for 21st Century Learning

Financial, Economic, Business, and Entrepreneurial Literacy

• Know how to make appropriate personal economic choices
• Understand the role of the economy in society
• Use entrepreneurial skills to enhance workplace productivity and career options

(http://www.battelleforkids.org/networks/p21/frameworks-resources)

Common Core State Standards – English Language Arts

Students employ technology thoughtfully to enhance their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language use. They tailor their searches online to acquire useful information efficiently, and they integrate what they learn using technology with what they learn offline. They are familiar with the strengths and limitations of various technological tools and mediums and can select and use those best suited to their communication goals.

(http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/introduction/students-who-are-college-and-career-ready-in-reading-writing-speaking-listening-language/)

ISTE Standards for Students

Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.  Students plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits.

(https://www.iste.org/standards/for-students)

Why Social Entrepreneurship

First, even though the “why” may not be part of their pitches, I want learners to know the whys and whats of social entrepreneurship. The first step of this lesson will be to have them review articles and videos on this topic, and compose a short summary in their own words that defines social entrepreneurship. For example, it can include:

A definition of social entrepreneurship is the act of creating a venture or business that can help solve social problems or benefit society. For children, this can mean creating things to sell, providing a special service, or organizing an event to earn money for a cause, resulting in what many experts call “social value” (Young Kids Need to Learn About Social Entrepreneurship).

Directions Given to Students

• As part of your social entrepreneurship challenge, the pitch you are developing for your social entrepreneurship business, you will need to demonstrate evidence of researching:
  • The meaning and intent of social entrepreneurship, in general.  
  • Successful social entrepreneurship ventures of young people (under the age of 18 and at least one from a culture other than a white, United States citizen),
  • Viable goods or services which your company plans to sell,
  • How to create a budget,
  • Possible nonprofit organizations or causes to whom you would donate the profits.

People pitch a business because they need resources. If the goal is to raise startup cash, the target of the pitch is an investor. Other businesses pitch to potential customers to sell their product. Finally, some organizations pitch because they need a partner or resource to help them accomplish their mission” (Business Pitch: Definition, Types & Importance).

• Your team’s presentation should be a 5 to 8 minute pitch for your social entrepreneurship startup which includes information about the product to be sold, the social cause that will be addressed, marketing plan as well as clearly explains what your company does, why it’s unique, and how it serves your customers.
• Your presentation should include a visual component in the form of a slide deck that showcases at least two of the following:
  • A company logo,
  • Sketch of the product(s) that will be sold,
  • Marketing flyer

Potential Resources for Students

Readings

• Why Schools Should Teach Entrepreneurship – https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/245038
• Young Kids Need to Learn About Social Entrepreneurship – https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/commentary-and-opinion/kids-and-social-entrepreneurship
• These Nine Organizations Are Turning Kids Into Entrepreneurs – https://www.inc.com/tom-foster/how-kids-become-entrepreneurs.htm

Videos

• Black Excellist: 10 Young Black Entrepreneurs & Millennials https://youtu.be/_XDI0nIZA68
• 2017 KidTrepreneur of the Year –  https://youtu.be/2HgiYAQnKc0
• Zymal Umar – Young Social Entrepreneur From Pakistan – https://youtu.be/iV5YKmvAjYE

Developing Your Pitch

• 11 Inspiring Examples of Social Entrepreneurs Pitching their Social Ventures –  https://www.plusacumen.org/journal/11-inspiring-examples-social-entrepreneurs-pitching-their-social-ventures
• The art of the pitch: How startup social enterprises pitch impact investors https://www.devex.com/news/the-art-of-the-pitch-how-startup-social-enterprises-pitch-impact-investors-88266
• Civic Creatives’ De Nichols offers the perfect tips for an unbeatable pitch. https://www.redbull.com/us-en/how-to-create-the-perfect-pitch
• The 30 Best Startup Pitches From This 25-Words-or-Less Facebook Competition – https://www.inc.com/dave-schools/the-30-best-startup-pitches-from-this-25-words-or-.html
• 30 Legendary Startup Pitch Decks And What You Can Learn From Them https://piktochart.com/blog/startup-pitch-decks-what-you-can-learn/