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40 Startup Business Ideas to Try in 2024

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Aspiring entrepreneurs are often one brilliant startup business idea away from becoming their own boss. Of course, brilliance is easier said than done when starting a business .

The best startup ideas have business plans that solve a problem, meet an unmet demand or improve upon something already on the market — if not all of the above. Here are 40 ideas to help get your wheels turning as you look to bring a company to life.

40 best startup business ideas

Even startup ideas that seemingly come out of left field can yield incredible success. Read through this list for instant inspiration.

1. Create educational content or activities

Parents are always looking for tools and activities to keep their kids entertained and engaged. Printable activity guides for different age groups, home-school lesson plans or even virtual nature walks or story time could all be viable startup ideas.

2. Offer virtual team-building

Companies need new ways to boost morale and build camaraderie among remote and hybrid teams. Enter the virtual team-builder. Cheesemongers, mixologists, chefs, magicians, artists, historians, master gardeners — almost anyone can create and offer bonding experiences for virtual companies.

3. Start a meal-prep business

The U.S. market for meal kits is expected to grow 14.2% annually between 2023 and 2030, according to market analysis by Grand View Research [0] Grand View Research . Meal Kit Delivery Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Offering (Heat & Eat, Cook & Eat), By Service (Single, Multiple), By Platform (Online, Offline), Meal Type (Vegan, Vegetarian), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030 . Accessed Feb 21, 2024. View all sources . Tap into that market and start a meal-prep service to make people’s lives easier and cater to specialized diets (keto, vegan, Whole30).

4. Create a food waste solution

Creating a startup focused on reducing food waste could not only earn you some serious funding, but also positively change the food system and help save grocery stores and restaurants money.

5. Capitalize on plant-based foods

The U.S. plant-based market was worth $8 billion in 2022, with sales of plant-based foods projected to climb 44% over three years, according to the most recent annual report from the Good Food Institute [0] Good Food Institute . U.S. retail market insights for the plant-based industry . Accessed Feb 21, 2024. View all sources . Creating a vegan supermarket or making meat-free versions of traditional foods could be the ticket to success for aspiring entrepreneurs.

6. Start a dropshipping business

The e-commerce business model of dropshipping is especially attractive because it doesn’t require you to purchase inventory upfront. Selling higher-end products with low shipping costs could become profitable quickly if you do thorough competition research.

» MORE: 25 low-cost business ideas

7. Curate subscription boxes

Subscription boxes were a $32.9 billion business globally in 2023 (up from $22.7 billion in 2021), and the industry is still set to grow, according to a market research report by the International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group [0] International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group . Subscription Box Market Report by Type (Replenishment Subscription, Curation Subscription, Access Subscription), Gender (Male, Female), Application (Clothing and Fashion, Beauty, Food and Beverages, Pet Food, Baby Products, Health and Fitness, and Others), and Region 2024-2032 . Accessed Feb 21, 2024. View all sources . Pick a niche, and then curate a collection of specialized goods to deliver unique experiences to consumers. Some subscription boxes focus on a mix of products, like makeup or dog toys; others focus on a single item or theme, like shaving or sustainability. Find the right starting point for you and run with it.

Ready to get started? Here's what to do next

Open a business bank account.

Start keeping the books.

Build your website.

Protect yourself from liability.

8. Create an airport-centric app

Creating an all-in-one app that allows travelers tonavigate unfamiliar airports with real-time information is a relatively untapped startup idea. Though various travel applications exist, an app that shows amenities, TSA line wait times, ground transportation options and airport maps could be useful to passengers.

9. Become a destination wedding planner

Planning a wedding is stressful; planning a wedding from afar could fray any couple’s nerves. That creates a niche for a destination wedding planner who can advise on venue and vendor selections, as well as manage wedding and travel logistics for the bridal party and guests. If you love exploring, have expertise in a popular wedding locale and are great under pressure, this could be the startup idea for you.

10. Make local guides

Even if you don’t consider yourself a local expert, creating local guides can get you familiar with your surroundings and help tourists enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences in your area. Make themed guides, highlight attractions and partner with local businesses for advertising opportunities.

» MORE: 25 side business ideas

11. Create a local grocery delivery service

A grocery delivery startup can come with minimal setup costs — you only need a vehicle and a cell phone to get started. Help older people or others who are too busy to shop by offering this community-friendly service. You can even approach grocery stores in your area to see if they're willing to partner with you to get the service off the ground.

12. Start a virtual event planning company

Virtual event planning is a new booming business as in-person gatherings go online or take a hybrid approach. A skilled planner who can ensure all attendees are engaged, regardless of location, will be in high demand for years to come.

» MORE: Best business credit cards for LLCs

13. Sell zero-waste products

Starting a zero-waste company is more than just a trendy thing to do; it can be an ethical, environmentally conscious decision. Selling sustainable products such as reusable bags, bamboo toothbrushes or products with zero-waste packaging could appeal to a growing number of sustainability-focused consumers.

14. Make products for pets

Create innovative pet products to take advantage of the fact that 66% of U.S. households (about 86.9 million households) have at least one animal companion, according to the annual pet ownership survey by the American Pet Products Association [0] American Pet Products Association . Industry Trends and Stats . View all sources . Developing toys, accessories or clothing for furry friends can help you tap into that expansive market. You can also go the service route and offer pet sitting, walking or virtual dog training. Or develop an app or tech solution that makes pet parents’ lives easier.

15. Create custom clothing

Selling custom clothing or offering a tailoring service could be your winning startup idea. The custom clothing industry is gaining popularity and offers room for long-term growth.

» MORE: How to open an Etsy shop

16. Sell vintage clothing online

Demand for sustainable fashion has helped propel second-hand clothing into a $39 billion industry in the U.S. with projections to hit $70 billion by 2027, according to an annual resale report by online consignment company ThredUp [0] ThredUp . ThredUp Resale Report 2023 . View all sources . Consider selling thrifted, vintage or upcycled clothing on social media, an ecommerce platform or an app such as ThredUp or Poshmark.

17. Begin niche blogging

Find a niche (think e-sports or urban farming) and create engaging content around it. You can earn money through advertising, affiliate links and even product sales once you build an audience.

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18. Become an e-book writer

If you’ve got a way with words, consider becoming a self-published author and selling e-books on virtual platforms.

» MORE: 14 profitable e-commerce business ideas

19. Start ghostwriting

Create content for busy professionals who don’t have the time or the skill to write themselves. If you don’t mind not attaching your name to your writing, ghostwriting is a great way to earn money with little to no startup costs attached.

20. Become a resume writer

Everyone needs a resume, but few people are skilled at or enjoy writing their own. If you’ve got writing experience and are looking to launch a startup with no setup costs, creating a resume-writing service could be the path for you.

21. Open a coworking space

Capitalize on the rising popularity of remote work by creating a modern coworking space that addresses pain points of entrepreneurs. Pick a convenient location and build it out with highly sought-after amenities.

» MORE: 35 businesses that every community needs

22. Become an online coach

If you enjoy helping others achieve their goals and are a people person, this startup idea could be fulfilling for yourself and for your clientele. You can provide wellness, business or life coaching.

23. Flip failing websites

Buy an existing website, make improvements on it and sell it for a profit. You’ll need to understand the market well and have some web development skills, but this can be a profitable pursuit.

24. Become a web developer

The need for custom websites isn’t ever going away, and if you know your way around WordPress or know a programming language or two, you can start a profitable website development startup.

25. Start a podcast

If you’re deeply knowledgeable or passionate about a subject, consider getting into podcast production or hosting. Building an audience takes time, but once established, podcasters can earn money through affiliate marketing, donations and sponsorships.

26. Be a social media influencer

Once you find a niche and build a personal brand, amassing a large following on Instagram or YouTube can lead to a solid source of income through influencer marketing.

» MORE: 30 Instagram business ideas

27. Create online courses

Obscure hobbies can lead to lucrative business ideas if you make them easy for others to learn. If you’d like to teach others but aren’t interested in the coaching route, creating an online course could lead to reliable passive income.

28. Become a marketing consultant

If you’ve got digital marketing chops, help small businesses reach their target audiences by providing SEO, social media or copywriting services.

29. Develop an app

If you’ve got a unique idea and the necessary technical skills, creating an app could be your gold mine. It’s also possible to build an app without extensive coding skills, and once it launches, it can bring in passive earnings.

» MORE: 25 tech business ideas

30. Make a smart appliance

Smart accessories and home appliances are all the rage and becoming an important part of daily life for the average consumer. For inspiration, take note of daily tasks at home or at work that would be easier with a smart appliance.

31. Tap into virtual reality experiences

VR is the future, and the future is now. Create virtual reality experiences or accessories to tap into a global industry that’s projected to grow to a $165.91 billion market by 2030, according to a report by Fortune Business Insights [0] Fortune Business Insights . The global virtual reality market size was valued at $19.44 billion in 2022 & is projected to grow from $25.11 billion in 2023 to $165.91 billion by 2030... Read More at:- https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/virtual-reality-market-101378 . View all sources , a market research firm.

32. Make a niche dating site

The stigma around online dating has decreased over the past decade, so take the opportunity to help others find love. With various dating sites targeted to everyone from sea captains to farmers, there is market demand for specialty dating options.

33. Develop a chatbot

Create a chatbot — which uses artificial intelligence to communicate with people — to help businesses improve their communication. Chatbots have become more popular in recent years, and you can create one without knowing how to code.

34. Offer matchmaking skills

This is like creating a dating site but with a personal touch. If you have a knack for knowing what types of people and which personalities get along well, you might be the perfect person to start matchmaking. You can do this online or meet clients in person as well.

35. Be a virtual assistant

Being an online assistant for someone, or starting a company of virtual assistants, can be a huge success. Everyone could use a little extra help, and creating a startup focused around getting people that help for the administrative tasks in their lives, professional or personal, can be a huge moneymaker.

» MORE: Home-business ideas: 40 remote jobs to explore

36. Reinvent exercising

If there's one thing people get bored with, it's doing the same type of exercise day in and day out to stay healthy. Plenty of people have turned the exercise industry on its head, with businesses like CrossFit and Peloton popping up. You can do the same if you have an idea for a new regimen or activity for exercise enthusiasts.

37. Create eco-friendly, health-friendly makeup and beauty products

As people become more aware of the impact their personal choices have on their health and on the environment, they're looking for more health and beauty products that are also eco-friendly. Creating safe and eco-friendly products could be a great startup idea.

38. Open a food truck or restaurant pop-up

Opening a food truck or restaurant pop-up is a great startup idea for entrepreneurs with a knack for cooking. Both options are easier to launch than a full-scale restaurant and allow you to get started with a smaller staff and menu. You can open a food truck that only sells french fries with crazy toppings, for example, or launch a breakfast sandwich pop-up in your neighborhood coffee shop.

39. Start an organization business

Shows like "Tidying Up With Marie Kondo" and "The Home Edit" put professional organizing on the map, exposing millions to the magic of a tidy home. If you have a knack for making order out of chaotic spaces, you could start a business offering those services to those who need them. Organizing kitchen pantries, closets, bookshelves and more are all options you could offer customers at your new business.

40. Do interior design for young professionals

Have an eye for decorating? Start an interior design business, offering your services at an hourly rate virtually to young professionals looking for inspiration. It can be as simple as them uploading some images of their new space to your site and you sending back a few links with furniture in their budget and example images of what the room might look like when it's finished.

Start Your Dream Business

How to choose a startup idea

Do your homework before diving headfirst into a startup idea. First, make sure there's demand for the business you want to start, where you want to start it. More than 35% of businesses fail because there isn't a market need for their services or product, according to research from CB Insights [0] CB Insights . The Top 12 Reasons Startups Fail . View all sources .

You also need to write a business plan , which should include your company’s objective, sales plan, market analysis and financial projections. A good business plan can help to keep your business on track. Lenders will also want to see your business plan when considering you for a startup business loan . You should also consider the skills you already have and see how those align with any of the startup business ideas you might go with.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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101 contemporary entrepreneurship research paper topics and ideas.

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Entrepreneurship, the dynamic process of creating and managing a new venture, has emerged as a focal point of academic interest and real-world impact. Research papers on entrepreneurship delve into the multifaceted aspects of entrepreneurial activities, examining factors that drive innovation, foster economic growth, and shape the business landscape. These papers contribute to our understanding of how entrepreneurs identify opportunities, navigate challenges, and contribute to economic development.

Significance of Entrepreneurship Research:

The study of entrepreneurship is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it sheds light on the mechanisms behind the birth and growth of new ventures, fostering insights that can inform business practices and policy-making. Secondly, entrepreneurship research explores the intersection of creativity, risk-taking, and strategic decision-making, providing valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. Lastly, understanding entrepreneurship is pivotal for policymakers seeking to create an environment that nurtures innovation, job creation, and economic resilience.

Scope of Entrepreneurship Research Papers:

Entrepreneurship research papers cover a wide range of topics, from the identification and evaluation of entrepreneurial opportunities to the challenges faced by startups and the role of entrepreneurship in societal development. Key areas of focus include venture creation, innovation, financing, entrepreneurial strategies, and the impact of entrepreneurship on local and global economies.

Do you have to submit an entrepreneurship research paper or thesis? Are you struggling to find out the latest entrepreneurship research paper topics for your assignment? Don’t worry! In this blog post, we have included a list of the best entrepreneurship research paper topic ideas for you to consider. So, without wasting your time, just continue reading this blog post and gain exclusive research topics on entrepreneurship.

List of Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topic Ideas

Best entrepreneurship research paper topics.

• What are the major drivers of entrepreneurial growth?
• What are the common personality traits of a successful entrepreneur?
• What strategies do investors use to procure the top entrepreneurs?
• Discuss the effects of entrepreneurism on economic growth.
• What laws and fiscal policies encourage entrepreneurship?
• Explain the effect of taxes on entrepreneurs and their decision-making process.
• Compare regular jobs and entrepreneurism.
• Explain the implications of Cloud technology for entrepreneurship.
• Discuss the effect of corporate enterprise training on employee performance.
• What are the major inhibitors of entrepreneurial growth?
• Explain the theoretical models for global entrepreneurism.
• Discuss the alternative marketing tactics that will work for small-scale food entrepreneurs.
• What is crowdsourcing, and how does it function?
• How do entrepreneurs develop and grow the economy?
• Explain the benefits of becoming an entrepreneur.

Top-rated Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

• Is entrepreneurship a solution to unemployment?
• What factors affect individuals who wish to become entrepreneurs?
• What is the role of the university and government in supporting students pursuing entrepreneurship?
• How do entrepreneurs finance their business ideas?
• Outline the basics of becoming an entrepreneur.
• Discuss the impact of technological advancements on entrepreneurship.
• How do entrepreneurial innovations drive an organization forward?
• Explain how venture capital drives innovation in established organizations.
• Talk about gender culture and entrepreneurism.
• Discuss the psychology techniques entrepreneurs use to handle stressful situations.
• Prepare a case study on International entrepreneurism.
• Explain the main factors that affect new venture growth.
• How to create equal participation in modern entrepreneurialism?
• Research the most common risks entrepreneurs face.
• Explain how to overcome entrepreneurial challenges.

Latest Entrepreneurship Research Paper Ideas

• Explain the concept of crowd investing.
• Discuss the effect of startup culture on entrepreneurial development in your country.
• Is education important to become an entrepreneur?
• How do entrepreneurs leverage the internet to start and grow their businesses?
• How to sustain enterprise in the innovative landscape?
• Identify female personalities who are successful entrepreneurs.
• What is the role of enterprises in boosting foreign investment?
• Prepare a case study on the value and resource allocation for successful entrepreneurial finance.
• How to be innovative in business?
• Explain the impact of cultural factors on entrepreneurial performance.
• Discuss the relationship between entrepreneurship and market orientation.
• Explain the role and significance of entrepreneurship education.
• Discuss the relation between managerial skills and the promotion of entrepreneurial activities in the private sector.
• What is the effect of entrepreneurial development on the job market?
• Explain the concept of online entrepreneurship.

Interesting Dissertation Topics on Entrepreneurship

• Explain the strategies to improve small-scale enterprises.
• What are some of the online opportunities for entrepreneurship?
• How to become a successful multi-million entrepreneur?
• Talk about leading innovation and technology entrepreneurs.
• Is ‘Gut Feel’ a good reason to invest in a startup?
• How to source raw materials for small-scale enterprises?
• How do emotions influence the decision-making and behaviors of entrepreneurs?
• How to achieve Social Entrepreneurship?
• What are the effects of skill acquisition on entrepreneurship development?
• How can inventors find entrepreneurs to merge talents and finance new projects?
• What are the modern entrepreneurship theories and conceptualizations?
• Is there growing expertise in a family business and global entrepreneurship?
• What can governments do to promote entrepreneurial ideas?
• What made Jeff Bezos rich?
• What is high technology entrepreneurship?

Unique Entrepreneurship Research Topics

• What is the role of small-scale businesses in creating employment?
• How to protect assets in a startup company?
• Discuss the impacts of microfinancing on the performance of women entrepreneurs.
• The effectiveness of social media entrepreneurship in contemporary business society.
• What is your opinion about building a business with relatives and acquaintances?
• How does entrepreneurship help to build democracy in service-oriented business?
• Is it necessary for entrepreneurs to build trust?
• Explain the effects of entrepreneurship skills on product portfolio development.
• Explore the entrepreneurial mindset of students.
• How can a social startup commercialize?
• Discuss the life and accomplishments of Bill Gates.
• Explain the techniques for assessing the durability of small-scale business opportunities
• Discuss the impact of employee compensation on entrepreneurial productivity.
• How do the international experiences of managers contribute to attracting investments from venture capitalists?
• Talk about E-commerce entrepreneurship.

Outstanding Entrepreneurship Thesis Topics

• How to protect entrepreneurs by means of business laws?
• Important things to consider when launching a startup.
• Is it dangerous to become an entrepreneur?
• Discuss Larry Page’s entrepreneurial accomplishments.
• Should entrepreneurs get tax breaks?
• Discuss the entrepreneurial approach to budgeting.
• How important is business law for a beginner entrepreneur?
• Explain the famous business law cases against entrepreneurs.
• Talk about Social media marketing for entrepreneurs.
• Discuss the effects of customer culture on entrepreneurship.
• Describe the connection between entrepreneurship and inequality.
• How to save money as an entrepreneur?
• Perform an in-depth analysis of global entrepreneurship.
• Talk about motivational factors for entrepreneurs.
• How does debt influence entrepreneurs?

Impressive Entrepreneurship Research Topics

• What is scalable startup entrepreneurship?
• Explain the importance of angel investors for entrepreneurs.
• What does investing mean for an entrepreneur?
• Prepare a case study on the Khemka family business.
• What is imitator entrepreneurship?
• Analyze the concept of hustler entrepreneurship.
• Largest companies established by beginner entrepreneurs in the US
• Entrepreneurs and time management.
• Why is entrepreneurship so enticing?
• Explain the importance of mutual funds for an entrepreneur.
• Discuss US corporate law and how it applies to entrepreneurs
• Explain the reasons why entrepreneurs fail.
• The price of fuel and its effects on entrepreneurs.
• How much of the GDP in the US is produced by entrepreneurs?
• Talk about entrepreneurship in Canada.

Usually, professors will expect unique research paper topics from their students. So, if you wish to impress your professor and score an A+ grade for your academic paper, then feel free to go through the list of top entrepreneurship research paper topics suggested above and pick a topic of your interest.

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60+ Innovative Entrepreneurship Project Ideas for Students

Ready to kick the textbooks to the curb and dive into the real-world hustle? Our Entrepreneurship Project Ideas for students are here to ignite your inner entrepreneur and turn those lightbulb moments into something seriously impactful! No more same old, same old – we’re talking brain-boosting, game-changing projects that go beyond the ordinary.

Whether you’re a high school tech whiz, a college warrior out to change the world, or just someone ready to kickstart your own thing – welcome to your playground. We’ve whipped up a storm of ideas that break the classroom mold.

Think crazy tech adventures, projects making waves in your neighborhood, and inspiration served hotter than your morning coffee. It’s time to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary, where your ideas aren’t just thoughts but powerful game-changers. Grab your shades because your future’s looking pretty darn bright. Let the entrepreneurial adventure kick off!

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Entrepreneurship Project Ideas for Students

Check out entrepreneurship project ideas for students:-

1. Eco-Friendly Product Line

Hey Eco-Warriors! Buckle up for a journey into the green revolution with our eco-friendly product line! We’re not just talking about saving the planet; we’re doing it with flair and style.

Picture this – from reusable wonders that work like magic to biodegradable goodies that leave no trace, our lineup is not just cool; it’s a fashion statement for Mother Earth. Join us in making being green the ultimate trend – it’s not just eco-friendly; it’s the new definition of cool – trendy, chic, and downright awesome!

2. Virtual Tutoring Platform

Hello, Knowledge Explorers! Wave goodbye to dull study sessions and welcome the excitement of a virtual learning fiesta! Our online hub is not just about tutors; it’s where subjects come to life, and learning becomes a grand adventure.

No more yawns, only “aha” moments that light up your understanding. Envision conquering subjects with a vibe that turns studying into a party – who would’ve thought learning could be this cool? Join us on this educational adventure where every topic is a chance to celebrate knowledge!

3. Mobile App for Health and Fitness

Hey Fitness Enthusiasts, get ready for a fitness revolution! Let’s make health as addictive as your latest binge-worthy show. Picture an app that goes beyond being a gym reminder – it’s your personal fitness BFF.

We’re talking workouts with attitude and nutrition tips that speak your language. It’s not just a fitness journey; it’s a fabulously fit adventure waiting to happen! Embrace the energy, feel the burn, and let’s make healthy living the coolest adventure of your life!

4. Custom Merchandise Printing

Hey Creators and Rebels, it’s time to let your creativity run wild! Welcome to our printing haven, where we’re not just a place; we’re a canvas for your boldest ideas. Imagine your designs, your style, printed loud and proud on everything from shirts to mugs.

It’s not just custom; it’s a statement – wear your creativity like a boss! Let’s turn your imagination into wearable art that speaks volumes. Get ready to showcase your unique style and make a statement that’s as bold as you are!

5. Local Food Delivery Service

Hey Foodie Squaddies, listen up! Get ready to elevate your taste buds with a culinary adventure that comes knocking at your door. We’re not just talking about convenience here; we’re diving into a flavor expedition right in your neighborhood. Imagine it as a treasure hunt for your palate, uncovering all the hidden deliciousness your local scene has to offer. It’s not just a meal; it’s a full-blown foodie fiesta coming your way!

6. Community Garden Initiative

Hey Green Thumbs and Community Heroes! Let’s grow something amazing together – and no, we’re not just talking about veggies. Picture a garden where friendships bloom as naturally as tomatoes. It’s not just fresh produce; it’s a garden party, literally! Join us in creating a green haven where the community spirit grows as strong as our veggies.

7. Tech Repair Services

Tech Troubles, meet your match! Ever dreamt of being the hero when a phone screen shatters or a laptop plays dead? Well, now’s your chance! Our tech repair services are here to rescue gadgets from the brink of doom. Say goodbye to tech emergencies and hello to your friendly neighborhood tech savior!

8. Online Marketplace for Handmade Goods

Hey Craft Enthusiasts! Welcome to our online haven, a virtual street market where artisans weave tales through their craft. It’s not just a marketplace; it’s a wonderland of handmade treasures. Brace yourselves for quirky trinkets and heartfelt creations – this is no ordinary online bazaar; it’s a celebration of creativity and uniqueness! Join us in exploring the artistry of handmade goods, where each piece has a story waiting to be discovered.

9. Subscription Box Service

Delivering pure happiness right to your doorstep. It’s not just a box; it’s a tailor-made unboxing experience just for you. Brace yourself to unwrap bundles of joy, bursts of laughter, and a sprinkle of magic. In our world, every box is a little celebration waiting to happen! Get ready to dive into the joyous surprises that make each month an unboxing fiesta!

10. Virtual Event Planning

Party Enthusiasts, buckle up! Let’s turn virtual gatherings into unforgettable shindigs. Imagine an event planner who thrives in the digital realm, crafting themes that pop and interactions that sizzle. It’s not just about coordinating events; it’s about creating online parties that are nothing short of epic. Get ready for a digital bash where every moment is a memory in the making!

11. Language Learning Platform

Hola Language Explorers! Picture this: an app where picking up a new language is like leveling up in your favorite game. Forget the dull memorization routine; it’s all about connecting with the world, one awesome word at a time. Get set for a language-learning escapade that’s not just enlightening but an absolute riot. Who says getting multilingual can’t be a total blast? Buckle up for a linguistic journey that’s as fun as it is mind-expanding!

12. Digital Marketing Agency for Small Businesses

Small Businesses, meet your digital fairy godmother! It’s not just a digital marketing agency; it’s a team of digital wizards ready to give your business a makeover. We’re talking about turning local businesses into online stars. Big dreams? Meet even bigger strategies. Get ready to shine in the online spotlight!

13. Home Energy Efficiency Solutions

Hey Eco-Champs and Home Heroes! Time to turn your humble abode into an energy-saving wonderland, just like the superheroes do. Imagine a service that not only high-fives the planet but also gives your wallet a break. It’s not just about being eco-friendly; it’s like having a secret stash of cash behind your green initiatives. Get set for a home that’s not only a cozy haven but also your guilt-free ticket to environmental stardom!

14. Student Task Assistance

Students, unite! Need a hand acing exams or surviving moving-day chaos? Enter our student-powered support system. It’s not just about getting through the grind; it’s about a community where knowledge is shared, and challenges are conquered together. Get ready for a platform where students help each other rise to the top!

15. Local Artisanal Coffee Shop

Coffee Lovers, gather ’round! Step into our local artisanal coffee shop – it’s not just a place to sip coffee; it’s a cultural love letter to your community. Beyond the beans, imagine an ambiance that tells local tales. Get ready for a sensory experience where every brew is a journey into the heart and soul of your neighborhood.

16. Online Fashion Boutique

Fashionistas, your dream closet awaits! Picture an online boutique where trends and convenience collide. It’s not just about shopping; it’s a virtual runway curated just for you. From clothing to accessories, get ready to strut your stuff in a fashion paradise that’s just a click away!

17. Tech-Based Educational Games

Students and Gamers, this one’s for you! Learning that feels like playtime – imagine games that teach and entertain simultaneously. It’s not just about books and lectures; it’s a digital adventure where every lesson is a victory. Get ready to level up in education because, with us, learning is not just a task; it’s a gaming triumph!

18. Personal Finance Management App

Budgeting made cool, because why not? Imagine an app that turns financial jargon into a plain old fun time. It’s not just about expenses; it’s about turning investing into a simple, enjoyable experience. Get ready for a financial journey where every dollar is a decision, and every investment feels as easy as online shopping. Welcome to a world where personal finance is not just managed; it’s celebrated!

19. Reusable Packaging Solutions

Who says deliveries can’t be both eco-friendly and fun? Imagine a service that wraps your packages in eco-friendly hugs. It’s not just a package; it’s a planet-friendly present waiting to be unwrapped. Bid farewell to conventional packaging and say hello to a service that embraces sustainability with style! Let’s redefine the unboxing experience and make every delivery a gift to both you and the planet.

20. Remote Work Solutions

Remote Workers, get ready for a touch of magic! Transform your work-from-home journey with tools and services that turn the virtual workspace into a productivity playground. It’s not just about meetings and tasks; it’s about making working from home cooler and more efficient. Brace yourselves for a sprinkle of magic in your remote work routine! Let’s make every virtual office day a bit more enchanting and a lot more productive.

21. Pet Care Services

Hey Furry Friends and Pet Parents! Get ready for a paw-some experience with our pet care services. It’s not just basic care; it’s a royal pampering session fit for your beloved pets. From cozy cuddle sessions to grooming galore, brace yourselves for a treat-your-pet-like-royalty extravaganza! Because in our world, every wag and purr deserves the royal treatment.

22. Virtual Reality Experiences

Hey Adventure Seekers, buckle up for a virtual thrill ride! Immerse yourself in the extraordinary without leaving your seat with our virtual reality experiences. It’s not just about gadgets; it’s your ticket to limitless adventures. Get ready for a VR ride of a lifetime where every experience feels like a journey beyond reality. Let’s redefine the way you embark on adventures – no passport required, just a sense of wonder!

23. Culinary Classes and Meal Kits

Hey Foodie Squads and Culinary Trailblazers! Brace yourselves to spice up your kitchen game with our culinary classes and meal kits. We’re not just talking about cooking; it’s a culinary escapade that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet wonderland. Picture this: every dish is a victory, and each meal is a celebration of flavor exploration! Let’s turn your cooking routine into a thrilling adventure where every recipe feels like a triumph. Time to rock those aprons and make your kitchen the coolest spot in town!

24. Sustainable Fashion Line

Hey Trendsetters and Eco-Warriors, time to shine! Strut your stuff and join the movement with our sustainable fashion line. It’s not just about looking stylish; it’s a bold statement for Mother Earth. Get ready to rock outfits that are not only trendy but also kind to our planet. Welcome to a world where fashion meets responsibility in the chicest way possible! Let’s make sustainable the new sexy and slay the runway while saving the planet.

25. Online Music Streaming Platform

Hey Music Aficionados, get ready to dive into a groove fest with our online music streaming platform! It’s not just about mainstream hits; it’s a stage where indie musicians steal the spotlight. From soulful ballads to rocking anthems, gear up for a musical feast that transcends the ordinary. Join us in uncovering the next big thing in the indie music scene – because the real gems are found off the beaten path!

26. Digital Art Gallery

Hey Art Enthusiasts, get ready to dive into our digital wonderland of creativity! Our online gallery is not just about pixels; it’s a living masterpiece. Brace yourselves for an art journey where every creation speaks volumes about the limitless possibilities of digital expression. Step into a gallery where art isn’t confined to walls but dances across the digital realm. Ready for a visual feast that goes beyond the ordinary?

27. Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing

Hey Community Explorers, get ready for a ride packed with shared stories and good vibes! Our car-sharing platform is more than wheels; it’s a community adventure waiting to happen. Imagine every journey becoming a shared story, and each car is like a shared treasure. Join us on the road, where connections are made, and camaraderie fuels our journey forward!

28. Community Recycling Initiative

Hey Eco-Warriors, gear up to turn trash into treasure with our community recycling initiative! It’s not just about bins; it’s a lively celebration of transforming recycling into a community affair. Imagine every discarded item as a chance for a fresh start. Welcome to a world where recycling isn’t just a task; it’s a collective commitment to a greener, more sustainable future!

29. Social Media Management Services

Hey Digital Dreamweavers, brace yourselves for a touch of magic! Elevate your online presence with our social media management services. It’s more than just posts; it’s a digital journey that captivates audiences. Picture this: every post is a piece of a captivating story. Welcome to a service that goes beyond managing social media; it’s about crafting a digital journey that leaves a lasting impression.

30. Smart Home Technology Installation

Hey Future Dwellers, buckle up for our Smart Home Technology Installation – where tech gets a dash of pure magic! It’s not just about gadgets; it’s like adding a touch of enchantment to your daily life. Picture a home where every device seamlessly dances to the rhythm of your lifestyle , making everything wonderfully convenient and efficient. Get ready for a tech haven where your home becomes a hub of innovation, turning the mundane into pure magic! Living in the future has never been this engaging and delightful!

What is an example of student entrepreneurship?

Picture this: a bunch of tech enthusiasts on campus who aren’t just dreaming about the future – they’re coding it. Say hello to “Campus Tech Oasis,” the brainchild of these savvy students, rewriting the script of student entrepreneurship.

• Cozy Tech Haven: Imagine a corner on campus where innovation isn’t a concept; it’s the air they breathe. Campus Tech Oasis is not just a place; it’s a cozy tech haven where ideas flow as freely as the coffee.
• Java and JavaScript, Literally: It’s not just about coding; it’s about sipping java while mastering JavaScript. This isn’t your average coding club; it’s a community that believes in the power of caffeine-fueled genius.
• Geek Fiestas: Workshops? Nah, let’s call them geek fiestas. It’s not just about learning; it’s about geeking out together, sharing laughs, and celebrating the quirks that make coding an adventure.
• Networking, but Cooler: Networking sessions aren’t stiff and formal. At the Oasis, it’s like speed-dating for tech minds – connecting students with mentors, industry wizards, and potential collaborators. Because networking should feel as thrilling as a tech rollercoaster.
• Innovation Hideouts: Forget classrooms; this is where wild tech dreams come to life. Campus Tech Oasis nurtures innovation with project incubation, offering not just tools but a vibe that says, “Your crazy idea? Let’s make it happen.”
• Code Rumble: It’s not a chess match; it’s a code rumble. The Oasis hosts legendary coding competitions and hackathons, turning the campus into a digital colosseum where students battle for coding glory.
• Tech with Heart: Beyond the campus borders, these students take tech to the streets. They teach coding to local kids, collaborate with businesses, and turn the neighborhood into a tech-friendly hub. Because tech isn’t just about algorithms; it’s about community.

So, welcome to Campus Tech Oasis – it’s not just a club; it’s a vibe, a movement, and a declaration that the campus isn’t just a place to study; it’s a launchpad for tech trailblazers. Get ready to code, sip, and dream your way into the future!

And with that, we’ve set the stage for your thrilling student entrepreneurial adventure! These ideas aren’t just projects; they’re the keys to unlock your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

As you dive into these possibilities, imagine more than just startups; envision them as the stars of your own entrepreneurial galaxy. Each concept is a story waiting to be written, and you’re the daring author, ready to script a narrative that’s uniquely yours.

This isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of a journey where hurdles become triumphs and setbacks become setups for something greater. So, as you embark on this entrepreneurial escapade, don’t just view these projects as mere initiatives—see them as the catalysts for your growth, the embodiments of your passions, and the contributions to a future that you’re architecting.

Think of this conclusion not as an endpoint but as a preface to an adventure where challenges are your allies, and every project is a chapter in your personal saga. Let the execution of these ideas reflect not just your business acumen but the fire of inspiration that propels you forward.

Here’s to the dreamers, the risk-takers, and the movers and shakers. Your entrepreneurial journey is a dynamic narrative, and each project is a stroke in the evolving masterpiece that is your student legacy. Onward, spirited entrepreneur, the horizon is waiting for your distinctive mark!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i showcase my entrepreneurship projects to potential employers.

Create a professional online portfolio and share your work on platforms like LinkedIn. This will help you stand out to potential employers.

What are the key takeaways from entrepreneurship projects for students?

Key takeaways include practical experience, problem-solving skills, networking opportunities, and the ability to turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions.

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Empowering Student Entrepreneurs: 10 Exciting Project Ideas to Explore

Table of Contents

Understanding Entrepreneurship Projects

Entrepreneurship project ideas, implementing entrepreneurship projects, overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship, learning from entrepreneurship projects, balancing entrepreneurship and education.

Before we delve into the thrilling world of entrepreneurship project ideas for students , let’s take a moment to understand why these projects hold such importance and the benefits they offer.

Importance of Entrepreneurship Projects

Entrepreneurship projects offer hands-on experiences that students won’t forget and will serve them throughout their lives. They allow students to apply their skills in a real-world context and creatively demonstrate knowledge ( Mindset & Milestones ).

These projects allow students to step outside the traditional classroom environment and experience a different form of learning—experiential learning. This form of learning is beneficial not only in the classroom but also in the workplace. It enables students to develop unique business ideas for school projects and test them in a safe environment before they venture into the real world.

Benefits of Entrepreneurship Projects

The benefits of entrepreneurship projects extend far beyond the learning experience. These projects can help students develop skills that will be valuable as they enter the workforce. Skills like leadership, problem-solving, and communication abilities are often honed during the implementation of these projects.

Furthermore, these projects often involve collaboration with a mentor, offering guidance and support for student entrepreneurs. This mentorship can help students navigate challenges and make informed decisions, providing a valuable resource in their entrepreneurial journey.

Another significant benefit of entrepreneurship projects is the network and connections built through these experiences. This network can open doors to future opportunities and partnerships for students. It can also provide a platform for students to share their low-cost business ideas with high profit and receive valuable feedback.

In conclusion, entrepreneurship projects are an innovative learning tool that can equip students with essential skills, provide valuable mentorship, and open doors to future opportunities. They serve as an excellent platform for students interested in entrepreneurship to explore, learn, and grow. So, let’s dive into some exciting entrepreneurship project ideas for students in the next section.

As students, you have a unique opportunity to explore entrepreneurship through projects that can be both educational and potentially profitable. Here are three entrepreneurship project ideas for students that you might find intriguing.

Tutoring Business Idea

One viable entrepreneurship project idea for students is to start a tutoring business . This idea leverages your academic strengths, allows you to help others, and can potentially generate a steady income stream. Tutoring businesses can charge by the session or the hour and can be easily marketed within your school, at the public library, or in community centers ( source ). Not only can this be a profitable venture, but it also provides a valuable service to your community. For more unique business ideas for school projects, check out our article on unique business ideas for school project .

App Development

Another exciting project idea is app development. This field offers the potential to create apps for entertainment purposes or to solve everyday problems. Many popular apps solve a common problem, making them more likely to have widespread appeal. This project would require some coding knowledge, but many resources are available to help beginners get started. The key is to identify a problem your app can solve, ensuring it has a clear purpose and target audience.

Freelance Writing Venture

If you have a knack for writing, starting a freelance writing venture could be a great entrepreneurship project idea. Freelance writers of all kinds are in demand by businesses and publications looking for temporary employees to write blog posts, articles, and other content. This option allows you to work on a variety of topics and can be done remotely, making it a flexible option for students.

These are just a few examples of entrepreneurship project ideas for students. The goal of these projects is to encourage you to think outside of the box and engage with classroom content in a deeper way ( Mindset & Milestones ). For more inspiration, take a look at our article on examples of business projects for students . Remember, the best projects align with your interests and skills, as they offer the greatest potential for success.

Once you’ve explored various entrepreneurship project ideas for students , the next step is to bring them to life. This involves selecting the right idea, conducting market research, and estimating startup costs.

1. Selecting the Right Idea

The first step involves selecting the right business idea for you. This choice should be based on your interests, the overall startup costs, and the time you can dedicate to your business ( source ). This is a crucial step as it sets the foundation for your venture.

Consider exploring our list of unique business ideas for school project to get started. Remember, the best business idea for you is one that aligns with your passion and skillset, has a viable market, and can be feasibly managed alongside your studies.

2. Market Research Process

After choosing your idea, the next step is market research. This is essential to understanding the demand for your product or service and identifying your target audience ( Litmus Branding ).

The market research process should involve:

• Identifying your target audience: Who are they, what do they need, and how does your product or service meet that need?
• Analyzing your competition: Who are they, what do they offer, and how can you differentiate your product or service?
• Understanding market trends: What are the current trends in your industry, and how can you leverage them?
• Evaluating pricing strategies: What are the pricing models in your industry, and what pricing strategy would work best for your product or service?

For more details, you can refer to our article featuring examples of business projects for students where we discuss market research in depth.

3. Estimating Startup Costs

The final step in implementing your project is estimating startup costs. This is crucial for budgeting and planning the financial requirements of the business ( Litmus Branding ).

Costs to consider include:

• Equipment and supplies: These are the tangible items you need to run your business.
• Marketing and advertising: These are the costs associated with promoting your business.
• Legal and administrative costs: These include costs like business registration, legal fees, and insurance.
• Operating expenses: These are recurring costs like rent, utilities, and salaries.

For ideas that require minimal startup costs, consider checking out our list of low-cost business ideas with high profit .

By following these steps, you can effectively implement your entrepreneurship project. Remember, each step is crucial and contributes to your venture’s success. Thorough planning and research will not only help you launch your project but also equip you with the skills and knowledge to navigate the world of entrepreneurship.

When diving into entrepreneurship, it’s essential to be aware of the potential hurdles that could arise. For student entrepreneurs implementing unique business ideas for school projects , these challenges can range from navigating legal complexities to managing time and resources to handling risk and uncertainty. Especially, women entrepreneurs are facing some odd challenges than men; let’s look deeper into the challenges and solutions for both of them.

1. Navigating Legal Complexities

One of the primary challenges I face as an entrepreneur is maneuvering through the intricate legal and regulatory requirements landscape. Starting and running a business involves complying with many laws and regulations. These can span from tax laws to employment laws to industry-specific regulations.

Researching and understanding the legal obligations related to your business idea is essential. This knowledge will help ensure your business operates within the law and protect your interests and rights.

2. Managing Time and Resources

As a student entrepreneur, I often struggle to manage my time and resources effectively. Starting and running a business requires juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities. From conceptualizing low-cost business ideas with high profit to marketing them, it’s important to prioritize activities to make the most of available resources ( Indeed ).

Effective time management strategies and tools can help in this regard. It’s also crucial to develop a realistic budget and stick to it. This way, you can avoid overspending while covering all necessary costs.

3. Handling Uncertainty and Risk

Lastly, dealing with uncertainty and risk is one of the most significant challenges of entrepreneurship. Starting a business involves stepping into the unknown and taking on financial and personal risks. As a student entrepreneur, I often face the fear of failure and the pressure to succeed in an unpredictable and competitive market ( Indeed ).

To mitigate these risks, it’s important to conduct thorough market research before launching your venture. It’s also helpful to seek advice from mentors, peers, and industry experts who can provide guidance and support.

Overcoming these challenges is part of the entrepreneurial journey. It’s through tackling these hurdles that I, as a student entrepreneur, develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Remember, every challenge faced is a learning opportunity that brings you one step closer to achieving your entrepreneurial goals. For more insights, check out our article on examples of business projects for students .

Embarking on an entrepreneurship project as a student can be an enriching and transformative experience. It’s not just about creating unique business ideas for a school project or exploring low-cost business ideas with high profit . The real value lies in the learning journey and the skills, connections, and mindset you can develop.

1. Developing Essential Skills

Entrepreneurship projects can provide hands-on experience and valuable skills, helping you develop leadership, problem-solving, and communication abilities. These skills will serve you well in entrepreneurship and any career path you choose to follow.

As you work on your project, you’ll face real-world challenges requiring thoughtful solutions. You’ll need to make decisions, manage resources, and interact with diverse groups of people. All these experiences will enhance your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead confidently.

2. Building Networks and Connections

One of the often-overlooked benefits of entrepreneurship projects is the potential for networking. These projects often involve collaboration with classmates, interaction with mentors, and sometimes even pitching to potential investors. Each interaction is an opportunity to build relationships and expand your network.

Collaborating with a mentor can offer guidance and support, helping you navigate challenges and make informed decisions ( Forbes ). These mentor-mentee relationships can be precious, providing insights from experienced entrepreneurs who have been in your shoes before.

The network and connections built through entrepreneurship projects can open doors to future opportunities and partnerships. You never know when a connection might lead to an internship, job offer, or business partnership down the line.

3. Fostering Creative Thinking

Entrepreneurship projects also provide an opportunity to explore your passions and interests. This exploration can lead to the discovery of innovative business ideas and solutions. Whether developing a new app, starting a tutoring service, or launching a freelance writing venture, these projects allow you to think outside the box and apply your creativity practically.

Moreover, entrepreneurship projects can foster a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset. They encourage you to think creatively, take initiative, and be resilient in facing challenges. Whether you decide to launch your own business, work for a company, or pursue further studies, this mindset can be invaluable.

Remember, the goal of these entrepreneurship project ideas for students isn’t necessarily to launch a successful business (though that would be a great outcome!). The primary goal is to learn about business, yourself, and how to make a difference in the world. So why not start exploring some examples of business projects for students today?

As a student eager to explore entrepreneurship project ideas , you may face unique challenges. This section provides insights on navigating these challenges, focusing on intellectual property considerations, balancing schoolwork and ventures, and finding the right partners.

1. Intellectual Property Considerations

One significant challenge you might encounter involves intellectual property rights. As a student, you must understand your school’s IP policy and navigate ownership issues VentureWell . Your ideas, designs, and inventions are valuable assets, and it’s essential to protect them. Start by familiarizing yourself with different forms of intellectual property protection, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Also, consider seeking advice from legal professionals specializing in intellectual property law to protect your venture.

2. Balancing Schoolwork and Ventures

The challenge of balancing schoolwork with your ventures is another aspect you may grapple with. Managing a rigorous course load while working on your entrepreneurial projects can be daunting VentureWell . However, developing strong prioritizing and time management skills can help you overcome this hurdle.

Consider creating a detailed schedule that includes both academic assignments and entrepreneurship tasks, ensuring that both areas receive adequate attention. You may also find it beneficial to set specific goals for your entrepreneurial project and regularly assess your progress. Implementing an objectives and key results system (OKR) can help you stay focused and prioritize effectively.

Finding the Right Partners

Another aspect to consider when exploring entrepreneurship project ideas for students is finding the right partners. Teaming up with individuals who align with your vision and goals can significantly enhance your venture’s success VentureWell .

Conduct extensive due diligence to identify potential partners who bring mutual benefits. Consider their skills, experiences, and attitudes toward entrepreneurship. Remember, your partners will be crucial in your venture’s journey, so choose wisely.

Balancing entrepreneurship and education can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding with the right approach. Remember to protect your intellectual property, manage your time effectively, and choose your partners wisely. As you embark on your entrepreneurship journey, you are building a potential business and acquiring valuable skills that will serve you well in your future career.

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155 Excellent Entrepreneurship Research Topics

Table of Contents

If you are a student pursuing a course in entrepreneurship or business management, then mostly as a part of your course, you will be asked to submit a dissertation or thesis on the latest entrepreneurship research topics. Usually, your instructors will suggest some research ideas for you to work on. But in case, you are given a chance to choose an entrepreneurship research topic on your own, possibilities are there for you to experience some challenges. Therefore, to save you from those troubles, here, in this blog, we have uploaded a list of the best 155 entrepreneurship research paper topics and ideas. Also, we have shared some amazing entrepreneurship research paper topic selection tips. Continue reading to uncover more details.

Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topic Selection Tips

If you need a good topic for your entrepreneurship research paper, then follow the below-mentioned tips.

• Always choose a topic that is interesting for you to research and write about.
• Pick a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow.
• Give preference to a topic that has a good scope of discussion and a lot of supporting pieces of evidence to prove the thesis statement in a shorter duration.
• Select a topic with a lot of reliable sources for reference.
• Finalize the topic only if it meets your university’s research paper writing guidelines.

List of Entrepreneurship Research Topics and Ideas

In general, entrepreneurship is an interesting subject that is closely related to operating and growing a business successfully. So, for the preparation of an entrepreneurship research paper, you can very well choose to discuss topics that are related to marketing, promotion, finance management, deals, etc.

If you have no idea what topic to choose, explore the list of outstanding entrepreneurship research paper topics and ideas suggested below and from it, pick any topic suitable to your needs.

Outstanding Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

• Entrepreneurism and its effects on economic growth
• Cloud technology and its implications for entrepreneurship
• The common personality traits of a successful entrepreneur
• The major drivers of entrepreneurial growth
• Strategies used by investors to procure the top entrepreneurs
• The effect of corporate enterprise training initiatives
• The major inhibitors of entrepreneurial growth
• The benefits of becoming an entrepreneur
• What is crowdsourcing, and how does it function?
• How do entrepreneurs develop and grow the economy?
• The factors affecting new venture growth
• The effect of taxes on entrepreneurs and their decision-making process
• What alternative marketing tactics work for small-scale food entrepreneurs?
• Theoretical models for global entrepreneurism
• How to create equal participation in modern entrepreneurialism?
• Discuss the importance of entrepreneurial decision-making
• Economics of entrepreneurship
• Discuss the two most effective leadership styles to apply by entrepreneurs
• Why every entrepreneur must have a basic knowledge of business laws, accounting, and finance?
• How universities and governments can assist students in pursuing entrepreneurship?

Good Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

• Entrepreneurship as a viable long-term solution to unemployment
• How to be innovative in business?
• The role of universities and governments in supporting students pursuing entrepreneurship
• What laws and fiscal policies encourage entrepreneurship?
• Describe the qualities and skills of a good entrepreneur.
• Discuss the issues Indian entrepreneurs face today.
• How to conduct a successful fundraising campaign?
• What is the significance of gender in entrepreneurship?
• Exploring entrepreneurship as a viable long-term solution to unemployment
• Regular job versus entrepreneurism: differences, pros, cons, and examples
• The factors that affect individuals to become entrepreneurs
• Important personality traits for becoming a good entrepreneur
• Regular job vs. entrepreneurism: differences, pros, cons, and examples
• Regular job versus entrepreneurship: benefits, drawbacks, and differences with examples
• Discuss the fundamentals of becoming an entrepreneur
• Entrepreneurial Trait Approach: Explain
• Discuss the hard skill and soft skills every entrepreneur needs to have
• Describe the connection between market orientation and entrepreneurship

Interesting Entrepreneurship Research Topics

• Should you become an entrepreneur?
• The most common risks entrepreneurs face and the ways to mitigate them
• The basics of becoming an entrepreneur
• Can entrepreneurship with laws and fiscal policies facilitate economic growth?
• Why do adults perceive entrepreneurialism with passion?
• Technological advancements and their impact on entrepreneurship
• The most common ways entrepreneurs finance their business ideas
• The psychological techniques entrepreneurs use to get on top of stressful situations
• Does gender have an impact on developing entrepreneurial skills?
• How can entrepreneurial innovation drive an organization forward?
• The common challenges every entrepreneur faces and the ways to overcome them
• A case study of international entrepreneurism
• Capitalism is an economic driving factor in less developed countries.
• Are people born with entrepreneurship, or is there a way to learn it?
• Leading innovation and technology entrepreneurs: the lessons future entrepreneurs can learn

Captivating Entrepreneurship Research Questions

• Discuss the primary sources of entrepreneurial growth
• Analyze the impact of corporate enterprise training initiatives.
• What rules and legislation should one consider in entrepreneurship?
• How can entrepreneurial innovation propel a company forward?
• Write about Contemporary entrepreneurial theories and conceptualizations
• Explain how to manage entrepreneurial innovation.
• Write about the rise of entrepreneurship in a down economy.
• Analyze the effects of deliberate practice on entrepreneurship development
• Discuss the benefits of opening your own business
• Discuss the business ramifications of cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

Unique Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

• A case study on the value and resource allocation for successful entrepreneurial finance
• Is education important to becoming an entrepreneur?
• Discuss market orientation and its effects on entrepreneurship.
• How to protect entrepreneurs using business laws?
• Discuss the link between entrepreneurship and inequality.
• Entrepreneurship as a viable long-term solution to unemployment.
• Discuss the personality traits of an entrepreneur of your choice
• Entrepreneurs and time management
• Discuss the benefits of becoming an entrepreneur
• The role and significance of entrepreneurship education
• How to sustain enterprise in the innovative landscape?
• The modern entrepreneurship theories and conceptualizations
• How do entrepreneurs leverage the Internet to start and grow their businesses?
• Gender culture and entrepreneurism
• The role of formal education in promoting entrepreneurial spirit

Latest Entrepreneurship Research Ideas

• The effect of entrepreneurial development on the job market
• The relation between managerial skills and the promotion of entrepreneurial activities in the private sector
• What can governments execute to promote entrepreneurial ideas?
• The effect of startup culture on entrepreneurial development in your country
• How does venture capital drive innovation in established organizations?
• How to become a successful multi-millionaire entrepreneur?
• Important factors to sustain entrepreneurship
• Strategies for improving small-scale enterprises.
• Is it necessary for entrepreneurs to be filled with self-fulfillment?
• What is high-technology entrepreneurship?
• Trait Approach to Entrepreneurship
• How to source raw materials for small-scale enterprises?
• What is the relationship between Entrepreneurship and Market Orientation?
• How can inventors find entrepreneurs to merge talents and finance new projects?
• What are the factors that affect individuals to become entrepreneurs?

Trending Entrepreneurship Research Paper Ideas

• Discuss the psychology techniques entrepreneurs use to get on top of stressful situations.
• Discuss the effectiveness of social media entrepreneurship in contemporary business society.
• Discuss the role of educational institutes and governments in supporting students pursuing entrepreneurship.
• The common personality traits of a successful entrepreneur.
• Social Entrepreneurship and the ways to achieve it.
• Identify Female Personalities Who Are Successful Entrepreneurs
• What Is Online Entrepreneurship and How Can One Become an Entrepreneur Through the Internet?
• Online Opportunities for Entrepreneurship
• Is there growing expertise in family business and global entrepreneurship?
• The Role of small scale businesses in creating employment
• Marketing skills and promotion of small and medium-scale enterprises.
• The impacts of microfinancing on the performance of women entrepreneurs.
• The effects of skill acquisition on entrepreneurship development
• An appraisal of success criteria for entrepreneurship

Great Dissertation Topics on Entrepreneurship

• The impact of cultural factors on entrepreneurial performance
• The impact of electrical power outrage on the operational performance of a small-scale business.
• The effects of creativity and innovation on the entrepreneurial performance of the family business.
• The role of enterprises in boosting foreign investment.
• The effectiveness of social media entrepreneurship in the contemporary business society.
• The effects of strategic planning on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises.
• The attitude of undergraduates of the social studies unit toward entrepreneurship
• The development of entrepreneurship in a depressed economy.
• Techniques for assessing the durability of small-scale business opportunities
• The effectiveness of trade exhibition as a marketing tool in small and medium-scale entrepreneurship.
• How does entrepreneurship help to build democracy in service-oriented businesses?
• What is your opinion about building a business with relatives and acquaintances?
• Entrepreneurship in geographical research
• Explore the entrepreneurial mindset of students
• The growth of entrepreneurship education in the United States

Popular Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

• Education and Training of Graduate Entrepreneurship
• Embedding entrepreneurship in a regional milieu through youth enterprise programs.
• The effect of automobile technology on entrepreneurship for sustainable development
• Rural Women Entrepreneurship
• The effects of entrepreneurship development on employment generation
• The factors influencing entrepreneurial performance in small-scale business
• The impact of employee compensation on entrepreneurial productivity
• The effects of entrepreneurship skills on product portfolio development.
• Is ‘Gut Feel’ a good reason to invest in a startup?
• E-commerce entrepreneurship
• How does a social startup decide to commercialize?
• Is it necessary for entrepreneurs to build trust?
• How do emotions influence the decision-making and behaviors of entrepreneurs?
• Entrepreneurship literature and future evolution
• How do the international experiences of managers contribute to attracting investments from venture capitalists?

Exceptional Entrepreneurship Research Topics

• To investigate the role of female entrepreneurs in the development of new services in the twenty-first century.
• To investigate the key characteristics of entrepreneurs in the creation of new ‘unicorns’ (billion-dollar start-ups).
• Through the study of academic papers, one can gain a better understanding of the entrepreneur’s need for self-fulfillment.
• An empirical examination of the current era’s validity and significance of established theories of entrepreneurship.
• To investigate female entrepreneurs’ perceptions in a traditional family business setting.
• Can technology be the answer to reducing global pollution? Consider Tesla’s electric vehicles.
• To assess the relationship between exposure to technology and entrepreneurial success, a study of entrepreneurs in India and the United States was conducted.
• To investigate the difficulties encountered in establishing a technological start-up in developing countries.
• The study of how Israel created a technological ecosystem framework to create the world’s most successful tech start-ups.
• Entrepreneurship education and its impact on family business sustainability: A case study of Indian business families
• Investigate the significance of microfinance availability in creating a sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem in developing countries.
• A case study comparing China and the United States to assess the role of culture in the development of successful entrepreneurs.
• Investigate whether the skills and qualities of male and female entrepreneurs are the same or different.
• An exploratory study to determine the role of government support in the development of female entrepreneurship.
• Investigate the role of entrepreneurs in reducing the environmental impacts of businesses and industries.

Final Words

Choose the best entrepreneurship research paper topic of your desire from the list of the top 155 entrepreneurship topics suggested in this blog post. In case, you are still confused about what research topic to select and how to write an entrepreneurship essay or thesis, then get in touch with us immediately. We have numerous Entrepreneurial strategy assignment help experts on our platform to offer top-quality assistance with writing research papers on all kinds of entrepreneurship topics. Especially, based on the requirements you share with us, our scholarly writers will prepare and deliver well-structured and plagiarism-free entrepreneurship research papers. Most importantly, by availing of our affordable business management and entrepreneurship assignment help services online, you can also finish your academic work ahead of the deadline and secure the highest grades possible.

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12 Easy Entrepreneurship Activities For Any Class (Plus 3 Free Lessons)

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1. The Envelope Exercise

For this activity, print fake money and place small amounts in envelopes for individuals or small groups of students. You can choose to give everyone different amounts of money or keep it all equal. Explain that your students’ goal is to increase their investment — and in doing so, use the collaboration and critical thinking skills that are important in entrepreneurship.

Give students 20 to 30 minutes to brainstorm before having each individual or group share their ideas. Odds are high that they will be surprised by how easy it is for them to make money!

2. Defining Problems Exercise

Entrepreneurs find solutions to problems they see in the world . This means that the ability to clearly define problem s is important in entrepreneurship careers . To help students build this skill, s how them pictures that depict issues (like the one below) and ask them to define the problems they can see.   

Next, ask the students what information they would need to help define the problem better . They’ll want to start coming up with solutions right away but challenge them to focus on clearly defining the issue before trying to resolve it.   

3. Ready, Set, Design!

For this exercise, divide students into groups and give each group a challenge such as thinking of a new way to drink on the go or a new method of communication; keep the challenge open ended. Give each group a bag of everyday materials such as rubber bands, pipe cleaners, and foil. Have students design a product based on the challenge.   

After 15 minutes, have each group present their design and explain why that product meets the challenge. The point of this activity is to get students thinking creatively without getting hung up on the details.  

4. The StartUp Podcast

The StartUp podcast is excellent for sparking conversations about entrepreneurship in class. It illuminates important concepts revolving around entrepreneurial life. You can have students listen to an episode for homework and then facilitate a class discussion on what stood out to them in the episode.  

5. The Business Proposition

This activity will give students practice articulating a value proposition, which is a simple statement summarizing why a customer would choose your business or product. To get started, go over the definition of a value proposition and give students a brief faux business/product idea or have them come up with their own.   

Ask students to express their value proposition in a concise way. It may sound easy but keeping it brief can be challenging. This is a great exercise for helping students develop their entrepreneurial spirit.  

6. Wacky Ideas and 2-Minute Pitch

For this fun entrepreneurship activity, give students any two objects and have them brainstorm ways they can combine the objects into one invention. Then they must define the invention. Have them answer questions such as:  

• What is it?  
• What can it do?   
• Who uses it?   
• How could it be used differently?   

After defining the invention, students have two minutes to pitch it to the class. They should start by introducing themselves, the name of their company, and their invention. Once they’ve made their introductions, have them explain how their invention works and why people need it.  

7. Reverse Brainstorming

In reverse brainstorming exercises, you take a problem and try to make it worse. This process allows you consider perspectives you may not have thought of before. An example problem you can present to students may be that they’re trying to study in the library, but people are being too loud in the hallway.   

Next, ask students how they can make the situation worse such as opening the library door, so the hallway commotion is louder. For every idea they come up with for how to make the situation worse, they then must find a solution for the issue. Problem solving and creative thinking are highly valued entrepreneurship skills, and this activity focuses on building both.  

8. Entrepreneurship Videos

There are tons of short, free videos online discussing all aspects of entrepreneurship. You can play one at the beginning of class to introduce students to the topic of entrepreneurship careers or have them watch the videos as homework. Below are a few examples of short videos you can use.  

• What is an Entrepreneur?  
• Who Even is an Entrepreneur?  
• The Best Advice for Entrepreneurs  

9. Entrepreneurial Mindset Cards

There are 24 entrepreneurial mindset cards from venturelab that help your students build entrepreneurship skills. Y ou can print the cards or u se the random card generator on the site to play their suggested games or any other game that you come up with . One of their suggested games starts with dealing a card to each student . Then h av e them take turns reading the mindset definition and answering the question on the card.  

10. Pitch Challenge Toolkit

The P itch Challenge Toolkit is a free, five-lesson pitch challenge consisting of a simple set of activities to help your students learn entrepreneurship soft skills such as creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, and presentation skills. This is an excellent toolkit for developing workforce readiness skills for 21 st century careers , regardless of whether students pursue a career in entrepreneurship.  

11. Free Entrepreneurship Lessons

Realityworks offers a free series of lessons focused on a variety of entrepreneurship-related topics which includes many of the activities mentioned above! These lessons will help teach students about what it’s like to be, think, and act like an entrepreneur. You can teach all three lessons together or choose which ones fit best in your class. These lessons offer an easy way to integrate a brief entrepreneurship program into any CTE course .  

Access your free entrepreneurship lessons

12. Realityworks Contemporary Entrepreneurship Program

Our ready-to-use Contemporary Entrepreneurship Program helps you create an engaging two-to-three-week unit all about entrepreneurship.

Through this program, students will learn how to be an entrepreneur, generate business/product ideas, conduct market research, consider legal and financial issues, and write their own business plan.  

Looking for more entrepreneurship teaching resources? We suggest these resources:  

• Checking out this in-depth blog post all about our Contemporary Entrepreneurship Program  
• Watching our webinar, “Best Practices for Integrating Entrepreneurship Into CTE Courses:”  

• And of course, don’t forget to download these three free entrepreneurship lessons .

2 thoughts on “ 12 Easy Entrepreneurship Activities For Any Class (Plus 3 Free Lessons) ”

Hello. I’m a CTE Business and Marketing instructor in Idaho and I’m very interested in purchasing the Contemporary Entrepreneurship course packet. Is it possible to get a quote and a copy of your company’s W9 so my school district can set you up as a vendor?

Thank you for reaching out, Sarah! We’d love to assist you. I will pass your information to our Account Services Team, who will reach out if they need anything more from you to provide the quote. If you have any questions, in the meantime, you can contact them anytime via email ([email protected]), phone (800-830-1416) or by live chatting on our website. Thank you! 🙂

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Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

This page presents a comprehensive list of entrepreneurship research paper topics , divided into 10 categories with 10 topics in each. Additionally, it offers expert advice on how to choose from the multitude of entrepreneurship topics and how to write a successful entrepreneurship research paper. The page concludes with information on the iResearchNet writing services, which offer students the option to order a custom entrepreneurship research paper on any topic. Whether you are an experienced researcher or just beginning your journey in entrepreneurship, this page is a valuable resource for finding inspiration and guidance for your next research project.

Entrepreneurship Research and Writing

Entrepreneurship is a dynamic and exciting field that involves developing, organizing, and managing a business venture to make a profit. As a result, it has become a popular area of study for students looking to develop their business acumen and pursue careers as entrepreneurs or business leaders. To succeed in this field, students must not only have a solid understanding of business fundamentals, but also stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in entrepreneurship.

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Whether you’re looking to explore the impact of technology on entrepreneurship, examine the role of government policies in supporting entrepreneurship, or analyze the psychology of successful entrepreneurs, there’s a topic on this list that will spark your interest. In addition to the topic categories, we also offer expert advice on how to choose a research topic, as well as tips for writing a successful entrepreneurship research paper. And for those who need additional assistance, we provide custom writing services to help students get the highest quality research papers on any topic.

With this page, we hope to inspire and equip entrepreneurship students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their studies and future careers as entrepreneurs and business leaders.

100 Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

Entrepreneurship is a vast and complex field of study, encompassing various aspects of business creation, management, and growth. Here are ten categories of entrepreneurship research paper topics that can help students explore this multifaceted field:

Entrepreneurial mindset

• The role of creativity and innovation in developing an entrepreneurial mindset
• The psychological factors that influence entrepreneurial decision-making and risk-taking behavior
• The impact of failure on the development of an entrepreneurial mindset
• The influence of family background and upbringing on the development of an entrepreneurial mindset
• The relationship between an entrepreneurial mindset and opportunity recognition
• The impact of social and cultural factors on the development of an entrepreneurial mindset
• The role of education and training in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset
• The relationship between an entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial success
• The impact of personal values and beliefs on the development of an entrepreneurial mindset
• The influence of age and gender on the development of an entrepreneurial mindset.

Entrepreneurial finance

• The role of venture capitalists in financing startups
• The impact of crowdfunding on small business financing
• The effectiveness of bootstrapping as a financing strategy for startups
• The role of angel investors in entrepreneurial finance
• The effects of government funding on small business growth
• The pros and cons of debt financing for startups
• The benefits and risks of equity financing for entrepreneurs
• The impact of tax incentives on small business financing
• The role of corporate venture capital in financing startups
• The impact of cryptocurrency on small business finance

Entrepreneurial marketing

• The role of social media in the marketing strategies of successful startups.
• Marketing strategies for new businesses targeting the millennial market.
• The use of guerrilla marketing tactics by startups and their effectiveness in driving customer acquisition.
• How to identify and reach niche markets as a new business.
• The importance of customer relationship management in early-stage startups.
• The role of influencer marketing in the promotion of new products and services.
• Brand building strategies for startups on a limited budget.
• The effectiveness of content marketing for startups and how to measure ROI.
• The use of experiential marketing techniques to create buzz and build brand awareness.
• Strategies for leveraging user-generated content as a low-cost marketing tool for new businesses.

Social entrepreneurship

• Social entrepreneurship in developing countries: opportunities and challenges
• Examining the role of government policy in promoting social entrepreneurship
• Crowdfunding for social enterprises: a study of its impact and effectiveness
• Social entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability: exploring the intersection
• Social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility: a comparative study
• Measuring the social impact of social entrepreneurship ventures: current approaches and future directions
• Social entrepreneurship and innovation: exploring the relationship and its implications
• Non-profit organizations as social entrepreneurship ventures: a case study analysis
• The role of social entrepreneurship in addressing societal inequalities
• The impact of social entrepreneurship on economic development in rural areas

Women entrepreneurship

• The role of networking in women entrepreneurship
• Women entrepreneurship in emerging markets
• Gender differences in entrepreneurial intentions and actions
• How to overcome gender-related obstacles in accessing capital for women entrepreneurs
• The impact of gender stereotypes on women entrepreneurs
• Women entrepreneurs and work-life balance
• The role of mentorship in supporting women entrepreneurs
• The challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in male-dominated industries
• The importance of family support in women entrepreneurship
• The impact of gender diversity in the leadership team on firm performance in women-led ventures

Family business entrepreneurship

• The role of family culture in shaping entrepreneurial ventures in family businesses
• Succession planning in family businesses: key factors for a smooth transition
• Balancing family and business: challenges and strategies for family-owned enterprises
• Family business governance: best practices for effective decision-making
• How the dynamics of family relationships affect entrepreneurial performance in family businesses
• The impact of family members’ entrepreneurial motivations on business strategy in family firms
• Exploring the role of family ties in entrepreneurial team formation in family businesses
• The challenges of implementing innovation in family businesses: a study of successful family entrepreneurs
• Family business entrepreneurs and corporate social responsibility: a comparative study of family and non-family firms
• Female successors in family businesses: opportunities and challenges for women entrepreneurs in a male-dominated field

Innovation and technology entrepreneurship

• The impact of artificial intelligence on entrepreneurship
• The role of intellectual property in technology entrepreneurship
• Crowdfunding and technology entrepreneurship
• The challenges and opportunities of blockchain technology for entrepreneurs
• The impact of big data on entrepreneurial decision-making
• The relationship between technology entrepreneurship and sustainability
• Technology entrepreneurship in emerging markets
• The role of open innovation in technology entrepreneurship
• The intersection of entrepreneurship and cybersecurity
• Technology entrepreneurship in the healthcare industry

Global entrepreneurship

• The role of culture in international entrepreneurship
• The impact of global trade policies on entrepreneurial activity
• The effects of foreign direct investment on entrepreneurship in developing countries
• The influence of political instability on cross-border entrepreneurship
• The role of international networks in facilitating entrepreneurship
• The impact of global economic trends on small business growth
• The challenges and opportunities of exporting for small and medium-sized enterprises
• The role of technology in enabling global entrepreneurship
• The impact of language barriers on international entrepreneurial activity
• The importance of cross-cultural communication in global entrepreneurial ventures

Small business management and entrepreneurship

• The role of small businesses in local economic development
• Factors contributing to the success or failure of small businesses
• Effective leadership strategies for small business owners
• Small business marketing strategies in the digital age
• Challenges and opportunities for minority-owned small businesses
• Financing options for small businesses: pros and cons
• Balancing entrepreneurship with work-life balance in small business management
• Addressing ethical dilemmas in small business management and entrepreneurship
• Navigating legal and regulatory compliance for small businesses
• Innovation and growth strategies for small businesses in competitive markets

Corporate entrepreneurship

• The role of corporate culture in fostering entrepreneurial activity within established firms
• The impact of corporate entrepreneurship on firm performance and long-term sustainability
• Strategies for identifying and pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities within a large organization
• Challenges and opportunities for corporate entrepreneurship in highly regulated industries
• Balancing innovation and risk management in corporate entrepreneurship initiatives
• Best practices for building and managing cross-functional teams to drive innovation within large organizations
• The relationship between corporate entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility
• The impact of corporate entrepreneurship on employee engagement and retention
• The role of leadership in supporting and promoting a culture of entrepreneurship within a corporation
• Examining successful case studies of corporate entrepreneurship, including both internal and external ventures

These categories provide a broad overview of the various areas of entrepreneurship research. Within each category, there are numerous research paper topics that students can explore in depth.

Choosing Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

Choosing the right topic is crucial when writing an entrepreneurship research paper. It should be something that interests you and aligns with your academic and career goals. Here are some expert tips to help you choose the perfect entrepreneurship research paper topic:

• Consider your interests and passions : Start by brainstorming topics that you are passionate about or that interest you. This can help you to stay motivated throughout the research and writing process.
• Review current trends : Stay up-to-date with current trends in entrepreneurship by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and following social media accounts of influential entrepreneurs. This can help you to identify gaps in research and potential topics to explore.
• Consider the audience : Consider the target audience of your research paper and choose a topic that is relevant and interesting to them. For example, if your audience is investors, consider topics related to startup valuation or funding sources.
• Look for gaps in existing research : Read existing literature on entrepreneurship to identify gaps in research. This can help you to identify potential research topics that have not been extensively explored.
• Consider the scope of the research : Consider the scope of the research you are willing to undertake. Ensure that the topic you choose is not too broad or too narrow for the scope of your paper.
• Focus on a specific aspect of entrepreneurship : Narrow down your topic to a specific aspect of entrepreneurship, such as social entrepreneurship or corporate entrepreneurship. This can help you to provide a more in-depth analysis of your topic.
• Consider the resources available : Consider the resources you have available for your research. Choose a topic that you can adequately research with the resources you have.
• Consider the potential impact : Consider the potential impact of your research topic on the field of entrepreneurship. Choose a topic that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the field.
• Consult with your instructor or advisor : Consult with your instructor or advisor for guidance on choosing a research topic. They can provide valuable feedback and help you to narrow down your options.
• Brainstorm with peers : Brainstorm with peers to identify potential research topics. They may provide insights and perspectives that you had not considered.

In conclusion, choosing the right entrepreneurship research paper topic is crucial to your success in academic and professional settings. By following these expert tips and considering your interests, strengths, and goals, you can choose a suitable topic that is engaging, specific, and feasible.

How to Write an Entrepreneurship Research Paper

Writing an entrepreneurship research paper can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it can also be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the field of entrepreneurship research. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you write a successful entrepreneurship research paper:

• Choose a narrow and specific topic : The first step in writing an entrepreneurship research paper is to choose a narrow and specific topic that is relevant to the field. Avoid broad topics that are difficult to cover in a single research paper. Instead, choose a topic that is focused and specific, and that allows you to conduct in-depth research.
• Conduct extensive research : Once you have chosen your topic, it’s time to conduct extensive research. This involves gathering information from a variety of sources, such as academic journals, books, and online resources. Make sure to keep track of your sources and take detailed notes.
• Develop a strong thesis statement : Your thesis statement is the main argument of your research paper. It should be clear, concise, and specific. Make sure to provide a clear and concise overview of your research topic and the main arguments you will be making in your paper.
• Use relevant and reliable sources : When conducting research for your entrepreneurship research paper, it’s important to use relevant and reliable sources. This includes academic journals, books, and reputable online sources. Make sure to cite all sources correctly using the appropriate citation style.
• Organize your paper : Once you have gathered all of your research and developed your thesis statement, it’s time to organize your paper. Make sure to create an outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your paper flows logically.
• Use clear and concise language : When writing your entrepreneurship research paper, it’s important to use clear and concise language. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be difficult for your audience to understand. Instead, use plain language and explain any complex concepts or terms.
• Edit and revise your paper : Once you have finished writing your entrepreneurship research paper, it’s important to edit and revise it. This involves checking for spelling and grammatical errors, as well as making sure that your paper flows smoothly and logically. Consider having a peer or mentor review your paper before submitting it.
• Follow the appropriate citation style : When citing sources in your entrepreneurship research paper, it’s important to follow the appropriate citation style. This includes APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or Harvard style. Make sure to follow the guidelines for your specific citation style to ensure that your citations are correct.
• Use visuals to enhance your paper : Visuals, such as graphs, charts, and tables, can be a great way to enhance your entrepreneurship research paper. They can help to illustrate complex concepts and data in a clear and concise way. Make sure to use visuals sparingly and only when they add value to your paper.
• Seek feedback and revision : Finally, it’s important to seek feedback on your entrepreneurship research paper and be open to revision. Consider having a peer or mentor review your paper and provide feedback. Use this feedback to revise and improve your paper before submitting it.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can write a successful entrepreneurship research paper that is well-researched, well-organized, and effectively communicates your ideas and arguments.

iResearchNet Writing Services for Entrepreneurship Research Papers

In today’s fast-paced academic world, students often struggle to find the time and resources to write a high-quality entrepreneurship research paper. This is where iResearchNet comes in – we are a professional writing service that specializes in helping students write exceptional research papers on entrepreneurship. Our team of experienced writers is well-versed in entrepreneurship and can provide students with custom-written papers that meet their specific needs. Here are the key features of our entrepreneurship research paper writing service:

• Expert degree-holding writers : We only hire writers with advanced degrees in entrepreneurship or related fields. This ensures that our writers have the necessary knowledge and expertise to produce high-quality papers that meet the highest academic standards.
• Custom written works : We provide custom-written papers that are tailored to the specific needs and requirements of each student. Our writers work closely with students to ensure that their papers meet their exact specifications.
• In-depth research : Our writers conduct extensive research on each topic to ensure that the papers we provide are well-researched, accurate, and up-to-date.
• Custom formatting : We can provide papers in any format that students require, including APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, and others.
• Top quality : We are committed to providing the highest quality papers possible. Our writers take pride in their work and strive to deliver papers that exceed students’ expectations.
• Customized solutions : We provide customized solutions that meet the specific needs of each student. Whether students need help with research, writing, editing, or formatting, we can provide the assistance they need.
• Flexible pricing : We offer flexible pricing options that are designed to fit the budget of any student. Our prices are competitive, and we offer discounts and special offers to make our services even more affordable.
• Short deadlines : We can provide papers on even the tightest deadlines. Our writers are experienced in working under pressure and can deliver high-quality papers in as little as three hours.
• Timely delivery : We understand the importance of meeting deadlines, and we guarantee that all papers will be delivered on time.
• 24/7 support : We provide 24/7 support to ensure that students can get the help they need when they need it. Our support team is available around the clock to answer questions, provide assistance, and address any concerns.

In conclusion, iResearchNet is a professional writing service that specializes in providing high-quality entrepreneurship research papers to students. We have a team of expert writers with advanced degrees in entrepreneurship who are committed to delivering papers that meet the highest academic standards. With our customized solutions, competitive pricing, and 24/7 support, we are the perfect choice for students who need help with their entrepreneurship research papers.

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In conclusion, entrepreneurship research paper topics cover a wide range of subjects that are essential for understanding the dynamics of the business world. Students who wish to excel in their academic careers and become successful entrepreneurs in the future must pay attention to the topics they choose for their research papers.

At iResearchNet, we understand the importance of entrepreneurship research and its role in the development of the business world. Our writing services are tailored to provide students with custom research papers that meet their unique requirements. With our team of expert degree-holding writers, in-depth research, and customized solutions, we guarantee top-quality papers that are delivered on time.

In addition to our writing services, we offer flexible pricing, short deadlines up to 3 hours, and 24/7 support to ensure that our clients receive the best possible experience. We also offer custom formatting in all major citation styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard.

At iResearchNet, we value our clients’ privacy and offer absolute confidentiality in all transactions. Our easy order tracking system and money-back guarantee ensure that our clients are satisfied with the services they receive.

In summary, choosing iResearchNet as your partner in entrepreneurship research paper writing will guarantee success in your academic career and future entrepreneurial pursuits. Contact us today and experience the best writing services available in the industry.

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170 Inspiring Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

Table of Contents

Do you have to submit an entrepreneurship research paper or thesis? Are you struggling to find out the latest entrepreneurship research paper topics for your assignment? Don’t worry! In this blog post, we have included a list of the best entrepreneurship research paper topic ideas for you to consider. So, without wasting your time, just continue reading this blog post and gain exclusive research topics on entrepreneurship.

What is Entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship is the ability to start a new business and manage it successfully by generating more profit. In order to start a business and run it effectively, entrepreneurs often take many risks. The act of entrepreneurship is related to operating and growing a business.

Basically, it is tough to generate profit in a business and survive in the market for a longer time. So, to be a great entrepreneur, one must possess extraordinary planning, organizational skills, and financial knowledge.

List of Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

In general, entrepreneurship is an interesting subject that deals with plenty of topics related to business. Also, it is one of the important research areas to focus on. If you are a student who is pursuing a degree in MBA or any entrepreneurship courses, then for your assignments, you can select any entrepreneurship topics from the list below.

Best Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

• What are the major drivers of entrepreneurial growth?
• What are the common personality traits of a successful entrepreneur?
• What strategies do investors use to procure the top entrepreneurs?
• Discuss the effects of entrepreneurism on economic growth.
• Explain the impact of crowdfunding on startup financing.
• How do entrepreneurs develop and grow the economy?
• Explain the benefits of becoming an entrepreneur.
• What laws and fiscal policies encourage entrepreneurship?
• Explain the effect of taxes on entrepreneurs and their decision-making process.
• Compare regular jobs and entrepreneurism.
• Explain the implications of Cloud technology for entrepreneurship.
• Discuss the effect of corporate enterprise training on employee performance.
• What are the major inhibitors of entrepreneurial growth?
• Explain the theoretical models for global entrepreneurism.
• Discuss the alternative marketing tactics that will work for small-scale food entrepreneurs.
• University’s and government’s role in supporting students pursuing entrepreneurship
• How to create equal participation in modern entrepreneurialism
• Creating the Powerhouse of innovation: what ongoing university & business Partnerships have to offer
• Strategies used by investors to procure the top entrepreneurs
• The effect of corporate enterprise training initiatives
• The major inhibitors of entrepreneurial growth
• The benefits of becoming an entrepreneur
• What is crowdsourcing, and how does it function?

Top-rated Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

• Is entrepreneurship a solution to unemployment?
• What factors affect individuals who wish to become entrepreneurs?
• What is the role of the university and government in supporting students pursuing entrepreneurship?
• How do entrepreneurs finance their business ideas?
• Outline the basics of becoming an entrepreneur.
• Discuss the psychological techniques entrepreneurs use to handle stressful situations.
• Prepare a case study on International entrepreneurism .
• Explain the main factors that affect new venture growth.
• How to create equal participation in modern entrepreneurialism?
• Research the most common risks entrepreneurs face.
• Explain how to overcome entrepreneurial challenges.
• Discuss the impact of technological advancements on entrepreneurship.
• How do entrepreneurial innovations drive an organization forward?
• Explain how venture capital drives innovation in established organizations.
• Talk about gender culture and entrepreneurism.
• The most common challenges every entrepreneur faces and how to overcome them
• Why do adults perceive entrepreneurialism with passion
• The most common ways entrepreneurs finance their business ideas
• The psychological techniques entrepreneurs used to get on top of stressful situations
• Does gender have an impact on developing entrepreneurial skills?
• How can entrepreneurial innovation drive an organization forward?
• The common challenges every entrepreneur faces and the ways to overcome them

Latest Entrepreneurship Research Paper Ideas

• Explain the concept of crowd investing.
• Discuss the effect of startup culture on entrepreneurial development in your country.
• Is education important to become an entrepreneur?
• How do entrepreneurs leverage the Internet to start and grow their businesses?
• How to sustain enterprise in the innovative landscape?
• Explain the role and significance of entrepreneurship education.
• Discuss the relationship between managerial skills and the promotion of entrepreneurial activities in the private sector.
• What is the effect of entrepreneurial development on the job market?
• Explain the concept of online entrepreneurship.
• Identify female personalities who are successful entrepreneurs.
• What is the role of enterprises in boosting foreign investment?
• Prepare a case study on the value and resource allocation for successful entrepreneurial finance.
• How to be innovative in business?
• Explain the impact of cultural factors on entrepreneurial performance.
• Discuss the relationship between entrepreneurship and market orientation.
• How to sustain enterprise in the innovative landscape
• Gender culture and entrepreneurism: the examples of well-known women entrepreneurs
• The role and significance of entrepreneurship education

Interesting Dissertation Topics on Entrepreneurship

• Explain the strategies to improve small-scale enterprises.
• What are some of the online opportunities for entrepreneurship?
• How to become a successful multi-million entrepreneur?
• Talk about leading innovation and technology entrepreneurs.
• What are the effects of skill acquisition on entrepreneurship development?
• How can inventors find entrepreneurs to merge talents and finance new projects?
• What are the modern entrepreneurship theories and conceptualizations?
• Is there growing expertise in family business and global entrepreneurship?
• What can governments do to promote entrepreneurial ideas?
• What made Jeff Bezos rich?
• What is high-technology entrepreneurship?
• Is ‘Gut Feel’ a good reason to invest in a startup?
• How to source raw materials for small-scale enterprises?
• How do emotions influence the decision-making and behaviors of entrepreneurs?
• How to achieve Social Entrepreneurship?

Captivating Entrepreneurship Thesis Topics

• The effect of startup culture on entrepreneurial development in “ insert country ”
• The effect of entrepreneurial development on the job market
• The role of formal education in promoting entrepreneurial spirit
• How has Israel developed a framework of the technological ecosystem to create the most successful tech start-ups in the world?
• Evaluate the relationship between exposure to technology and entrepreneurial success: Study of entrepreneurs in India and USA
• Describe the new methods of raising finance by entrepreneurs using crowdsourcing
• Role of Entrepreneurs in the post-COVID World and Innovation in Healthcare
• Importance of the availability of microfinance for sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem in developing nations
• Which skills and qualities can help an entrepreneur to overcome entrepreneurial failure?
• How social media is playing an important role in creating entrepreneurs?
• Perception of female entrepreneurs in a traditional family business setting
• Analyze the relationship between entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship
• Can technology be the answer for global pollution reduction: A case of electric cars by Tesla
• Discuss the entrepreneurship challenges related to traditional ways or great opportunities in the era of digital learning
• Analyze the challenges encountered by entrepreneurs in creating a technological start-up in developing countries

Unique Entrepreneurship Research Topics

• What is the role of small-scale businesses in creating employment?
• How to protect assets in a startup company?
• Discuss the impacts of microfinancing on the performance of women entrepreneurs.
• The effectiveness of social media entrepreneurship in the contemporary business society.
• What is your opinion about building a business with relatives and acquaintances?
• How can a social startup commercialize?
• Discuss the life and accomplishments of Bill Gates.
• Explain the techniques for assessing the durability of small-scale business opportunities
• Discuss the impact of employee compensation on entrepreneurial productivity.
• How do the international experiences of managers contribute to attracting investments from venture capitalists?
• Talk about E-commerce entrepreneurship.
• How does entrepreneurship help to build democracy in service-oriented businesses?
• Is it necessary for entrepreneurs to build trust?
• Explain the effects of entrepreneurship skills on product portfolio development.
• Explore the entrepreneurial mindset of students.
• Review of educational and professional courses and the level of success rate of the entrepreneurs who attend them
• Entrepreneurship education positively impacts the sustainability of family businesses: Case of American Business Families
• Failing to get lessons from failure: How optimism impedes entrepreneurial innovation?

Outstanding Entrepreneurship Thesis Topics

• How to protect entrepreneurs by means of business laws?
• Important things to consider when launching a startup.
• Is it dangerous to become an entrepreneur?
• Discuss Larry Page’s entrepreneurial accomplishments.
• Describe the connection between entrepreneurship and inequality.
• How important is business law for a beginner entrepreneur?
• Explain the famous business law cases against entrepreneurs.
• Talk about Social media marketing for entrepreneurs.
• Discuss the effects of customer culture on entrepreneurship.
• How to save money as an entrepreneur?
• Perform an in-depth analysis of global entrepreneurship.
• Talk about motivational factors for entrepreneurs.
• How does debt influence entrepreneurs?
• Should entrepreneurs get tax breaks?
• Discuss the entrepreneurial approach to budgeting.

Impressive Entrepreneurship Research Topics

• What is scalable startup entrepreneurship?
• Explain the importance of angel investors for entrepreneurs.
• What does investing mean for an entrepreneur?
• Prepare a case study on the Khemka family business.
• Explain the importance of mutual funds for an entrepreneur.
• What is imitator entrepreneurship?
• Analyze the concept of hustler entrepreneurship.
• Largest companies established by beginner entrepreneurs in the US
• Entrepreneurs and time management.
• Why is entrepreneurship so enticing?
• Discuss US corporate law and how it applies to entrepreneurs
• Explain the reasons why entrepreneurs fail.
• The price of fuel and its effects on entrepreneurs.
• How much of the GDP in the US is produced by entrepreneurs?
• Talk about entrepreneurship in Canada.

Read more: Fascinating Entrepreneur Research Topics To Focus On

Excellent Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

• Investors’ methods for finding the best entrepreneurs.
• The impact of corporate enterprise training efforts on staff performance.
• determining the main forces behind entrepreneurship.
• determining the main barriers to entrepreneurship.
• how business owners advance and expand the economy.
• characterizing the personality qualities of risk-taking entrepreneurs.
• the impact of taxes on business owners and how they make decisions.
• The government’s and universities’ roles in encouraging students to pursue entrepreneurship.
• How to make contemporary entrepreneurship more inclusive.
• What continuing academic and corporate relationships can do to build the innovation powerhouse.
• Strong work ethic, passion, risk-taking, resilience, innovation, adaptability, networking, and relationships building are the signs of a successful entrepreneur: Explain with justification and examples
• Ethics, vision, and wit are the most important personality traits for becoming an efficient entrepreneur: Explain with examples
• Discuss the differences, skills needed, pros and cons of entrepreneurism and regular jobs with real examples
• Why every entrepreneur must have leadership skills and capabilities to become successful?
• Discuss the reasons that make franchising an innovative entrepreneurial approach
• Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Jack Ma of Alibaba and Ratan Naval Tata of The Tata Group
• What made John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie the greatest entrepreneurs of all time?
• Analyze why every entrepreneur must have the knowledge and skills to apply motivation theory
• Describe the approaches to achieving success as an entrepreneur

Informative Entrepreneurship Research Paper Topics

• Discuss the factors influencing small business growth.
• Analyze the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.
• Explain the benefits and challenges of a family-owned business.
• Write about emotional intelligence in entrepreneurial leadership.
• Explain the impact of the entrepreneurial ecosystem on innovation and growth.
• Explore the opportunities and challenges of the sharing economy for entrepreneurs.
• Analyze the impact of entrepreneurial education on venture success.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the rise of solopreneurship.
• Write about the ethical dilemmas faced by entrepreneurs.
• Explain the legal issues involved in Crowdfunding and Crowdsourcing

Wrapping Up

From the impressive ideas suggested in this blog post, choose any topic that matches your interest and compose a detailed entrepreneurship research paper with valid evidence. In case, you are not satisfied with the list of ideas presented above and need any other unique topic, approach us for help. From entrepreneurship research paper topic selection to writing, and proofreading, the business assignment help experts on our platform will provide premium-quality assistance in accordance with your requirements at an affordable cost. Moreover, by utilizing our assignment help service online, you can also finish all your work ahead of the deadline and boost your grades.

Without any hesitation, simply avail of our service and earn various academic benefits beyond your expectations. As a part of our service, we provide 24/7 customer support and a free paper revision facility as well.

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How to Inspire Entrepreneurial Thinking in Your Students

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• Course Design
• Experiential Learning
• Perspectives
• Student Engagement

T he world is in flux. The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every corner of the globe, profoundly impacting our economies and societies as well as our personal lives and social networks. Innovation is happening at record speed. Digital technologies have transformed the way we live and work.

At the same time, world leaders are collaborating to tackle the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals , which aim to address issues related to health, education, gender equality, energy, and more. Private sector leaders, too, are recognizing that it makes good business sense to be aware of corporations’ social and environmental impact.

So, how can we as educators prepare our students to succeed in this tumultuous and uncertain—yet hopeful and exhilarating—global environment? As the world changes, so do the skills students need to build their careers—and to build a better society. For students to acquire these evolving skills, we believe educators must help students develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

6 Ways You Can Inspire Entrepreneurial Thinking Among Your Students

An entrepreneurial mindset —attitudes and behaviors that encapsulate how entrepreneurs tend to think and act—enables one to identify and capitalize on opportunities, change course when needed, and view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and improve.

If a student decides to become an entrepreneur, an entrepreneurial mindset is essential. And for students who plan to join a company, nonprofit, or government agency, this mindset will enable them to become intrapreneurs —champions of innovation and creativity inside their organizations. It can also help in everyday life by minimizing the impact of failure and reframing setbacks as learning opportunities.

“As the world changes, so do the skills students need to build their careers—and to build a better society.”

Effective entrepreneurship professors are skilled at nurturing the entrepreneurial mindset. They, of course, have the advantage of teaching a subject that naturally demands students think in this way. However, as we will explore, much of what they do in their classroom is transferable to other subject areas.

We interviewed top entrepreneurship professors at leading global institutions to understand the pedagogical approaches they use to cultivate this mindset in their students. Here, we will delve into six such approaches. As we do, think about what aspects of their techniques you can adopt to inspire entrepreneurial thinking in your own classroom.

1. Encourage Students to Chart Their Own Course Through Project-Based Learning

According to Ayman Ismail, associate professor of entrepreneurship at the American University in Cairo, students are used to pre-packaged ideas and linear thinking. “Students are often told, ‘Here’s X, Y, Z, now do something with it.’ They are not used to exploring or thinking creatively,” says Ismail.

To challenge this linear pattern, educators can instead help their students develop an entrepreneurial mindset through team-based projects that can challenge them to identify a problem or job to be done, conduct market research, and create a new product or service that addresses the issue. There is no blueprint for students to follow in developing these projects, so many will find this lack of direction confusing—in some cases even frightening. But therein lies the learning.

John Danner, who teaches entrepreneurship at Princeton University and University of California, Berkeley, finds his students similarly inhibited at the start. “My students come in trying to understand the rules of the game,” he says. “I tell them the game is to be created by you.”

Danner encourages students to get comfortable navigating life’s maze of ambiguity and possibility and to let their personal initiative drive them forward. He tells them, “At best you have a flashlight when peering into ambiguity. You can shine light on the next few steps.”

In your classroom: Send students on an unstructured journey. Dive right in by asking them to identify a challenge that will hone their problem-finding skills and encourage them to work in teams to find a solution. Do not give them a blueprint.

For example, in our M²GATE virtual exchange program, we teamed US students with peers located in four countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We asked them to identify a pressing social issue in MENA and then create a product or service to address it. One of the teams identified the high rate of youth unemployment in Morocco as an issue. They discovered that employers want workers with soft skills, but few schools provide such training. Their solution was a low-cost after-school program to equip students ages 8-16 with soft skills.

2. Help Students Think Broadly and Unleash Their Creativity

Professor Heidi Neck says her students at Babson College struggle with problem finding at the start of the entrepreneurial journey. “They are good at solving problems, but not as good at finding the problem to solve,” she explains. “For example, they know that climate change is a problem, and they’re interested in doing something about it, but they’re not sure what problem within that broad area they can focus on and find a market for.”

Professor Niko Slavnic, who teaches entrepreneurship at IEDC-Bled School of Management in Slovenia and the ESSCA School of Management in France, says he first invests time in teaching his students to unlearn traditional ways of thinking and unleash their creativity. He encourages students to get outside their comfort zones. One way he does this is by having them make paper airplanes and then stand on their desks and throw them. Many ask, “Should we do this? Is this allowed?” When his students start to question the rules and think about new possibilities, this indicates to Slavnic that they are primed for the type of creative exploration his course demands.

“When students start to question the rules and think about new possibilities, this indicates to Professor Niko Slavnic that they are primed for the type of creative exploration his course demands.”

In your classroom: Think about the concept of “unlearning.” Ask yourself if students are entering your class with rigid mindsets or attitudes based on rules and structures that you would like to change. For example, they may be coming into your classroom with the expectation that you, the instructor, have all the answers and that you will impart your wisdom to them throughout the semester. Design your course so that students spend more time than you do presenting, with you acting more as an advisor (the “guide on the side”).

3. Prompt Students to Take Bold Actions

Geoff Archer, an entrepreneurship professor at Royal Roads University in Canada, says Kolb’s theory of experiential learning underpins the entrepreneurial management curriculum he designed. Archer takes what he calls a “ready-fire-aim approach,” common in the startup world—he throws students right into the deep end. They are tasked with creating a for-profit business from scratch and operating it for a month. At the end of the semester, they must come up with a “pitch deck”—a short presentation providing potential investors with an overview of their proposed new business—and an investor-ready business plan.

This approach can be met with resistance, especially with mature learners. “They’re used to winning, and it’s frustrating and more than a bit terrifying to be told to do something without being given more structure upfront,” says Archer.

Professor Rita Egizii, who co-teaches with Archer, says students really struggled when instructed to get out and talk with potential customers about a product they were proposing to launch as part of their class project. “They all sat outside on the curb on their laptops. For them, it’s not normal and not okay to make small experiments and fail,” says Egizii.

Keep in mind that, culturally, the taboo of failure—even on a very small scale and even in the name of learning—can be ingrained in the minds of students from around the world.

The benefit of this permutation, explains Archer, is that students are writing plans based on actual experiences—in this case, customer interactions. Moving the starting blocks forward offers many benefits, including getting the students out of the classroom and out of their heads earlier, reminding them that the market’s opinion of their solution is far more important than their own. This also affords students more time to reflect and maximize the potential of their minimum viable product or experiment.

In your classroom: Invite students to bring their lived experiences and workplace knowledge into their studies. This can be just as powerful as the more famous exhortation to “get out of the classroom.” As Egizii sees it, “student-directed experiential learning provides a comfortable and relatable starting point from which they can then diverge their thinking.”

4. Show Students What They Can Achieve

For Eric Fretz, a lecturer at the University of Michigan, the key to launching his students on a successful path is setting the bar high, while at the same time helping them understand what is realistic to achieve. “You will never know if your students can jump six feet unless you set the bar at six feet,” he says.

His undergraduate students work in small teams to create a product in three months and generate sales from it. At the start of the semester, he typically sees a lot of grandiose ideas—a lot of “fluff and BS” as he calls it. Students also struggle with assessing the viability of their ideas.

To help, Fretz consults with each team extensively, filtering through ideas together until they can agree upon a feasible one that fulfills a real need. The real magic of his course is in the coaching and support he provides.

“People know when you’re investing in them and giving them your attention and energy,” Fretz says. He finds that coaching students in the beginning of the course helps assuage their concerns about embarking on an open-ended team project, while also supporting initiative and self-reliance.

In your classroom: Design ways to nudge your students outside their comfort zones, while also providing support. Like Fretz, you should set high expectations, but also adequately guide students.

5. Teach Students the Value of Changing Course

A key part of the entrepreneurial mindset is to be able to course-correct, learn from mistakes, and move on. Entrepreneurship professors position hurdles as learning opportunities. For example, Danner tells his students that his class is a laboratory for both aspiring and failing. He advises them to expect failure and think about how they are going to deal with it.

“A key part of the entrepreneurial mindset is to be able to course-correct, learn from mistakes, and move on.”

Ismail believes letting his students fail in class is the best preparation for the real world. He let one student team pursue a project for the entire semester around a product he knew had no potential. Two days before the end of the course, he told them as such. From his perspective, their frustration was the best learning experience they could have and the best training he could offer on what they will experience in real life. This reflects a key component of the entrepreneurial mindset— the ability to view mistakes as opportunities .

In your classroom: Build into your course some opportunities for students to make mistakes. Show them how mistakes are an opportunity to learn and improve. In entrepreneurship speak, this is called a “pivot.” Can you build in opportunities for students to face challenges and have to pivot in your course?

6. Communicate with Students Regularly to Establish New Ways of Thinking

Professor Neck realized that to nurture the entrepreneurial mindset in her students, she needed to provide them with opportunities to do so outside of class. She now encourages her students to establish a daily, reflective practice. She even designed a series of daily “mindset vitamins” that she sends to her students via the messaging platform WhatsApp. Students are not expected to reply to the messages, but rather to simply consume and absorb them.

Some messages relate specifically to entrepreneurship, such as: “How can you get started with nothing?” And others apply to life in general: “What has been your proudest moment in life so far? How can you create more moments like that? What did it feel like the last time you failed?”

In your classroom: Communicate with your students outside the classroom with messages that reinforce the mindset change you are seeking to achieve in your course. Social media and apps such as WhatsApp and Twitter make it easy to do so.

All Students Can Benefit from an Entrepreneurial Mindset

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that an entrepreneurial mindset is critical for addressing today’s problems. Adapting to risk, spotting opportunity, taking initiative, communicating and collaborating, being flexible, and problem solving—these are ways in which we have responded to the pandemic. And they’re all part of the entrepreneurial mindset. By instilling this way of thinking in our students, we will equip them to handle tomorrow’s challenges—as well as to identify and take advantage of future opportunities.

Thinking about which of these entrepreneurial approaches you can adopt in your own teaching may require you to redesign portions of your courses or even create a new course from scratch. We encourage you to be open to experimenting and trying out some of these ideas. Like the best entrepreneurs, don’t be afraid to fail.

Also, be open with your students. Let them know you are trying out some new things and solicit their feedback. If needed, you can always pivot your class and involve them in the exercise of co-creating something better together. In the process, you will also be modeling the entrepreneurial mindset for your students.

Amy Gillett is the vice president of education at the William Davidson Institute , a non-profit located at the University of Michigan. She oversees design and delivery of virtual exchanges, entrepreneurship development projects, and executive education programs. Over the past two decades, she has worked on a wide variety of global programs, including 10,000 Women , equipping over 300 Rwandan women with skills to scale their small businesses, and the NGO Leadership Workshops—one-week training programs held in Poland and Slovakia designed to enhance the managerial capability and sustainability of nongovernmental organizations in Central and Eastern Europe.

Kristin Babbie Kelterborn co-leads the Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC) at the William Davidson Institute. She collaborates with the EDC’s faculty affiliates to design and implement projects that support entrepreneurs in building and growing their businesses in low- and middle-income countries.

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200 Best Entrepreneurship Project Ideas for Students in 2024

Discover engaging Entrepreneurship Project Ideas for Students! Foster innovation and business skills with creative projects tailored for young minds. From product creation to business plan development, these ideas empower student entrepreneurs to explore, learn, and grow.

Ready to spark creativity and business skills in students? Let’s explore Entrepreneurship Project Ideas! Get ready for a journey where students innovate, create, and learn valuable skills for the future. From crafting cool products to designing business plans, these ideas will ignite passion and drive in young entrepreneurs!

Table of Contents

Entrepreneurship Project Ideas for Students

Have a close look at entrepreneurship project ideas for students:-

Product Development

• Design eco-friendly food packaging.
• Create sustainable fashion accessories.
• Develop a food waste tracking app.
• Invent a smart home energy device.
• Make organic skincare products.
• Design a reusable water bottle.
• Develop educational toys for disabled children.
• Invent a kitchen gadget.
• Create upcycled furniture.
• Design outdoor sports equipment.
• Develop a mental health app.
• Create an online tutoring platform.
• Invent a wearable health monitor.
• Develop a VR education game.
• Design a student social network.
• Create a finance management app.
• Develop a sustainable travel platform.
• Invent smart agriculture tech.
• Design a carbon footprint tracker.
• Create a local farmer-consumer platform.

Social Impact

• Start a community garden.
• Teach financial literacy to youth.
• Connect volunteers with nonprofits.
• Provide jobs for refugees.
• Sell eco-friendly clothes.
• Mentor at-risk youth.
• Offer affordable housing solutions.
• Promote sustainable living.
• Teach coding to underserved communities.
• Provide clean water to communities.
• Teach entrepreneurship online.
• Educate disabled students in life skills.
• Tutor STEM subjects.
• Create a language learning app.
• Teach coding to kids.
• Offer educational tours.
• Facilitate peer-to-peer learning.
• Teach financial literacy to college students.
• Provide career counseling.
• Share educational resources online.

Sustainability

• Sell eco-friendly cleaning products.
• Recycle electronic waste.
• Promote sustainable fashion.
• Provide composting services.
• Create biodegradable packaging.
• Promote sustainable transport.
• Sell solar-powered products.
• Share sustainable living tips.
• Teach sustainable gardening.
• Offer sustainable catering.

Health and Wellness

• Sell organic food products.
• Provide mental health awareness.
• Offer yoga and meditation classes.
• Create natural skincare products.
• Promote healthy eating.
• Provide fitness training.
• Promote mindfulness practices.
• Sell herbal supplements.
• Offer wellness retreats.
• Connect people with health professionals.

Arts and Culture

• Sell handmade artisanal products.
• Promote cultural exchange.
• Support local artists and musicians.
• Provide art classes for kids.
• Sell products inspired by traditional crafts.
• Preserve indigenous languages.
• Offer cultural tours.
• Share stories and traditions.
• Teach traditional arts and crafts.
• Promote cultural events.

Food and Beverage

• Sell gourmet food products.
• Provide specialty coffee and tea.
• Sell artisanal chocolates.
• Provide event catering.
• Promote local food producers.
• Teach cooking skills.
• Sell homemade baked goods.
• Sell organic and natural snacks.
• Promote sustainable farming.

Fashion and Beauty

• Sell handmade jewelry.
• Create eco-friendly clothing.
• Promote body positivity.
• Provide makeup and beauty services.
• Sell cruelty-free beauty products.
• Sell vintage clothing.
• Create natural hair care products.
• Teach fashion design.
• Provide clothing rental services.

Sports and Recreation

• Design outdoor sports gear.
• Provide adventure travel.
• Promote outdoor recreation.
• Connect sports enthusiasts.
• Sell camping and hiking gear.
• Create eco-friendly sports apparel.
• Teach sports skills to kids.
• Provide fitness retreats.
• Share sports and fitness tips.
• Promote sports tourism.

Technology and Innovation

• Develop a task organization app.
• Connect freelancers with clients.
• Provide virtual reality experiences.
• Teach coding to children.
• Create wearable tech.
• Provide drone services.
• Share innovative ideas.
• Promote STEM education.
• Provide 3D printing services.
• Develop personal finance software.

Environmental Conservation

• Sell eco-friendly household products.
• Recycle in communities.
• Share waste reduction tips.
• Provide eco-friendly landscaping.
• Create biodegradable products.
• Promote energy conservation.
• Provide sustainable catering.

Health and Fitness

• Sell organic and natural food.
• Provide yoga and meditation.
• Promote mental health awareness.
• Create natural skincare.
• Connect with health professionals.

Education and Learning

• Provide tutoring services.
• Teach coding online.
• Teach financial literacy.
• Provide educational games.
• Create educational toys.
• Connect students with mentors.
• Offer career counseling.
• Teach entrepreneurship.
• Teach life skills.
• Provide educational tours.

Social Impact and Community Development

• Provide affordable housing.
• Teach job skills to disadvantaged.
• Support refugees.
• Sell products for a cause.
• Promote diversity and inclusion.
• Support the elderly.
• Promote social justice.
• Teach conflict resolution.
• Support local artists.
• Preserve cultural heritage.
• Sell products with cultural influence.
• Teach traditional arts.
• Sell handmade products.
• Provide cultural tours.
• Sell gourmet food.
• Provide specialty coffee.
• Promote local food.
• Sell organic snacks.
• Provide beauty services.
• Create natural hair care.
• Provide clothing rental.
• Sell camping gear.
• Teach sports to kids.
• Share sports tips.
• Develop a task app.
• Connect freelancers.
• Provide VR experiences.
• Provide 3D printing.
• Develop finance software.

These ideas should give you a good starting point for your entrepreneurship project!

How to Choose Entrepreneurship Project Ideas for Students?

Here we go:-

Discover Yourself

• What interests and skills do you possess?
• What problems do you feel passionate about solving?
• Explore issues within your school or community.
• Investigate existing solutions to similar problems.

Generate Ideas

• Combine your interests and skills creatively.
• Brainstorm new and innovative solutions.
• Seek feedback from friends and family.

Evaluate Ideas

• Assess the availability of resources for each idea.
• Consider the potential profitability of your idea.
• Ensure you feel genuinely enthusiastic about pursuing the idea.

Refine and Develop

• Select the most promising idea.
• Develop a detailed plan covering customer reach, marketing, and finances.
• Start with a small-scale implementation and refine based on feedback.

What is an example of student entrepreneurship?

Check out an example of student entrepreneurship:-

Brine Buddies – Shoe Deodorizer

Student Entrepreneurs

Emily Kauffman and Chloe Dzuback from Connecticut

The Problem

Smelly gym bags and lockers due to sweaty shoes, with harsh or ineffective deodorizers.

The Solution

Brine Buddies – small pouches filled with natural materials and essential oils to absorb moisture and odor, leaving shoes fresh.

The Journey

• Inspiration: Emily, a dancer, noticed smelly shoe issues.
• Development: They tested materials and oils for a safe and effective product.
• Success: Launched on Kickstarter, featured in Forbes, solving smelly shoe problems.
• Impact: Brine Buddies offer a simple, natural fix for smelly shoes, showing student innovation in action!

This example shows how student ideas can solve real problems!

What is a good business to start at school?

Check out a good business to start at school-

Use Your Skills

• Tutoring: Help classmates with subjects you’re good at.
• Crafts: Sell things you make, like jewelry or art.
• Services: Run errands or offer tech help to others.

Online and Low-Cost Options

• Freelancing: Do online work like writing or design.
• Dropshipping : Sell products online without keeping inventory.

School-Friendly Ideas

• Events: Organize bake sales or car washes with school approval.
• Supply Sales: Sell school supplies to classmates.
• Check Rules: Make sure your business idea follows school rules.
• Start Small: Begin with something easy to manage.
• Make Customers Happy: Provide good service to build a good reputation.

These ideas can work well with your studies!

We have seen some of the best entrepreneurship project ideas that the students should try once. If you are creative enough and eager to do some innovation along with personal growth these project ideas are for you.

Don’t hesitate to dig deep into the entrepreneurship project ideas. It is the best approach to try your entrepreneurship project ideas at the early stages of your life. From creating unique goodies to offering unique services all you can try with these project ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to balance entrepreneurship with my studies.

Absolutely! Many successful entrepreneurs started their ventures while studying. It’s all about time management and prioritizing your goals.

Do I need a lot of money to start these projects?

Not necessarily. Many of the ideas mentioned here can be launched with minimal investment, especially if you start small and scale up gradually.

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1.1: Chapter 1 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship

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• Lee A. Swanson
• University of Saskatchewan

Whilst there is no universally accepted definition of entrepreneurship, it is fair to say that it is multi-dimensional. It involves analyzing people and their actions together with the ways in which they interact with their environments, be these social, economic, or political, and the institutional, policy, and legal frameworks that help define and legitimize human activities. – Blackburn (2011, p. xiii)

Entrepreneurship involves such a range of activities and levels of analysis that no single definition is definitive. – Lichtenstein (2011, p. 472)

It is complex, chaotic, and lacks any notion of linearity. As educators, we have the responsibility to develop our students’ discovery, reasoning, and implementation skills so they may excel in highly uncertain environments. – Neck and Greene (2011, p. 55)

Learning Objectives

• Examine the challenges associated with defining the concepts of entrepreneur and entrepreneurship
• Discuss how the evolution of entrepreneurship thought has influenced how we view the concept of entrepreneurship today
• Discuss how the list of basic questions in entrepreneurship research can be expanded to include research inquiries that are important in today’s world
• Discuss how the concepts of entrepreneurial uniqueness, entrepreneurial personality traits, and entrepreneurial cognitions can help society improve its support for entrepreneurship
• Apply the general venturing script to the study of entrepreneurship

This chapter provides you with an overview of entrepreneurship and of the language of entrepreneurship. The challenges associated with defining entrepreneur and entrepreneurship are explored, as is an overview of how entrepreneurship can be studied.

The objective is to enable you to apply current concepts in entrepreneurship to the evaluation of entrepreneurs, their ventures, and the venturing environment. You will develop skills, including the capability to add value in the new venture sector of the economy. You will acquire and practice evaluation skills useful in consulting, advising, and making new venture decisions.

Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurship

Considerations influencing definitions of entrepreneur and entrepreneurship.

It is necessary to be able to determine exactly who entrepreneurs are before we can, among other things, study them, count them, provide special loans for them, and calculate how and how much they contribute to our economy.

• Does someone need to start a business from scratch to be called an entrepreneur?
• Can we call someone an entrepreneur if they bought an ongoing business from someone else or took over the operations of a family business from their parents?
• If someone starts a small business and never needs to hire employees, can they be called an entrepreneur?
• If someone buys a business but hires professional managers to run it so they don’t have to be involved in the operations, are they an entrepreneur?
• Is someone an entrepreneur if they buy into a franchise so they can follow a well-established formula for running the operation?
• Is someone an entrepreneur because of what they do or because of how they think?
• Can someone be an entrepreneur without owning their own business?
• Can a person be an entrepreneur because of the nature of the work that they do within a large corporation?

It is also necessary to fully understand what we mean by entrepreneurship before we can study the concept.

Gartner (1990) identified 90 attributes that showed up in definitions of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship provided by entrepreneurs and other experts in the field. The following are a few of these attributes:

• Innovation – Does a person need to be innovative to be considered an entrepreneur? Can an activity be considered to be entrepreneurial if it is not innovative?
• Activities – What activities does a person need to do to be considered an entrepreneur?
• Creation of a new business – Does someone need to start a new business to be considered to be an entrepreneur, or can someone who buys a business, buys into a franchise, or takes over an existing family business be considered an entrepreneur?
• Starts an innovative venture within an established organization – Can someone who works within an existing organization that they don’t own be considered an entrepreneur if they start an innovative venture for their organization?
• Creation of a not-for-profit business – Can a venture be considered to be entrepreneurial if it is a not-for-profit, or should only for-profit businesses be considered entrepreneurial?

After identifying the 90 attributes, Gartner (1990) went back to the entrepreneurs and other experts for help in clustering the attributes into themes that would help summarize what people concerned with entrepreneurship thought about the concept. He ended up with the following eight entrepreneurship themes:

1. The Entrepreneur – The entrepreneur theme is the idea that entrepreneurship involves individuals with unique personality characteristics and abilities (e.g., risk-taking, locus of control, autonomy, perseverance, commitment, vision, creativity). Almost 50% of the respondents rated these characteristics as not important to a definition of entrepreneurship (Gartner, 1990, p. 21, 24).

• “The question that needs to be addressed is: Does entrepreneurship involve entrepreneurs (individuals with unique characteristics)?” (Gartner, 1990, p. 25).

2. Innovation – The innovation theme is characterized as doing something new as an idea, product, service, market, or technology in a new or established organization. The innovation theme suggests that innovation is not limited to new ventures, but recognized as something which older and/or larger organizations may undertake as well (Gartner, 1990, p. 25). Some of the experts Gartner questioned believed that it was important to include innovation in definitions of entrepreneurship and others did not think it was as important.

• “Does entrepreneurship involve innovation?” (Gartner, 1990, p. 25).

3. Organization Creation – The organization creation theme describes the behaviors involved in creating organizations. This theme described acquiring and integrating resource attributes (e.g., Brings resources to bear, integrates opportunities with resources, mobilizes resources, gathers resources) and attributes that described creating organizations (new venture development and the creation of a business that adds value). (Gartner, 1990, p. 25)

• “Does entrepreneurship involve resource acquisition and integration (new venture creation activities)?” (Gartner, 1990, p. 25)

4. Creating Value – This theme articulated the idea that entrepreneurship creates value. The attributes in this factor indicated that value creation might be represented by transforming a business, creating a new business growing a business, creating wealth, or destroying the status quo.

• “Does entrepreneurship involve creating value?” (Gartner, 1990, p. 25).

5. Profit or Nonprofit

• “Does entrepreneurship involve profit-making organizations only” (Gartner, 1990, p. 25)?
• Should a focus on growth be a characteristic of entrepreneurship?

7. Uniqueness – This theme suggested that entrepreneurship must involve uniqueness. Uniqueness was characterized by attributes such as a special way of thinking, a vision of accomplishment, ability to see situations in terms of unmet needs, and creates a unique combination.

• “Does entrepreneurship involve uniqueness?” (Gartner, 1990, p. 26).

8. The Owner-Manager – Some of the respondents questioned by Gartner (1990) did not believe that small mom-and-pop types of businesses should be considered to be entrepreneurial. Some respondents felt that an important element of a definition of entrepreneurship was that a venture be owner-managed.

• To be entrepreneurial, does a venture need to be owner-managed?

Examples of Definitions of Entrepreneur

An entrepreneur can be described as “one who creates a new business in the face of risk and uncertainty for the purpose of achieving profit and growth by identifying significant opportunities and assembling the necessary resources to capitalize on them” (Zimmerer & Scarborough, 2008, p. 5).

An entrepreneur is “one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise” (Entrepreneur, n.d.).

Examples of Definitions of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship can be defined as a field of business that

seeks to understand how opportunities to create something new (e.g., new products or services, new markets, new production processes or raw materials, new ways of organizing existing technologies) arise and are discovered or created by specific persons, who then use various means to exploit or develop them, thus producing a wide range of effects (Baron, Shane, & Reuber, 2008, p. 4)

A concise definition of entrepreneurship “is that it is the process of pursuing opportunities without limitation by resources currently in hand” (Brooks, 2009, p. 3) and “the process of doing something new and something different for the purpose of creating wealth for the individual and adding value to society” (Kao, 1993, p. 70)

The Evolution of Entrepreneurship Thought

This section includes an overview of how entrepreneurship has evolved to the present day.

The following timeline shows some of the most influential entrepreneurship scholars and the schools of thought (French, English, American, German, and Austrian) their perspectives helped influence and from which their ideas evolved. Schools of thought are essentially groups of people who might or might not have personally known each other, but who shared common beliefs or philosophies.

Figure 1 – Historical and Evolutionary Entrepreneurship Thought (Illustration by Lee A. Swanson)

The Earliest Entrepreneurship

The function, if not the name, of the entrepreneur is probably as old as the institutions of barter and exchange. But only after economic markets became an intrusive element of society did the concept take on pivotal importance. Many economists have recognized the pivotal role of the entrepreneur in a market economy. Yet despite his central importance in economic activity, the entrepreneur has been a shadowy and elusive figure in the history of economic theory (Hebert & Link, 2009, p. 1).

Historically those who acted similarly to the ways we associate with modern day entrepreneurs – namely those who strategically assume risks to seek economic (or other) gains – were military leaders, royalty, or merchants. Military leaders planned their campaigns and battles while assuming significant risks, but by doing so they also stood to gain economic benefits if their strategies were successful. Merchants, like Marco Polo who sailed out of Venice in the late 1200s to search for a trade route to the Orient, also assumed substantial risks in the hope of becoming wealthy (Hebert & Link, 2009).

The entrepreneur, who was also called adventurer , projector , and undertaker during the eighteenth century, was not always viewed in a positive light (Hebert & Link, 2009).

Development of Entrepreneurship as a Concept

Risk and uncertainty.

Richard Cantillon (1680-1734) was born in France and belonged to the French School of thought although he was an Irish economist. He appears to be the person who introduced the term entrepreneur to the world. “According to Cantillon, the entrepreneur is a specialist in taking on risk, ‘insuring’ workers by buying their output for resale before consumers have indicated how much they are willing to pay for it” (Casson & Godley, 2005p. 26). The workers’ incomes are mostly stable, but the entrepreneur risks a loss if market prices fluctuate.

Cantillon distinguished entrepreneurs from two other classes of economic agents; landowners, who were financially independent, and hirelings (employees) who did not partake in the decision-making in exchange for relatively stable incomes through employment contracts. He was the first writer to provide a relatively refined meaning for the term entrepreneurship . Cantillon described entrepreneurs as individuals who generated profits through exchanges. In the face of uncertainty, particularly over future prices, they exercise business judgment. They purchase resources at one price and sell their product at a price that is uncertain, with the difference representing their profit (Chell, 2008; Hebert & Link, 2009).

Farmers were the most prominent entrepreneurs during Cantillon’s lifetime, and they interacted with “arbitrageurs” – or middlemen between farmers and the end consumers – who also faced uncertain incomes, and who were also, therefore, entrepreneurs. These intermediaries facilitated the movement of products from the farms to the cities where more than half of the farm output was consumed. Cantillon observed that consumers were willing to pay a higher price per unit to be able to purchase products in the smaller quantities they wanted, which created the opportunities for the intermediaries to make profits. Profits were the rewards for assuming the risks arising from uncertain conditions. The markets in which profits were earned were characterized by incomplete information (Chell, 2008; Hebert & Link, 2009).

Adolph Reidel (1809-1872), form the German School of thought, picked up on Cantillon’s notion of uncertainty and extended it to theorize that entrepreneurs take on uncertainty so others, namely income earners, do not have to be subject to the same uncertainty. Entrepreneurs provide a service to risk-averse income earners by assuming risk on their behalf. In exchange, entrepreneurs are rewarded when they can foresee the impacts of the uncertainty and sell their products at a price that exceeds their input costs (including the fixed costs of the wages they commit to paying) (Hebert & Link, 2009).

Frank Knight (1885-1972) founded the Chicago School of Economics and belonged to the American School of thought. He refined Cantillon’s perspective on entrepreneurs and risk by distinguishing insurable risk as something that is separate from uncertainty, which is not insurable. Some risks can be insurable because they have occurred enough times in the past that the expected loss from such risks can be calculated. Uncertainty, on the other hand, is not subject to probability calculations. According to Knight, entrepreneurs can’t share the risk of loss by insuring themselves against uncertain events, so they bear these kinds of risks themselves, and profit is the reward that entrepreneurs get from assuming uninsurable risks (Casson & Godley, 2005).

Distinction Between Entrepreneur and Manager

Jean-Baptiste Say (1767-1832), also from the French School, advanced Cantillon’s work, but added that entrepreneurship was essentially a form of management. Say “put the entrepreneur at the core of the entire process of production and distribution” (Hebert & Link, 2009, p. 17). Say’s work resulted in something similar to a general theory of entrepreneurship with three distinct functions; “scientific knowledge of the product; entrepreneurial industry – the application of knowledge to useful purpose; and productive industry – the manufacture of the item by manual labour” (Chell, 2008, p. 20).

Frank Knight made several contributions to entrepreneurship theory, but another of note is how he distinguished an entrepreneur from a manager. He suggested that a manager crosses the line to become an entrepreneur “when the exercise of his/her judgment is liable to error and s/he assumes the responsibility for its correctness” (Chell, 2008, p. 33). Knight said that entrepreneurs calculate the risks associated with uncertain business situations and make informed judgments and decisions with the expectation that – if they assessed the situation and made the correct decisions – they would be rewarded by earning a profit. Those who elect to avoid taking these risks choose the relative security of being employees (Chell, 2008).

Alfred Marshall (1842-1924), from the English School of thought, was one of the founders of neoclassical economics. His research involved distinguishing between the terms capitalist, entrepreneur, and manager. Marshall saw capitalists as individuals who “committed themselves to the capacity and honesty of others, when he by himself had incurred the risks for having contributed with the capital” (Zaratiegui & Rabade, 2005, p. 775). An entrepreneur took control of money provided by capitalists in an effort to leverage it to create more money; but would lose less if something went wrong then would the capitalists. An entrepreneur, however, risked his own reputation and the other gains he could have made by pursuing a different opportunity.

Let us suppose that two men are carrying on smaller businesses, the one working with his own, the other chiefly with borrowed capital. There is one set of risks which is common to both; which may be described as the trade risks of the particular business … But there is another set of risks, the burden of which has to be borne by the man working with borrowed capital, and not by the other; and we may call them personal risks (Marshall, 1961, p. 590; Zaratiegui & Rabade, 2005, p. 776).

Marshall recognized that the reward capitalists received for contributing capital was interest income and the reward entrepreneurs earned was profits. Managers received a salary and, according to Marshall, fulfilled a different function than either capitalists or entrepreneurs – although in some cases, particularly in smaller firms, one person might be both an entrepreneur and a manager. Managers “were more inclined to avoid challenges, innovations and what Schumpeter called the ‘perennial torment of creative destruction’ in favour of a more tranquil life” (Zaratiegui & Rabade, 2005, p. 781). The main risks they faced from firm failure were to their reputations or to their employment status. Managers had little incentive to strive to maximize profits (Zaratiegui & Rabade, 2005).

Amasa Walker (1799-1875) and his son Francis Walker (1840-1897) were from the American School of thought, and they helped shape an American perspective of entrepreneurship following the Civil War of 1861-1865. These scholars claimed that entrepreneurs created wealth, and thus played a different role than capitalists. They believed that entrepreneurs had the power of foresight and leadership qualities that enabled them to organize resources and inject energy into activities that create wealth (Chell, 2008).

Entrepreneurship versus Entrepreneur

Adam Smith (1723-1790), from the English School of thought, published An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations in 1776. In a departure from the previous thought into entrepreneurship and economics, Smith did not dwell on a particular class of individual. He was concerned with studying how all people fit into the economic system. Smith contended that the economy was driven by self-interest in the marketplace (Chell, 2008).

Also from the English School, David Ricardo (1772-1823) was influenced by Smith, Say, and others. His work focused on how the capitalist system worked. He explained how manufacturers must invest their capital in response to the demand for the products they produce. If demand decreases, manufacturers should borrow less and reduce their workforces. When demand is high, they should do the reverse (Chell, 2008).

Carl Menger (1840-1921), from the Austrian School of thought, ranked goods according to their causal connections to human satisfaction. Lower order goods include items like bread that directly satisfy a human want or need like hunger. Higher order goods are those more removed from satisfying a human need. A second order good is the flour that was used to make the bread. The grain used to make the flour is an even higher order good. Entrepreneurs coordinate these factors of production to turn higher order goods into lower order goods that more directly satisfy human wants and needs (Hebert & Link, 2009).

Menger (1950 [1871], p. 160) established that entrepreneurial activity includes: (a) obtaining information about the economic situation, (b) economic calculation – all the various computations that must be made if a production process is to be efficient, (c) the act of will by which goods of higher order are assigned to a particular production process, and (d) supervising the execution of the production plan so that it may be carried through as economically as possible (Hebert & Link, 2009, p. 43).

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), from the English School of thought, considered entrepreneurs to be innovators. They “depart from routine, discover new markets, find new sources of supply, improve existing products and lower the costs of production” (Chell, 2008).

Joseph Schumpeter’s (1883-1950) parents were Austrian, he studied at the University of Vienna, conducted research at the University of Graz, served as Austria’s Minister of Finance, and was the president of a bank in the country. Because of the rise of Hitler in Europe, he went to the United States and conducted research at Harvard until he retired in 1949. Because of this, he is sometimes associated with the American School of thought on entrepreneurship (Chell, 2008).

Whereas Menger saw entrepreneurship as occurring because of economic progress, Schumpeter took the opposite stance. Schumpeter saw economic activity as leading to economic development (Hebert & Link, 2009). Entrepreneurs play a central role in Schumpeter’s theory of economic development, and economic development can occur when the factors of production are assembled in new combinations .

Schumpeter (1934) viewed innovation as arising from new combinations of materials and forces. He provided the following five cases of new combinations.

• The introduction of a new good – that is one with which consumers are not yet familiar – or of a new quality of good.
• The introduction of a new method of production, that is one not yet tested by experience in the branch of manufacture concerned, which need by no means be founded upon a discovery scientifically new, and can also exist in a new way of handling a commodity commercially.
• The opening of a new market, that is a market into which the particular branch of manufacture of the country in question has not previously entered, whether or not this market has existed before.
• The conquest of a new source of supply of raw materials or half-manufactured goods, again irrespective of whether this source already exists or whether it has first to be created.
• The carrying out of the new organisation of any industry, like the creation of a monopoly position … or the breaking up of a monopoly position (Schumpeter, 1934, p. 66).

Another concept popularized by Schumpeter – in addition to the notion of new combinations – was creative destruction . This was meant to indicate that the existing ways of doing things need to be dismantled – to be destroyed – to enable a transformation through innovation to a new way of doing things. Entrepreneurs use innovation to disrupt how things are done and to establish a better way of doing those things.

Basic Questions in Entrepreneurship Research

According to Baron (2004a), there are three basic questions of interest in the field of entrepreneurship:

• Why do some persons but not others choose to become entrepreneurs?
• Why do some persons but not others recognize opportunities for new products or services that can be profitably exploited?
• Why are some entrepreneurs so much more successful than others (Baron, 2004a, p. 221)?

To understand where these foundational research questions came from and what their relevance is today, it is useful to study what entrepreneurship research has uncovered so far.

Entrepreneurial Uniqueness

Efforts to teach entrepreneurship have included descriptions of entrepreneurial uniqueness based on personality, behavioural, and cognitive traits (Chell, 2008; Duening, 2010).

• Need for achievement
• Internal locus of control (a belief by an individual that they are in control of their own destiny)
• Risk-taking propensity
• Behavioural traits
• Cognitive skills of successful entrepreneurs

Past studies of personality characteristics and behavioural traits have not been overly successful at identifying entrepreneurial uniqueness.

As it turned out, years of painstaking research along this line has not borne significant fruit. It appears that there are simply not any personality characteristics that are either essential to, or defining of, entrepreneurs that differ systematically from non-entrepreneurs…. Again, investigators proposed a number of behavioural candidates as emblematic of entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, this line of research also resulted in a series of dead ends as examples of successful entrepreneurial behaviours had equal counterparts among samples of non-entrepreneurs. As with the personality characteristic school of thought before it, the behavioural trait school of thought became increasingly difficult to support (Duening, 2010, p. 4-5).

This shed doubt on the value of trying to change personality characteristics or implant new entrepreneurial behaviours through educational programs in an effort to promote entrepreneurship.

New research, however, has resurrected the idea that there might be some value in revisiting personality traits as a topic of study. Additionally, Duening (2010) and has suggested that an important approach to teaching and learning about entrepreneurship is to focus on the “cognitive skills that successful entrepreneurs seem uniquely to possess and deploy” (p. 2). In the next sections we consider the new research on entrepreneurial personality traits and on entrepreneurial cognitions.

Entrepreneurial Personality Traits

While acknowledging that research had yet to validate the value of considering personality and behaviour traits as ways to distinguish entrepreneurs from non-entrepreneurs or unsuccessful ones, Chell (2008) suggested that researchers turn their attention to new sets of traits including: “the proactive personality, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, perseverance and intuitive decision-making style. Other traits that require further work include social competence and the need for independence” (p. 140).

In more recent years scholars have considered how the Big Five personality traits – extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism (sometimes presented as emotional stability ), and openness to experience (sometimes referred to as intellect) – might be used to better understand entrepreneurs. It appears that the Big Five traits might be of some use in predicting entrepreneurial success. Research is ongoing in this area, but in one example, Caliendo, Fossen, and Kritikos (2014) studied whether personality constructs might “influence entrepreneurial decisions at different points in time” (p. 807), and found that “high values in three factors of the Big Five approach—openness to experience, extraversion, and emotional stability (the latter only when we do not control for further personality characteristics)—increase the probability of entry into self-employment” (p. 807). They also found “that some specific personality characteristics, namely risk tolerance, locus of control, and trust, have strong partial effects on the entry decision” (p. 807). They also found that people who scored higher on agreeableness were more likely to exit their businesses, possibly meaning that people with lower agreeableness scores might prevail longer as entrepreneurs. When it came to specific personality traits, their conclusions indicated that those with an external locus of control were more likely to stop being self-employed after they had run their businesses for a while. There are several implications for research like this, including the potential to better understand why some entrepreneurs behave as they do based upon their personality types and the chance to improve entrepreneurship education and support services.

Entrepreneurial Cognitions

It is only fairly recently that entrepreneurship scholars have focused on cognitive skills as a primary factor that differentiates successful entrepreneurs from non-entrepreneurs and less successful entrepreneurs. This approach deals with how entrepreneurs think differently than non-entrepreneurs (Duening, 2010; Mitchell et al., 2007).

Entrepreneurial cognitions are the knowledge structures that people use to make assessments, judgments or decisions involving opportunity evaluation and venture creation and growth. In other words, research in entrepreneurial cognition is about understanding how entrepreneurs use simplifying mental models to piece together previously unconnected information that helps them to identify and invent new products or services, and to assemble the necessary resources to start and grow businesses (Mitchell, Busenitz, et al., 2002, p. 97).

Mitchell, Smith, et al. (2002) provided the example of how the decision to create a new venture (dependent variable) was influenced by three sets of cognitions (independent variables). They described these cognitions as follows:

Arrangements cognitions are the mental maps about the contacts, relationships, resources, and assets necessary to engage in entrepreneurial activity; willingness cognitions are the mental maps that support commitment to venturing and receptivity to the idea of starting a venture; ability cognitions consist of the knowledge structures or scripts (Glaser, 1984) that individuals have to support the capabilities, skills, norms, and attitudes required to create a venture (Mitchell et al., 2000). These variables draw on the idea that cognitions are structured in the minds of individuals (Read, 1987), and that these knowledge structures act as “scripts” that are the antecedents of decision making (Leddo & Abelson, 1986, p. 121; Mitchell, Smith, et al., 2002, p. 10)

Cognitive Perspective to Understanding Entrepreneurship

According to Baron (2004a), by taking a cognitive perspective, we might better understand entrepreneurs and the role they play in the entrepreneurial process.

The cognitive perspective emphasizes the fact that everything we think, say, or do is influenced by mental processes—the cognitive mechanisms through which we acquire store, transform, and use information. It is suggested here that this perspective can be highly useful to the field of entrepreneurship. Specifically, it can assist the field in answering three basic questions it has long addressed: (1) Why do some persons but not others choose to become entrepreneurs? (2) Why do some persons but not others recognize opportunities for new products or services that can be profitably exploited? And (3) Why are some entrepreneurs so much more successful than others (Baron, 2004a, p. 221-222)?

Baron (2004a), illustrated how cognitive differences between people might explain why some people end up pursuing entrepreneurial pursuits and others do not. For example, prospect theory (Kahneman & Tversky, 1977) and other decision-making or behavioural theories might be useful in this regard. Research into cognitive biases might also help explain why some people become entrepreneurs.

Baron (2004a) also revealed ways in which cognitive concepts like signal detection theory, regulation theory, and entrepreneurial might help explain why some people are better at entrepreneurial opportunity recognition. He also illustrated how some cognitive models and theories – like risk perception, counterfactual thinking, processing style, and susceptibility to cognitive errors – might help explain why some entrepreneurs are more successful than others.

Cognitive Perspective and the Three Questions

• Prospect Theory
• Cognitive Biases
• Signal Detection Theory
• Regulation Theory
• Entrepreneurial Alertness
• Risk Perception
• Counterfactual Thinking
• Processing Style
• Susceptibility to Cognitive Errors

Entrepreneurial Scripts

• “Cognition has emerged as an important theoretical perspective for understanding and explaining human behavior and action” (Dutta & Thornhill, 2008, p. 309).
• Cognitions are all processes by which sensory input is transformed, reduced, elaborated, stored, recovered, and used (Neisser, 1976).
• Cognitions lead to the acquisition of knowledge, and involve human information processing.
• Is a mental model, or information processing short-cut that can give information form and meaning, and enable subsequent interpretation and action.
• The subsequent interpretation and actions can result in expert performance … they can also result in thinking errors.
• the processes that transfer expertise, and
• the actual expertise itself.
• Scripts are generally framed as a linear sequence of steps, usually with feedback loops, that can explain how to achieve a particular task – perhaps like developing a business plan.
• Sometimes scripts can be embedded within other scripts. For example, within a general venturing script that outlines the sequences of activities that can lead to a successful business launch, there will probably be sub-scripts describing how entrepreneurs can search for ideas, screen those ideas until one is selected, plan how to launch a sustainable business based upon that idea and including securing the needed financial resources, setting up the business, starting it, effectively managing its ongoing operations, and managing the venture such that that entrepreneur can extract the value that they desire from the enterprise at the times and in the ways they want it.
• The most effective scripts include an indication of the norms that outline performance standards and indicate how to determine when any step in the sequence has been properly completed.

General Venturing Script

Generally, entrepreneurship is considered to consist of the following elements, or subscripts (Brooks, 2009; Mitchell, 2000).

• Idea Screening
• Planning and Financing
• Ongoing Operations

Searching (also called idea formulation or opportunity recognition)

• This script begins when a person decides they might be a potential entrepreneur (or when an existing entrepreneur decides they need more ideas in their idea pool ).
• This script ends when there are a sufficient number of ideas in the idea pool.
• overcome mental blockages to creativity which might hinder this person’s ability to identify viable ideas;
• implement steps to identify a sufficient number of ideas (most likely 5 or more) which the person is interested in investigating to determine whether they might be viable given general criteria such as this person’s personal interests and capabilities;

Idea Screening (also called concept development)

• This script begins when the person with the idea pool is no longer focusing on adding new ideas to it; but is instead taking steps to choose the best idea for them given a full range of specific criteria .
• This script ends when one idea is chosen from among those in the idea pool.
• Evaluate the political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal climates
• Evaluate the degree of competitiveness in the industry, the threat of substitutes emerging, the threat of new entrants to the industry, the degree of bargaining power of buyers, and the degree of bargaining power of suppliers.
• Do a market profile analysis to assess the attractiveness of the position within the industry that the potential venture will occupy.
• Formulate and evaluate potential strategies to leverage organizational strengths, overcome/minimize weaknesses, take advantage of opportunities, and overcome/minimize threats;
• Complete financial projections and analyze them to evaluate financial attractiveness;
• Assess the founder fit with the ideas;
• Evaluate the core competencies of the organization relative to the idea;
• Assess advice solicited from trusted advisers

Planning and Financing (also called resource determination and acquisition)

• This script begins when the idea screening script ends and when the person begins making the plans to implement the single idea chosen from the idea pool, which is done in concert with securing financing to implement the venture idea.
• This script ends when sufficient business planning has been done and when adequate financing has been arranged.
• The scripting process involves a logical flow of steps to develop a business plan and secure adequate financing to start the business.

Set-Up (also called launch)

• This script begins when the planning and financing script ends and when the person begins implementing the plans needed to start the business.
• This script ends when the business is ready to start-up.
• The scripting process involves a logical flow of steps, including purchasing and installing equipment, securing the venture location and finishing all the needed renovations, recruiting and hiring any staff needed for start-up, and the many other steps needed to prepare for start-up.
• Start-Up (also called launch)
• This script begins when the set-up script ends and when the business opens and begins making sales.
• This script ends when the business has moved beyond the point where the entrepreneur must continually fight for the business’s survival and persistence. It ends when the entrepreneur can instead shift emphasis toward business growth or maintaining the venture’s stability.
• The scripting process involves a logical flow of steps needed to establish a new venture.

Ongoing Operations (also called venture growth)

• This script begins when the start-up script ends and when the business has established persistence and is implementing growth (or maintenance) strategies.
• This script ends when the entrepreneur chooses to harvest the value they generated with the venture.
• The scripting process involves a logical flow of steps needed to grow (or maintain) a venture.

Studying Entrepreneurship

The following quotations from two preeminent entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education researchers indicate the growing interest in studies in this field.

Entrepreneurship has emerged over the last two decades as arguably the most potent economic force the world has ever experienced. With that expansion has come a similar increase in the field of entrepreneurship education. The recent growth and development in the curricula and programs devoted to entrepreneurship and new-venture creation have been remarkable. The number of colleges and universities that offer courses related to entrepreneurship has grown from a handful in the 1970s to over 1,600 in 2005 (Kuratko, 2005, p. 577).

Interest in entrepreneurship has heightened in recent years, especially in business schools. Much of this interest is driven by student demand for courses in entrepreneurship, either because of genuine interest in the subject, or because students see entrepreneurship education as a useful hedge given uncertain corporate careers (Venkataraman, 1997, p. 119).

Approaches to Studying Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a discipline, which means an individual can learn about it, and about how to be an effective entrepreneur. It is a myth that people are born entrepreneurs and that others cannot learn to become entrepreneurs (Drucker, 1985). Kuratko (2005) asserted that the belief previously held by some that entrepreneurship cannot be taught has been debunked, and the focus has shifted to what topics should be taught and how they should be covered.

Solomon (2007) summarized some of the research on what should be covered in entrepreneurship courses, and how it should be taught. While the initial focus was on actions like developing business plans and being exposed to real entrepreneurs, more recently this approach has been supplemented by an emphasis on technical, industry, and personal experience. “It requires critical thinking and ethical assessment and is based on the premise that successful entrepreneurial activities are a function of human, venture and environmental conditions” (p. 172). Another approach “calls for courses to be structured around a series of strategic development challenges including opportunity identification and feasibility analysis; new venture planning, financing and operating; new market development and expansion strategies; and institutionalizing innovation” (p. 172). This involves having students interact with entrepreneurs by interviewing them, having them act as mentors, and learning about their experiences and approaches through class discussions.

Sources of Information for Studying Entrepreneurship

According to Kuratko (2005), “three major sources of information supply the data related to the entrepreneurial process or perspective” (p. 579).

• Academic journals like Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice , Journal of Business Venturing , and Journal of Small Business Management
• Proceedings of conferences like Proceedings of the Academy of Management and Proceedings of the Administrative Sciences Association of Canada
• Textbooks on entrepreneurship
• Books about entrepreneurship
• Biographies or autobiographies of entrepreneurs
• News periodicals like Canadian Business and Profit
• Trade periodicals like Entrepreneur and Family Business
• Government publications available through sources like the Enterprise Saskatchewan and Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre (CSBSC) websites and through various government resource centers
• Data might be collected from entrepreneurs and about entrepreneurs through surveys, interviews, or other methods applied by researchers.
• Speeches and presentations by practicing entrepreneurs

VentureWell

13 Class Activities To Stimulate Inventor-Entrepreneurs

We updated this article with new class activities. The article was originally published in September 2017.

How can you bolster and maintain student engagement throughout your course? If you’re in search of ideas, we’ve curated a collection of cutting-edge class activities used by VentureWell Course & Program Grants recipients. These class activities are designed to prepare early-stage innovators in taking the first steps toward transforming their ideas into impactful inventions and ventures.

1) The “If I Knew…” Exercise Aileen Huang-Saad University of Michigan “Each term, I end the class with the “If I knew” assignment. Students are asked to fill out a simple PowerPoint template that asks the following questions:

• When I signed up to take this class, I was expecting…
• This is what I got out of the class…
• If I had only known…
• This is what I would change…

Before class, I go through all of the student responses and aggregate the feedback into the themes. I then present the summary to the students for the last class and we discuss their reflections. This summary presentation is then used to iterate on the course for the following year and is assigned as the first reading for the next cohort of students as their first assignment. This sets the stage for the next class.”

2) The Envelope Exercise Pritpal Singh Villanova University

“I like class activities like the envelope exercise developed by Tina Seelig at Stanford University. In this exercise, the students are asked to plan for a two-hour activity to increase an initial, unknown investment provided to them in an envelope. The amount of money in the envelope is very small – around $2. The students are usually surprised at how little money is in the envelope. Yet, every time I’ve done this exercise, the students have increased the investment money provided to them. The exercise helps students realize how easy it is for them to make money. I was particularly delighted when the students at the Bluefields, Indian, and Caribbean University in Nicaragua came to this realization. These students are generally from relatively poor communities and lack confidence in their ability to make money. When they performed this exercise and realized how easily they could make money, it was really eye-opening and thrilling for them. It was also a very rewarding experience for me.”

3) The Get Out of the Building Exercise Rodney Boehm Texas A&M University

“I provide exercises that get students out of the building. Nothing shapes a student’s perception about their idea or market better than talking with a customer . Most students are uncomfortable when they start a conversation with a potential customer. Once they are comfortable with the skill, it transforms them and their way of thinking.”

4) The Pure Imagination Exercise Laquita Blockson Agnes Scott College

“During the second week of my introductory entrepreneurship courses, I conduct a team exercise to convey the importance of creativity. I first show my students the “ Pure Imagination ” scene from the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, asking them to listen carefully to the lyrics. This prepares them to think beyond normal convention during the exercise. I then provide each team with a common household item—a clothespin, a pill bottle, a cotton t-shirt, for example—and instruct them to think of alternative uses for their item. Once the teams have identified ways their item can be repurposed, I encourage them to contemplate how to deconstruct and reconstruct each item to make it more user-friendly. I find this exercise particularly useful because many of my students are not business or engineering majors, so by inspiring them with a film that they have likely seen, and by using common items, they are able to better internalize the connection between creativity and entrepreneurial opportunity.”

5) The Defining Problems Exercise Ruth Ochia Temple University “In my introductory course, I work on students developing a sense for defining problems. I show pictures that contain many potential issues. The students are asked to define the issues they can see and what questions they would ask or additional information they would want to help define the problems. They always want to start with solutions, but the key is to get them to define the problem better, which is half the work of solving the problem anyway.”

6) The Flipped Classroom Exercise Deb Streeter Cornell University

“I think almost all entrepreneurship professors use class activities to create what is now considered to be a “flipped classroom.”  I’m no different. Students in my courses work to develop business ideas and concepts, go out to understand customers, pivot, pitch, and spend time outside the building to learn and practice Lean Startup concepts. I also try to spark interesting conversations inside my classroom. Sometimes I do that by using short, focused video clips or the Startup podcast. I use the mishaps and adventures featured in the podcast to illuminate important ideas and concepts. The episodes are a perfect match with so many concepts related to entrepreneurship and Lean Startup. The class becomes very invested and opinionated about the founders and the company.”

7) The Business Thesis Exercise Jed Taylor University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

“There is a simple business thesis exercise that we use in our I-Corps program that teaches teams to articulate their value proposition and customer segment in a concise way.  It sounds simple, but it always amazes me how challenging it is for students to do at first.  I even crack out this exercise every time that I give a guest lecture across campus.”

8) The Soft Skills Exercise Cheryl Bodnar Rowan University “I use game-based class activities to help students develop their soft skills such as oral communication and teamwork, both of which are critical for entrepreneurs. Each player has a card with various symbols on it, and only one of the symbols on their individual card is defined. Without showing their cards to other players, participants have to decode the symbols and reveal the message on their individual cards, using only oral communication. The end result: all players enter a color on a rainbow-colored game board and the whole class wins.”

9) The Blindfold Exercise Joe Tranquillo Bucknell University

“In some classes I teach, I will hand out blindfolds and ask everyone to put them on. Then they pair up. Their task is to leave the second floor of the engineering building, navigate the campus, find the library, stand in line at the café and order a coffee or tea. The pair only gets to take off their blindfold when they get their beverage. Afterward we deconstruct this activity. The most important insight is that we as educators talk a lot about knowing your customer. Sometimes the only way to really understand a customer is to live in their world. After this activity the challenge is to find ways to become or simulate how to be your customer. Students seem to remember these class activities for a very long time!”

10) The Two-Minute Pitch Exercise Christine E. King University of California, Irvine

“I teach the students how to design websites and we train them how to perform two-minute pitches. I love watching the students get excited about their project, and learn how to understand the big picture. These pitches are then presented at our final symposium to industry judges. We provide the winning team with funding and resources to start their company. Each year, we have 1 to 3 student teams form companies and continue to develop their venture beyond their degree. It creates such an exciting environment to teach in, as what we show them becomes applied immediately into their careers.”

For many student inventor entrepreneurs, their first exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship happens in the classroom. That’s why it’s important to continuously develop and improve upon innovation and entrepreneurship class activities to ensure early-stage innovators are well-equipped to solve the world’s biggest problems. Learning curriculum development ideas and best practices from other faculty in the ecosystem can help educators adopt, implement, and refine their own coursework for maximum impact.

11) The Value in Waste Exercise Taryn Mead University of Arkansas and Western Colorado University

“I teach about various topics related to the circular economy, including regenerative innovation, or the process of developing supply networks for new products using waste materials. With VentureWell’s support, I recently led a class—and later an innovation challenge—in which students had to develop a product and business model to turn waste into new products. The teams have come up with great concepts, and some of them are going to apply for business accelerator programs at the state level.”

Editor’s note: Learn more about Taryn’s work using the waste stream in the classroom .

12) Life Cycle Analysis for Sustainable Engineering Design Nancy Ruzycki University of Florida

“In my exercise, students track an object through its life cycle to understand its impact all along the product journey. This is especially eye-opening for materials engineers, who might not have considered the impact of their materials choices. This gives them something to think about as they move into an engineering design career and start making decisions for a company. I love the life cycle analysis for the impact it has on students in their understanding of engineering materials selection.”

Editor’s note: For more information on materials choices, check out our Tools for Design and Sustainability .

13) The How Might We… Mini-Design Challenge Carlee Bishop Agnes Scott College

“We kick off our Human Centered Design (HCD) course with a mini-design challenge to introduce students to the design process and products. This helps students focus on a larger course project that addresses how to create a sustainable, human-centered intervention in the agriculture space. Our philosophy is to establish a learning environment for students to learn HCD by doing HCD.”

You might also like these blog articles with example class activities you can use:

  6 Virtual Classroom Exercises To Keep Students Engaged

7 Class Exercises To Amplify Innovative Thinking

Activities for Teaching Innovation: Game-Based Learning

Curious to know more about our Course & Program Grants, which offer up to $30,000 in funding to faculty and staff? Learn more .

• teaching resources

4 Engaging Entrepreneurship Projects for Your Classroom 

Are you tired of creating new projects for your students? If your students are falling asleep in class or zoning out because they're not able to use classroom skills in ways that are interesting to them, these entrepreneurship projects will help fix that! They are best used as project milestones and capstones to help students demonstrate knowledge in creative ways!  

If these entrepreneurship project ideas are interesting to you, you can access a free pdf copy to bring into your classroom . Read on, to find out more!      

What You'll Get from this Blog on Entrepreneurship Projects:

The importance of project-based learning.

So much of education is theory-based and does not allow students to apply their skills in a real-world context. Students are accustomed to cramming in as much information as possible for their next test. Rather than learning for knowledge and experience, they are learning for memorization, which they will likely forget a week later. Entrepreneurship projects offer hands-on experiences that your students won’t forget, and will serve them through the rest of their lives. 

This is not to say that traditional theoretical frameworks are not important, because they are! BUT, the coupling of theoretical and experiential learning will make your teaching practices even more effective . 

You might be wondering what constitutes something as being a hands-on project… the beauty is that it can encompass so many different things! Here are a few different experiential teaching techniques that allow students the space to actively participate and collaborate with both their peers and their teacher: Socratic seminar circles, role-play scenarios, case studies, brainstorming sessions, expert interviews, group work, art education, or even class debates.

Experiential learning is…

• Learning by doing provides a better understanding of course material which in turn makes a lasting impact on retention rates. When students are able to put their skills into action and engage with content more deeply, they will likely have an easier time remembering new concepts. 
• This kind of project-based learning is personal. It feels more relevant to a student’s life and mirrors reality in a way that allows students to make mistakes without fear of failure. 
• Entrepreneurship projects can take many forms and allow students to engage with any sector that they find interesting. Ranging from the food industry to technology, to the medical field, students can explore numerous topics in a way that will provide them with tangible skills to prepare for those industries. 
• Students are asked to work together in a way that facilitates meaningful communication. It also allows students to engage with real-world issues, and interact with their communities in order to discover solutions to the problems they see.   

Experiential learning is not only beneficial in the classroom but also in the workplace... check out this article from Entrepreneur about the benefits of experiential learning in the workplace! This is a quick read that will hopefully show you the value of teaching your students through hands-on entrepreneurship projects early on, as it will serve them as they enter the workplace too!

Entrepreneurship Project Ideas for Your Classroom

#1: Problem Blog Post

• Create a 750-1000 word blog article about a problem you are interested in, that helps a customer understand why it's important
• Include data and statistics to back up major points, as well as cite at least 5 key sources during the research stage
• Students should use interesting graphics and images to break up the text and further explain the topic

#2: Entrepreneur Presentation 

• Create a 3-5 minute presentation about an entrepreneur of your choosing that inspires you and/or you’d like to learn more about
• Research the journey of the entrepreneur and how they became successful 
• Develop discussion questions for the class to think about, relating to the entrepreneur that was chosen 

#3: Ask “Why?” Poster

• Create a thought map that outlines the key components of your business idea, including the problem and solution, revenue, costs, and profits
• Get creative with how you present this information, in a way that makes the most sense to you 
• Once you determine the problem you are trying to solve, ask “why” questions to understand why the problem exists and why your solution is necessary 

#4: Five Years From Now Letter 

• This one is exactly as it sounds… students will spend time thinking about where they see themselves 5 years from now and what they hope to accomplish
• They can write or record this and have the creative freedom to add any elements to this time capsule

With the help of these 4 entrepreneurship projects, you will have your students thinking outside of the box, and engaging with classroom content in a deeper way. These projects are not only going to make things fun and engaging for your students, but they're also going to make your life easier as an educator because these projects are completely plug-and-play . So, if these entrepreneurship project ideas sound interesting to you, you can access free pdf downloads of each project to bring into your classroom. 

Get Full Projects for Your Students!

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How to Come Up with an Innovative Business Idea

• 21 Jul 2020

Entrepreneurship is the pursuit of opportunity beyond currently controlled resources. By definition, entrepreneurs seek to fill a need in a new way.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, however, generating strong, novel business ideas can be challenging.

If you’re interested in being an entrepreneur , brainstorming ways you can satisfy needs and solve problems is a good place to start.

Remember the golden rule of brainstorming: There are no bad ideas. As your thoughts flow, jot them down so you can later prune the list to focus on your strongest concepts.

Here are some thought-starters for coming up with innovative business ideas and examples of how entrepreneurs have used them to build successful companies.

Access your free e-book today.

How to Come Up with a Business Idea

Is there an easier way.

One place to start brainstorming potential business ideas is by asking yourself, “What task can I make easier?”

A common denominator for successful businesses is their ability to fulfill customer needs . In this case, the need is to create a product or service that makes people’s lives easier.

Related: How to Identify an Underserved Need in the Market

The most innovative businesses have flourished from simple ideas. For example, HelloFresh has taught people how to cook and provided tools to prepare meals more efficiently. It started with a need to make meal planning and grocery shopping easier. By preparing meal kits that directly fulfill busy people’s needs, this idea has seen major growth.

Check out our video on how to come up with innovative business ideas below below, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more explainer content!

This method of creating a product to fill a need can be viewed through the lens of Harvard Business School Professor Clayton Christensen’s jobs to be done theory , which he presents in the online course Disruptive Strategy .

“A ‘job to be done’ is a problem or opportunity that somebody is trying to solve,” Christensen says. “We call it a ‘job’ because it needs to be done, and we hire people or products to get jobs done.”

Look for these kinds of opportunities in your own life. Every “job” presents an opportunity to create an easier way to get it done.

By centering your business plan on a particular need, you can increase your chances of building a profitable business.

Related: Jobs to Be Done: 4 Real-World Examples

Can I Make This More Accessible?

There are many useful products and services that aren’t readily available to the entire market, creating an opportunity to produce a similar, more accessible product offering.

The founding of Airbnb by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia is an example that HBS Professor William Sahlman uses in the online course Entrepreneurship Essentials .

“Chesky and Gebbia observed how hard it was to find housing during big local events,” Sahlman explains. “They decided to list online three air beds in their apartment for people coming to San Francisco for a design conference.”

From there, they added a third member to their founding team, Nathan Blecharczyk, who built the platform for connecting people with spare rooms to travelers needing a place to stay. They called it AirBed and Breakfast, which later became Airbnb .

Chesky and Gebbia noticed hotel rooms weren’t easy to book during large events, recognized a business opportunity, and devised a solution to fulfill a need for accessible, short-term lodging.

There are countless industries and companies whose offerings are inaccessible to certain market segments or during specific periods. Consider how you might fill those needs.

Related: 10 Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs

What Can I Improve About This?

For every successful product offering, there's a multitude of ways to make it better. Think of companies you admire and imagine how you could improve their products. As you do so, consider the following four factors.

1. Delivery Process

Your business idea doesn’t have to be entirely new—it just has to fill a need. If you can identify a more convenient way of delivering an existing service, it could be an opportunity for your business.

Uber is used as an example in Entrepreneurship Essentials . Taxis have existed for decades, but Uber delivered its services in a new, innovative way by linking drivers in their own cars to customers via an app.

This example also shows there are no limits to what type of business you can create. Your business’ ability to fulfill a need will matter more than whether it’s a brick-and-mortar or online business.

Related: 3 Effective Methods for Assessing Customer Needs

2. Location

One of the simplest improvements to a product or service is bringing it to a new location.

Returning to the Uber example in Entrepreneurship Essentials , ride-sharing company Didi was founded in China—a location Uber hadn’t yet reached. Didi used a similar platform and model as Uber but filled a location gap Uber had left open.

What products, services, or concepts have you experienced in other places that you’d like to bring to your community?

One improvement that can make a significant impact is cost. Determining how to make a high-quality equivalent to a leading product and offer it for a fraction of the price has great potential.

Home security brand Wyze was founded using this logic. After four ex-Amazon employees discovered they could produce high-quality security cameras and sell them for one-tenth the cost of leading competitors, they sold one million security cameras in their first year as a company.

It takes testing to ensure product quality isn’t sacrificed for a lower price, but finding a way to reduce the cost of an in-demand item could jumpstart your entrepreneurial journey.

4. Customer Experience

Taking an existing offering and improving the customer experience for all or a segment of the market can be a valuable way to fill a need.

One example of an organization that’s done this well is Wanderful , a platform that, similar to Airbnb, connects travelers to locals who can offer lodging and travel advice—with the provision that all users are women.

Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful, noticed that female solo travelers made up 11 percent of the travel industry , which failed to take into consideration the safety, gender norm, and cultural concerns of women traveling alone.

She improved this experience by creating a network of women that can be tapped into for lodging, travel advice, or just a friendly face in a new location. Wanderful has since expanded its mission to give female and non-binary travelers voices in the travel industry through conferences, communities, and recognition programs.

If there’s an opportunity to improve the experience of a specific group of people, act on it and see where the opportunity leads.

Related: 6 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Business

Is It Time to Pivot?

When starting a business, you may need to pivot from your original idea as new needs arise in the market.

For instance, Jebbit , a tech startup that originally offered a platform to pay students for the advertisements they watched, saw a rising need for privacy and consent in the consumer data space. It pivoted to create a platform for secure, declared customer data.

Another instance in which it makes sense to pivot is during technological evolution.

In Disruptive Strategy , Christensen explains that technological advancements can be either sustaining or disruptive innovations , depending on how they impact your company.

Take Netflix : The service was created to allow people to watch movies without going to the video store and accomplished this by mailing DVDs to customers’ homes with prepaid return envelopes.

When streaming came on the scene in 2007, Netflix implemented the new technology into its business model and has continued to adapt as it’s evolved. Because Netflix was able to adopt new technology to continue serving its customers, streaming was a sustaining innovation.

In the case of video store Blockbuster , streaming was a disruptive innovation that it tried but couldn’t affordably adopt. It ultimately led the business to shut down.

When technological advancements arise, think of how your current business model could shift to use innovation as a sustaining force.

More Examples of Innovative Business Ideas

As you think of ideas for businesses, take inspiration from the world around you. Analyze the foundational needs other businesses have fulfilled for society and how they’ve adapted to what customers want.

Remember: As a future business owner, it’s critical to understand your company’s core mission. Focusing on that can help align your startup ideas and provide a greater chance for success.

To gain even more insight and inspiration, consider the following examples, which show how diverse your business model and mission can be.

Notarize , the first online platform for legally signing and notarizing documents is just one example of an online startup that discovered an overlooked need. For many, it’s a hassle to find a notary public to sign a document in person. This prompted Pat Kinsel, founder and CEO of Notarize, to make this difficult, but necessary, task more convenient.

"It really struck me that notarized documents are often some of the most important things people sign, and yet, we have this system that’s 100 years old," Kinsel said in an interview with Inc .

Kinsel designed the Notarize app to connect people to licensed notary publics via video chat so they can see their documents signed in real time.

This need for notarized documents seemed to be a common, but overlooked, need for many professionals. By thinking outside the box, Notarize seized a business opportunity and brought it to its fullest potential.

The development of Starbucks under former chairman and CEO Howard Schultz is another example that highlights how to efficiently choose locations for your brick-and-mortar.

“Schultz admired the sidewalk coffee shops he’d visited in Italy and decided he would introduce the same basic idea in the United States,” Sahlman says in Entrepreneurship Essentials. “That venture became Starbucks.”

Now, it’s rare to walk a few blocks without seeing a Starbucks on a corner. Strategic locations within high traffic routes created a customer base that’s made Starbucks an essential part of their lives.

Perhaps one of the most well-known companies in the world, Amazon is a prime example of fulfilling people’s need for convenience.

This e-commerce business made it the norm to buy items online—including books, music, movies, housewares, and electronics—and have them quickly and conveniently delivered.

Think Like an Entrepreneur

Coming up with an innovative business idea isn’t difficult if you’re observant. By asking yourself key brainstorming questions, you can generate a list of business ideas that fill market needs, improve existing products, and make daily life easier and more enjoyable.

Do you want to turn an idea into a viable venture? Explore our four-week Entrepreneurship Essentials course, six-week Disruptive Strategy course, and other online entrepreneurship and innovation courses to discover how you can harness the power of innovation. Download our free course flowchart to determine which best aligns with your goals.

This post was updated on September 19, 2022. It was originally published on July 21, 2020.

About the Author

23+ Free Entrepreneur Lesson Plans (Projects, Worksheets, etc.)

By: Author Amanda L. Grossman

Posted on Last updated: December 14, 2022

Need free entrepreneurship curriculum, lesson plans, and projects? Here's entrepreneur lesson plans for high school, middle school, and elementary.

So, you’re looking for entrepreneur lesson plans to help turn your kids or students into the innovators of tomorrow.

And not just to make them into entrepreneurs, but to benefit your kids and students with the following results of teaching entrepreneurship :

• Improved academic performance
• Increased problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Improved interpersonal relationships
• Higher self-esteem

But, exactly how are you supposed to teach entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurs, among other qualities, need to be able to recognize opportunities in the marketplace. This means finding a need, and figuring out how to solve that need in a profitable way.

This can be as simple as a kidpreneur/kidpreneurship (or kidpreneur-in-the-making) opening a lemonade stand on a smoldering July day near a construction site, and as complicated as creating a machine knob specifically for tea growers in Japan.

And having this ability doesn't have to result in a person starting their own business; it works equally as well for your child if they work for someone else in the form of more merit raises, one-time bonuses for one-off projects, promotions, leverage in salary negotiations, etc.

In fact, the skill of recognizing an opportunity, and seizing it by writing my own job description resulted in me snagging my first job out of college (worth an awesome $40,000 + benefits to me at the time). More on that in a bit.

What are the other skills a child needs to learn to help them as an entrepreneur?

Psst: you'll also want to check out my resource list of youth entrepreneurship programs , entrepreneur biographies for kids , kid entrepreneur kits , and full review of the Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox . 

Article Content

How Do You Teach Entrepreneurship?

Teaching entrepreneurship is a bit trickier than, say, teaching algebra. With algebra, the equations come out with the same solutions, every time. But with entrepreneurship?

There are an endless number of variables that go into it, and an endless number of outcomes that can come out of it.

How are you supposed to teach for that?

One of the best ways to teach entrepreneurship is to choose entrepreneurial projects, activities, and lesson plans that aim at nurturing these entrepreneur skills:

• Ability to identify opportunities
• Self confidence
• At least basic knowledge of business finances/financial literacy
• Knows how to take measured risk
• Vision and creativity

Elementary School Entrepreneurship Curriculum

Excited to start teaching your elementary school-aged kids about entrepreneurship? Let me share some entrepreneurship lesson plans, resources, and curriculum with you.

Also, check out these 3 kid business plan examples .

1. Venture Lab

Who It’s For : Grades 1-12

Financial Aid : ( Free for non-commercial use ) Curriculum that organizations can purchase to use with students

Length of Program : 90-minute lessons

Location : N/A

Venture Lab offers a curriculum suited for 1st – 12th graders (curriculum is divided into lower elementary, upper elementary, and middle school/high school.) This is a course in a box with all of the lesson plans already completed and is meant to be utilized as part of regular coursework, after school programs, or camps.

Its focus is on teaching girls components of entrepreneurship such as STEAM concepts and design thinking.

2. Money Monsters Start their Own Business

Who It’s For : 4th – 8th grade

Students will read through the Money Monsters Start their Own Business book (PDF provided – 51 pages), and then play a game that has them experience the ups and downs of starting a business.

I love how a Toy Store Income Tracker is included so that each student can track their own earnings and see the numbers for themselves.

Psst: you'll also want to check out Federal Reserve Bank's webinar on teaching kids entrepreneurship , which will give you some lesson plan ideas. 

Starting a Business Lesson Plans for Middle School

Do you want to teach your middle school kid (or student) how to start a business, and you need a lesson plan? I’ve actually created a Take Your Child to Work Day printable which will give you lots of ideas for your starting a business lesson plan.

More middle school business lesson plans for how to start a business (all free):

• Federal Reserve Bank's Jay Starts a Business (Grades 3-6; comes with teacher's manual with lesson plans)
• Free Kid Business Plan Templates
• Biz Kid’s Crash Course on Entrepreneurship for Middle School
• EverFI’s Venture Entrepreneurial Expedition (for grades 7-10).
• Small Business Administration’s Young Entrepreneurs course
• Foundation for Economic Education’s Booms and Busts , What is Entrepreneurship? , What is the Entrepreneur’s Role in Creating Value? , etc. (students can earn a Certificate of Achievement)
• TeenBusiness’s Entrepreneur Lesson Videos series
• Parade of Entrepreneurs Lesson Plan
• Lemonade Stand Worksheets , and my best Lemonade Stand Ideas

Psst: Try holding a market day in your class. Here are 22 things for kids to make and sell , 17 boy crafts to sell , and help pricing their products in this market day lesson plan .

Teaching Entrepreneurship to High School Students – Free Entrepreneurship Curriculum

There are some great curriculum and materials out there for teaching entrepreneurship in high school, many of which include entrepreneur worksheets for students.

Psst: you also might want to check out these 5 business books for teens , and 11 business games for students .

1. Alison’s Entrepreneurial Skills Path

Who It’s For : Business students, and people interested in learning about creating a business

Financial Aid : Free

Length of Program : 6 lessons, each between 1 and 3 hours

Alison is a free, online platform with tons of courses, and one of the paths you can go down is an entrepreneurial skills one.

Teachers of the courses include venture capitalists, professors at Harvard, and professional entrepreneurs.

Lessons include:

• Characteristics of the Successful Entrepreneur
• Critical Skills for Entrepreneurs
• Creating an Entrepreneur’s Checklist for Success
• Entrepreneurship – Creating the Business
• Key Elements of Entrepreneurial Success
• Why Entrepreneurs Should Think Big

2. Youth Entrepreneurs

Who It’s For : Students

Financial Aid : Schools pay for this program, with the cost based on how many students get free and reduced lunches

Length of Program : 1 year

With this program, students first focus on economics, then they focus on starting their own businesses.

3. Diamond Challenge Business Curriculum

Who It’s For : Kids and teens

Length of Program : 14 modules

Looking for a video business curriculum with instructional guides? The Diamond Challenge’s program covers the following:

• What is Entrepreneurship?
• Opportunity Recognition
• Opportunity Screening
• Types of Businesses
• Building a Business like a Scientist
• Using a Business Model Canvas

They also offer a Social Curriculum track that’s 6 video modules long, including:

• What is Social Entrepreneurship?
• Wicked Problems and Grand Challenges
• Social Entrepreneurship Processes and Challenges

4. INCubateredu

Who It’s For : 10th and 12th graders

Financial Aid : Free (at schools where it’s available)

Length of Program : 1 year (followed by acceleratoredu for the 2nd year)

Through Uncharted Learning’s program, 10 th to 12 th graders develop their own business, pitch their idea ta a shark-tank style event, and even have a chance at receiving funding.

5. JA BE Entrepreneurial®

Who It’s For : Grades 9-12

Financial Aid : Free for students

Length of Program : 7, 45-minute sessions

Location : Anywhere

Through your child’s school, they can take Junior Achievement’s Entrepreneurial program. The course teaches students how to create a business plan, plus how to start a venture.

Lessons covered include:

• What’s My Business?
• Who’s My Customer?
• What’s My Advantage?
• Competitive Advantages
• Ethics are Good for Business
• The Business Plan

6. JA Company Program Blended Model

Length of Program : 13 classes (2 hours/class), or as a 1-year program with 26 classes (1 hour/class)

Location : Anywhere (online course)

This is an online program that teaches high schoolers how to solve a problem/fill a need in their community through entrepreneurship.

• Start a Business
• Vet the Venture
• Create a Structure
• Launch the Business!
• Run the Business

7. The Mint's Be Your Own Boss

Who It’s For : Teens

Length of Program : 3 lessons

Starting with the Be Your Own Boss Challenge , The Mint takes your teen through the following three lesson:

• Planning Your Business
• Money & Your Business
• The Law & Your Business

8. Wharton High School's Entrepreneurship

Who It’s For : High School students

Length of Program : 50+ lesson plans

These lesson plans go through the following:

• Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
• Global Markets
• Business Plans

9. YE$ Youth Entrepreneurship

Who It's for : high school students

Cost : Free

Location : Anywhere (it's a PDF)

Here's a free PDF with tons of entrepreneur lesson plans and research done for educators, that is meant to go along with a 4-H program. You'll find some nuggets in here, plus, it's free!

Now let’s take a look at entrepreneurial projects that can teach your kids and teens all about starting a business with hands-on experiences.

10. Build a Business Plan

Who It's For : Middle School and High School

Location : Anywhere (online)

Check out this plug n' play business plan creator! You could send your students to this page to work through a business idea of theirs.

Then, at the end, they can print out their business plan!

Questions they'll need to answer include:

• Your big idea
• Who will buy
• How you'll spend and make money

Entrepreneur Worksheets for Students

While I would recommend taking on one of the projects below, or one of the hands-on lesson plans from above, there are also entrepreneur worksheets students can use to learn about businesses.

Here's a few of my favorites (all free):

• Lemonade Stand Free Printables (here's my best lemonade stand ideas , too)
• Lemonade Stand Worksheets
• Family Guide to Getting a Family Business Going (kid-centered)
• Small Business Administration's Lean Startup Business Plan
• Take your students through the DECA Idea Challenge (you'll need to pick your own everyday item to challenge students with, as the competition has ended for the year)
• Take your students through the DECA Entrepreneur of Tomorrow Challenge (again, the competition is over, but the PDF is still available for you to set up your own)

Psst: you might want to check out my review on the Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox .

2 Entrepreneurial Projects – What is an Entrepreneurial Project?

Entrepreneurial projects are a smart way to teach entrepreneurship to kids, because, as with any project, it gives them a chance to dive deeper into a topic that interest them (all under the guise of teaching them how to start and run a business).

Entrepreneur Project #1: Winter Beverage Outdoor Tasting Contest

It’s soooooo easy to sit inside all winter long and slowly accumulate cabin fever (plus a few pounds). That's why you've got to look for fun things to do in the winter.

Well today? We’re going to switch things up. I’ve created a family date night for you ( family winter activities !) that has both an indoor AND an outdoor component.

But don’t worry – with this fun winter activity we’ll keep things toasty throughout.

So, what’s the game plan? Each of your kid(dos) will make (rather,  create ) a warm winter beverage recipe  indoors . Then here's the twist: you’re going to host a family taste testing contest around your fire pit in the backyard.

Not only will this make a fun family memory, but your kid(dos) will actually walk away with more money knowledge in the process centered around the all-important lesson of how to make a profit!

Psst: Now that’s a money lesson I could have used as a kid, specifically as I’ve gone into biz for myself as an adult.

Host a Winter Beverage Outdoor Taste Testing

Finding fun things to do in the winter doesn't have to mean you're freezing your tootsies off. There's nothing better to keep you warm outdoors in the wintertime than a toasty drink. Well, a toasty drink around a roaring fire.

Here’s how it’s going down:

Step #1: Choose an Event Date

Build the anticipation for your family by choosing a date 1 to 2 weeks out (so that there’s time for you guys to complete the rest of the prep work).

Fill out the invitation on Page 1 of the free printable, and display prominently on your family’s bulletin board/gathering center in the kitchen so everyone knows the date of the big event.

Set the stage for the competition by having your family read their mission out loud. Other cool factors you can add in: make it a Friday or Saturday family date night, under the stars. Let the kids stay up a little past bedtime to complete.

Step #2: Your Kid(dos) Research Hot Drink Ideas to Enter into the Competition

Your kids are the ones entering the competition. They’ll be in the driver seat of actually creating their own recipe from scratch (with some inspiration from below).

There are lots of toasty, kid-friendly drink recipe ideas to get them started:

• Hot caramel apple cider
• Vanilla steamer with cinnamon
• Harry Potter Warm Butterbeer

They’ll get lots of help not only from looking up recipe examples on sites like Pinterest, but also from the worksheet in the free printable (Page 2).

Step #3: Shop for the Ingredients

Once your budding restaurant consultant has determined possible ingredients they’ll need for their signature drink, they’ll need you, Mama Bear, to purchase them.

Take the list your kid(dos) have created and go to the store (solo, or with them) to make the purchases.

Having trouble coming up with a pool of possible ingredients to buy? Use the lists below for inspiration of what to pick up (a few of these ingredients you probably already have at home) and let your kids create what they can from it:

• Bases : hot cocoa, apple cider, chai tea, milk
• Flavors : cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, flavor syrups
• Sweeteners : sugar, brown sugar, caramel
• Creamers : milk, half & half, almond milk, heavy cream, etc.
• Top-offs : whipped cream, caramel sauce, orange peels for zesting

Save your store receipt, as your kid(dos) will need this information to price their drinks later on.

Step #4: Your Kid(dos) Tinker + Perfect their Drink

Using the purchased ingredients as well as anything in your home they can find, host a kitchen lab session where your kid(dos) tinker with ingredients and perfect their super-secret, signature recipes (talk about fun things to do in the winter inside!).

They’ll write down the exact portion sizes to each ingredient that they use as they go along, which is important for the next step.

Step #5: Your Kid(dos) Figure Out the Profit Margin of their Signature Drink

Remember, the goal is to create a new drink for this restaurant that not only costs less than $5, but has at least a 60% profit margin for the owner.

Ahem: between you and me, that means their cost needs to come in under $2.00.

So, as your kid tinkers with ingredients, they need to keep price in mind.

Note: this step can seem a bit unwieldy, but is SO important for the whole process. Just know – I’m outlining both how to do this all by hand, as well as giving you shortcuts to online calculators where your kid(dos) will still learn the process by setting up the inputs and thinking through how it all fits together.

Of course, we’re not talking about the cost of the entire ingredient that you’ve purchased. After all, it’s unlikely they’ll use an entire carton of milk to create one drink. We’re talking about the small portion size that they used of the product.

In other words, they’re not going to get the cost of a single drink they’ve created from your grocery store receipt as it is now. They need to do some calculating based on the measurements of each ingredient that goes into each drink.

You need to know how much it costs to create just ONE of your super-secret signature drinks so that you can calculate the profit margin.

What’s a profit margin? It’s the percentage of what you keep as profit from each $1.00. For example, a 20% profit margin means that we earn $0.20 on every dollar. That means that the other 80% or $0.80 are expenses. Remember that Jack, the man from The Yeti Slide, needs a 60% profit margin, or $0.60 on each dollar in profit after expenses are taken out.

Step #1: Write down your ingredients + quantities.

Step #2: Convert each quantity in your recipe to the quantity on the product label.

Divide your ingredients up by dry ones (like cocoa powder), and wet ones (like heavy cream or vanilla extract).

Then use the appropriate table below to convert the amount in your recipe to the amount that’s found on the ingredient’s product label (front of package).

For example, if you used 3 teaspoons of cocoa powder (dry ingredient), then your conversion is to a ½ ounce (the cocoa powder can is in ounces). Or if you used 2 tablespoons of almond milk, you find on the Wet Conversion table that you used 1 fl. Oz. (the almond milk carton is in Fl. Oz.).

Hint: Can’t find the conversion or a little confused? You can plug the exact quantity of your ingredients into  this liquid converter  or  this dry converter calculator  online and convert it into the measurement found on your product label).

Conversion tables:

Dry Conversions

Liquid Conversions:

Step #3: Calculate the cost of each quantity of ingredient used.

Now you need to price each converted quantity of ingredient by figuring out how much each ounce or fluid ounce costs, and then multiplying it by the amount you’ve used.

Hint: A good estimate to use for dashes of spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg is $0.05.

• Write down the overall price of each ingredient used.
• Write down the converted amount you used of it.
• Divide the total amount in the product package by its price to find what each ounce or fluid ounce costs.
• Then multiply that by the converted amount you used.
• Write down the cost. Then add all of the individual ingredient costs to get your total expense to create the drink.

Example: I used 1 tablespoon (tbsp.) of heavy cream. One 8 fl. oz. container of heavy cream at the store costs $2.99. That is $0.37/ounce. I look at the conversion chart below, and see that 1 tbsp. converts to ½ ounce. So, I divide $0.37/2 ounces, and see that this ingredient for just one drink costs $0.186 (you can round up to $0.19).

Ingredient Cost:   $2.99 _ Converted Amount Used:  ½ fl. Oz.  Total Product Amount:  8 fl. Oz.   Cost per ounce:  _$0.37/fl. Oz.  Cost of Ingredient Used:  $0.37 X ½ = $0.186 .

Looking for a shortcut?  Here’s a free online tool for pricing out beverages . You’ll need the converted amounts.

Step #4: Calculate Your Profit Margin

Figure out how high your profit margin is if you sell the drink for $5.00.

Profit on Drink: $5.00 –  total drink cost  = _ $ _________.

Profit Per Dollar:  Your answer from above  \  Cost drink is sold for ($5.00)  =  $ Profit

Profit Margin:  $ Profit  X 100 =  Profit Margin%

Step #6: Taste Judging Begins

By now you’ve set the scene for some fun things to do in the winter outdoors – think a crackling bonfire out in the backyard (or in your fire pit. Heck, you can de-hibernate the grill for some winter outdoor cooking/heating), plus a table/flat surface where your kids can place their super-secret signature creations.

Bust out some blankets, cover straw bales with table cloths…you get the idea. (And if you’re in Houston like we are? Well, a hoodie should suffice).

Have your kid(dos) place their drinks on the tasting mat, as well as fill in how much their drink costs and what the profit margin is (all calculations they’ll be guided through on the free printable).

Now they get to take a break, while the parents taste + score each one!

Included in the printable are both a tasting mat as well as a score card with specific criteria, such as inventiveness, taste, and profit margin.

Step #7: Declare the Winners

There are winners in a variety of categories, and then an overall drink that is chosen for The Yeti Slide's Yeti Roasts:

• Most Inventive
• Best Money-Maker
• Newest Yeti Slide Signature Drink

Looking for fun things to do in the winter? This two-part activity for your child that will leave them understanding profit margins like a pro, plus give your family an awesome family date night under the stars on a winter evening when you might otherwise be watching tv.

What could be better than that? If nothing else, you’ll have created quite the memory.

Entrepreneur Project #2: A System for Your Child to Identify a Need in Your Home + Propose a Solution

We want to encourage your child to come to you with things they see that could use improvement, and ways they could add value or provide a solution for you.

Let's go through how to do this.

Step #1 : Discuss with your child the idea that people need things + services.

Here's a conversation outline for you with a few blanks to fill in (where underlined) :

“People need things and services in their lives. They need things to maintain their health, they need things to make life more enjoyable. They need parts to make repairs to their belongings. They need really cool items to buy as gifts for others. They need better systems or processes to make things work more efficiently, which just means taking less time and less money and getting the same (or better) results. All over the world, people need things. In my own life, three needs that I've satisfied through purchasing something include  X ,  Y , and  Z . By purchasing them, they made my life easier because  <<FILL IN SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR EACH EXAMPLE YOU GAVE>> . Generally, when people need something, they are willing to pay money for the solution. That's why there are so many companies, all which provide products + solutions for people's needs.”

Pssst: MAN I wish I could go back 17 years and give myself this talk! Would've saved me several adult years of banging my head against the wall trying to understand how to make money.

Step #2 : Task your child with identifying a need around the house/property/car.

What could this look like?

A Few Examples for you + your kiddo :

• Find a more efficient way to organize the “command center” in your home.
• Use Google Maps or another program to find a more efficient route for your commute.
• Organize the wood pile + create newspaper logs that are fireplace-ready.
• Find a better way to organize/clean/maintain the video game center in your home.
• Clean out your car (I used to do this for my parents!) + add a car trash can to the back area so that in the future the kids can just use that instead of throwing things on the ground.
• Introduce a better laundry system for the family's clothes so that they actually  all  end up in the laundry room, sorted, and ready to be washed.

The possibilities are endless, and specific to what needs your child sees in your family life.

Step #3 : Once they've identified a need and come to you with it, you must decide if it's worth it to you to move forward. Don't be afraid if, after they've told you a need they  think  you have but that you don't  actually  have, to tell them that it isn't a current need of yours. Hey, the road to success is paved with failed products! This is excellent feedback so that they start to understand their “customer” and dig deeper. Perhaps they'll even start to ask YOU what you want from them!

Step #4 : What are both of your expectations for this job so that you know when the job is completed correctly?

Let them tell you what they propose to accomplish and what that would look like.

Then you share what you, as a paying customer, expect in results. Hash this out if need be (just like a real negotiation between a biz and their potential client).

This includes a deadline.

Step #5 : Now you need to ask them for a price.

I know, I know. You might be wondering, “why on earth am I going to let my child choose how much I'm willing to pay them for something they want to do around the house? Isn't it MY money?”

I totally get that. But remember that the nature of this lesson is to ignite that entrepreneurial spirit in them. Instead of you offering what you're willing to pay, have them go through the exercise of pricing their efforts. Then the negotiations start.

This sets them up for good negotiation + valuation skills in the future.

Determine the market price you'll pay, which is where their price (the supplier) and your price (based on how much you need what they're offering + a dash of several other things) meets. $__________.

Step #6 : Your child completes the work + notifies you.

Step #7 : Using the checklist you both created, provide oversight and see if everything is as it was supposed to be.

Step #8 : Pay the agreed upon rate once everything is up to par. And if they don't quite complete the project + deliver what they promised, it's up to you whether you want to make a partial payment, or not pay at all (satisfaction guaranteed could be added to this lesson as well).

If your child makes it through this process, then they will have successfully figured out a “market” need, fulfilled it, and gotten paid from their initiative. This is something that will no doubt shape their futures.

And if they don't quite succeed? Well the lessons are vast for all entrepreneurs as they traverse through the mistakes, failures, and successes.

It's really a win-win situation.

Let me show you what I mean, with an example in my own life.

How I Used this Skill Set to Write My Own First Job Offer Worth $40,000 + Benefits

While some of my dorm mates were floundering around trying to find employment, I was busy enjoying my last two months of college before entering the “real world”.

Why is that? Because I had a job waiting for me. And the only reason why I had that job was I spotted a need in a local company, and wrote my way into it.

I had interned for an organization in my small college town, and they ended up building a start-up company set to open its doors sometime around when I was due to graduate. One day I asked them if I could have a full-time job there come June. The director looked at me, and said, “go ahead and write up a job description of what you propose you would do here. Then we'll see.”

So I went back to my college dorm and worked on a job description. I thought about what the company was trying to achieve, and tied this into what I wanted to do with my life (at least what I thought I wanted to do at the time).

I wish I had saved a copy of the actual job description, but my sharp memory tells me it went something like this:

“Amanda L. Grossman will be the International Marketing & Sales contact at Chesapeake Fields. The International Marketing & Sales Person is responsible for researching new markets around the world where Chesapeake Fields' products would be well received. Primary responsibilities include understanding these markets, making contact with potential wholesalers and distributors, sending samples, and being the brand ambassador for Chesapeake Fields within these markets.”

With one minor change − they put sales in front of marketing in my job title − I got an offer from them for $40,000 + benefits to do just that. Within the one year I worked there, I ended up negotiating an initial container load of $27,000 worth of our product to a major food retailer in Taiwan.

Unfortunately, my job AND that company went under not long after my first and only year there. But writing my way into a company right out of college based on a need I saw that I could fill? Well that was enough to impress future employers who then hired me.

See how lucrative learning this skill could be for your child? I'd love to hear below what needs (perceived or actual ones) your child comes up with to fulfill.

• Latest Posts

Amanda L. Grossman

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Thursday 8th of June 2017

Uh, I totally love this post! My hubby and I are both entrepreneurs and want to instill the same in our children... definitely going to use these tips!!

Friday 9th of June 2017

*Squee*! Thanks, Lauren. I'd love to hear what your kiddos come up with:).

70 Small Business Ideas for Anyone Who Wants to Run Their Own Business

Published: March 19, 2024

A good business idea may seem hard to come by, but with some planning and preparation, you can easily launch a small business to supplement your income — or become your own full-time boss.

Maybe you already have an idea of the business you’d like to start. But while you might feel ready for a new venture and passionate about your idea, you might be looking for some direction.

To help get you started, here's a list of small business ideas separated into a few sections:

• What makes a good small business?

Best Small Business Ideas

Best businesses to start with little money, home business ideas.

• Online Businesses Ideas

Easy Businesses to Start

Business ideas for students, creative small business ideas, how to start a small business at home, starting a small business: faq.

The first step to becoming a successful entrepreneur is finding a business idea that works for you. In this article, you’ll find dozens of small business ideas you can start from home and scale up as your clientele grows. Let’s get started.

What makes a good small business idea?

Not all small business ideas are made equal: Some require more effort and funding than others, while some can be launched with few resources — or resources you already have. As a potential small business owner, you’ll want to save as much money as possible on training, rent, supplies, and other necessities.

Let’s go over what makes a good business idea:

• Requires little to no training . A good small business idea will ideally leverage your existing field of expertise and require little to no training. That will not only shorten your time-to-launch, but also lessen your expenses, since training courses can cost a significant amount of money. Plus, you’ll be more confident offering services that you feel prepared to deliver.
• Requires low setup costs. Your business should be cheap to start. Maybe you only need to purchase a website domain or buy a desk for your garage.
• Requires little hands-on inventory or supply management . A great business idea needs few supplies and little inventory management. If you want to sell physical goods, you can either try drop-shipping and manually make goods in small batches.
• Is based online . The best small business ideas are based online and can be carried out from your personal computer. This will automatically lower your commuting costs and give you greater flexibility over your personal and work life.
• Can sustainably be managed by few people . As a small business owner, you won’t have the funds to hire other people to help you run your business — at least not at first. A good business idea should give you the ability to run your business on your own.

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Airbnb Co-founder, Brian Chesky, said, “If we tried to think of a good idea, we wouldn’t have been able to think of a good idea. You just have to find the solution for a problem in your own life.”

If you’re like Brian and you’ve already thought about a solution for a problem you encounter in your life — or you’re on the path to doing so — then starting a small business may be in your future. It may also be for you if you dream of clocking out of your nine-to-five job for the last time and becoming your own boss.

Below, we include the best ideas for you to start your small business — with resources and examples to help you get started.

1. Handyman

8. Life/Career Coach

If you have experience navigating career, personal, and social transitions successfully, put it to good use as a life or career coach. Many of us are looking for guidance in our careers — and finding someone with the time to mentor us can be tough.

Life/career coaches don’t come cheap, but they are able to offer clients the intense and hands-on training and advice they need to make serious moves in their personal and professional lives. After all, everyone needs some uplifting advice from time to time.

To start your life/career coaching business with confidence, you can look for a certification program (like the Life Coach School’s or Diane Hudson’s ), then apply your skills as you acquire new clients.

A resume writing business is economical, has few overhead costs, and has few educational requirements. We still recommend having an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and a few resume samples on hand. If you still feel that you need to brush up on your resume writing skills, you can take a course like Coursera’s or LinkedIn Learning’s .

Once you’ve gotten resume writing down, you can expand your business to include cover letter writing and even offer career coaching services in conjunction with these services.

10. Freelance Writer

If you have writing skills , there’s someone out there willing to pay you for them. Write blog posts, magazine articles, and website copy galore — just make sure you have a body of work built up to share with potential clients. Even if you create a few sample pieces to have on hand, they’ll help exhibit your work and attract new business.

To become a freelance writer, it’s essential to choose a specialty. For instance, you might choose to only write for publications in the healthcare industry (maybe because you were previously a healthcare worker) or focus on lifestyle publications. Whatever the case, specializing will help you find your niche market and gain confidence as a new freelancer writer.

There are no educational requirements for freelance writing, but you do need strong writing skills. It also helps to enjoy writing. While certification may be beneficial, getting practice and writing every day is more important. Try these writing prompts to start.

11. Landscaper

Mowing, tree-trimming, and seasonal decor are all neighborhood needs. If you have or can acquire the equipment, a landscaping business can be a lucrative affair. It’s also a great choice if you enjoy doing it for your own home and have a good eye for landscape design.

The good news is that you can start small. For instance, you could offer your neighbors seasonal planting services and start with a few perennial plants, or simply offer mulching services.

To grow your landscaping business, you should consider taking some formal training. The following organizations offer courses:

• New York Botanical Gardens

After completing a course and getting enough experience, you can apply for a certificate from a landscaping organization. While a certificate isn’t necessary to work in the field, it can build your credentials and help you make industry connections to take your landscaping business to the next level. The Association of Professional Landscape Designers offers one potential certificate you could pursue.

Some states require licensure, especially if you’ll be using pesticides and fertilizers. Be sure to review the requirements for your state.

Learn some of the basics now with this video on landscape design from Lowe’s:

12. Videographer

Video production requires you to have invested in the equipment up front, which can be quite expensive. But that’s also what makes your services so valuable. Make sure you have a reel of your work to share or create a website with several selections of your work available for interested viewers.

There are no educational or licensure requirements for starting a video production business. As with writing and other creative arts, though, it pays to specialize. Real estate videos differ radically from wedding videos, and wedding videos differ radically from in-studio interviews and testimonials. By specializing, you target a highly specific customer who’ll benefit the most from your services, and you can also skill-up more effectively in one shooting style.

While you can find general classes on videography, you should consider taking a class in the type of videography you’d like to do. For instance, you could take The Complete Wedding Videography Course .

Hot tip: If you’re interested in specializing in video marketing, check out The Ultimate Guide to Video Marketing and download our starter pack below.

13. Photographer

Start by conducting photo shoots for your family and friends. As you build a body of work, ask for referrals and reviews. Photography businesses often grow by word of mouth, so create a Facebook page where you can tag recent clients. Photos where you tag those clients will show up in their friends’ newsfeeds, where they can view your work. You can also ask them to leave reviews on your Facebook business page.

Like with a video production small business, you’ll want to specialize. Will you do product shoots or portraits? How about wedding or fashion photo shoots? Once you specialize, you’ll be able to create a body of work that most accurately represents your strengths.

There are no educational or licensure requirements for starting a small photography business. Still, we recommend investing in a few photography courses, especially if you haven’t used your camera in a while. Some courses you might start with include:

• Cornell’s Digital Photography Certificate Program
• New York Institute of Photography’s Course

From there, seek courses that help you build skills in your chosen specialty.

If you’re not sure where to start with freelance photography, take a look at Erica Clayton’s journey into the business below. Her advice? Give yourself a firm deadline to turn a profit.

14. Bed and Breakfast Owner

Some consulting industries are more competitive than others, so be sure to complete your research before starting a small consulting business. One way to find out how competitive a consulting niche is by doing keyword search . If your target niche is highly searched or is already dominated by big companies, you may have a harder time breaking in. You can use keyword research tools to uncover keyword volume and local demand.

12. Event Planner

An event planning business is an excellent choice if you have great organizational and interpersonal skills, and it’s relatively cheap to start. You might choose to specialize in a specific type of event — like weddings or company meetings — or set yourself up as an event planner of all trades.

The good news is that event planners are always in demand. It’s not an easily automated job, so this small business idea is set to thrive regardless of the digital landscape. To start, you’ll want to look for a platform that will easily allow you to advertise your availability, such as event planner directories like Eventective and WeddingWire .

If you’re highly organized, detail-oriented, and have experience planning large events, it might be time for others to benefit from your skills.

13. Personal Assistant

Personal assistants help business owners and executives take care of administrative tasks. To launch a freelance personal assistant business, you should leverage networking opportunities on LinkedIn and attend small business events at local chambers of commerce. Most local business owners might not even know they need a personal assistant until you market your services to them.

If you’re an organized, highly-detailed person, the life of a personal assistant might be for you. Don’t want to be tied to one office or person all day, every day? Consider becoming a virtual assistant, which allows you a more flexible work environment.

To become an assistant, choose a niche — will you be helping women business owners specifically? Do you have a specific field of expertise, like bookkeeping? A website can also go a long way, and be sure to print business cards for you to hand out during networking events.

14. Consignment Shop Owner

If you have an eye for style but don’t want to invest in the inventory of a brand-new boutique, consider starting a consignment shop. It will allow you to curate a collection of clothing that matches your goals and aesthetic without the overhead of a boutique selling entirely new garments.

The beauty of a small consignment business is that you can now start one online. You can sign up on a platform such as Poshmark , Depop , and even Etsy , then easily start selling your own used fashion from home.

Once you’ve defined your niche — such as vintage clothing, unique locally made art, or colorful shoes — you can begin sourcing new products from your local stores and thrift shops.

15. Caterer

If the personal chef gig is too restrictive for your schedule, consider catering instead. Pick your projects, work on fewer but larger events, and hone in on your time management skills.

Becoming a caterer is a natural step for those who are used to cooking for large events — for instance, you may have already catered your friend’s wedding or brought a 20-person meal to a potluck (that counts, too!).

It’s essential that you have enough temperature-regulated storage for the meals prior to each event, and that you arrange for reliable, temperature-controlled transportation to and from your home kitchen. Alternatively, you can lower your costs by inviting customers to pick up their order at your home.

16. Gym Owner

Kickboxing gyms, yoga studios, CrossFit, oh my! Turn your passion for fitness into a community for others by creating your own gym — start one from the ground up, become an affiliate, or open a franchise location.

Available franchise opportunities include Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, Pure Barre, Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and more. Be prepared to take out a loan to finance your franchise — most agreements start with fees upward of $20,000. But the payoff can be tremendous due to brand recognition. You’ll have no trouble recruiting new members as long as you use local marketing strategies .

Alternatively, you can create a local studio, but ideally, it should be for a specific activity instead of general fitness. Yoga, pilates, bootcamp-style gyms, and martial arts perform well as independent fitness studios.

17. Boutique Agency Owner

What’s your specialty? Whether it’s marketing, social media, or PR, it might be time to start your own agency. Many other small businesses need this type of help but don’t have the resources or volume to necessitate a full-time position.

To start an agency, you would ideally have worked in your specialty for a number of years. You should also be prepared to interface directly with clients, fulfill their requirements, and temper their expectations (if they want results in an unreasonably short amount of time).

Consider building a small team and learn from other entrepreneurs who’ve successfully started their own agencies, like Duane Brown of Take Some Risk .

18. Coffee Shop Owner

Turn your caffeine addiction into something a little more lucrative. Opening a franchise or buying an existing shop are lower-risk entry points to the coffee game, but they usually require a little more cash upfront. Starting a shop from scratch requires more planning and work — but it also maximizes your earning potential in the future.

A coffee shop is an excellent fit if you already have a full-time remote job and wish to supplement your income with a small business. You can manage the coffee shop as you work at one of the tables, but be sure to have the budget to hire an experienced barista who can pick up the slack.

If you would like to open a coffee shop and run it full-time on your own, you’ll need to undertake barista training, understand worldwide coffee sources, and have excellent customer service skills.

19. Moving Company

A truck, moving equipment, manpower, and the correct permits and insurance are the building blocks of starting your own moving company . Before you buy your first fleet of trucks, however, start small with a moving van and keep your costs low.

Still sound like too much of an initial investment? Consider offering packing services only, which have a much lower financial barrier to entry. You can partner with moving companies and offer to do their packing, or have them refer clients to you.

You could even take a niche approach to the industry as Astro International has by offering international moving services.

2. Vending Machine Owner

Since 2015, the growth rate for vending machine businesses has increased 1.4%. Even as social distancing restrictions are still in place, this business can still be lucrative if you choose the right locations. High-traffic is key — places like hospitals, schools, and community centers are smart places to start placing your machines to generate enough revenue to cover cost and turn a profit.

3. Social Media Manager

Do you have a knack for social media? As a social media manager, you can use your skills to manage the social media accounts for companies and even individual people. Influencer marketing has become more common and many influencers rely on marketing agencies or employees to help them run their social channels.

Online Business Ideas

If you want a business idea that you can run entirely online, check out the ones below. These ideas are ideal for those looking for a passive income stream. In other words, you shouldn’t need to do too much manual work to launch these businesses from your home or preferred business location.

1. Become an online reseller.

To become an online reseller, all you need is some business savvy and some funds to invest in product stock from manufacturers — or, of course,the willingness to sell your own used items. Generally, this is a low-touch but high-performance way of creating a passive income online business.

Online resellers usually use a platform, such as Facebook Marketplace or Amazon Sellers, to sell either their own or manufacturers’ stock. The benefit of using Facebook Marketplace is that you can begin today with your own Facebook account, and simply list items that you already own.

Interested buyers typically drive directly to your home for pick-up — but if you’re not interested in human interaction, you can leave it outside and have the buyer pay via an online platform.

Blogging is one of the most accessible small businesses to start, and there are countless niches to choose from. That said, because there are many blogs online, you’ll need to learn blog SEO and keyword research to ensure your audience finds you. That way, you actually make money out of your blogging efforts.

The great news is that a small blogging business has a ridiculously low overhead. All you need is a custom domain and your time for writing blog posts.

5. Home-Baked Goods Seller

Warehouse-made, store-bought chocolate chip cookies will never compare to a batch made with love in someone’s home. Simple desserts can be easily baked and packaged to sell at local events or around your neighborhood. Use custom labels and watch the word spread about your goods!

You can begin a baked goods business easily by opening a Facebook and Instagram profile. Facebook and Instagram are both excellent platforms to market your goods, show pictures of your previous baked products, and even showcase happy clients.

Build a loyal following slowly, and save on costs by asking clients to drive to your home to pick up their order. Choosing a niche can be helpful here, or baking in a specific style that can’t be found at grocery store bakeries. The overhead can be especially low if you already have most essential baking supplies.

6. Ecommerce Store Owner

Do you create, collect, or curate anything special? Consider starting an ecommerce store and turning your hobby into a full-time job. Whether you need somewhere to sell all that pottery you’ve been making, or an excuse to search for the sports memorabilia you love tracking down, an ecommerce store can make it financially viable for you to pursue your passion.

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Starting an ecommerce store is simple and easy. You can set up a shop using an ecommerce website builder , all of which start at a minimal monthly subscription (some even start at free). Be sure to take good photos of your products and write descriptive product pages .

If you don’t have inventory, you can always own an ecommerce store by using dropshipping . Instead of creating and shipping your products yourself, you’ll instead partner with a dropshipping website and have them mail out the orders directly to your client.

7. House Cleaner

With a low barrier to entry, house cleaning can be a great way to start doing what you love — soon. Consider advertising to homes in your neighborhood and get more bang for your buck by earning a few small businesses as clients as well. They’ll usually bring in a higher paycheck for a similar amount of work.

To become a house cleaner, you should be prepared to invest in cleaning supplies and accessories, or be willing to use your own. If you plan to serve small businesses, you should buy industrial janitorial supplies so you can get work done more effectively.

Need some inspiration? This small business cleaning service grew virtually overnight on Instagram after their content went viral during the pandemic.

Learn more about choosing the right structure for your business from the Small Business Administration.

6. Create a business bank account.

Once you have a legally formed business and have been issued an Employer Identification Number (EIN), open a bank account specifically for your business. Having a business bank account is essential for keeping your personal and business finances separate which can help you gain an accurate picture of your business’s cash flow and financial health.

Additionally, keeping your personal and business finances separate makes bookkeeping and tax preparation easier.

Many banks offer business checking and savings accounts. Business checking accounts typically do not have a limit on the number of transactions that can take place, and issue a debit card that can be used for making business purchases. However, these checking accounts do not accrue interest.

Business savings accounts typically earn interest over time but have a limited number of transactions that can occur each month. When you’re just starting out, look for a business bank account that does not have a minimum balance requirement so you are not penalized for having low funds as you work to build your business.

7. Determine if your business idea works well from home.

Ask yourself whether your business idea will work well from home. Some businesses simply aren’t suited to be based from home. If you want to run a dog boarding center but live in an apartment without a backyard, you might want to consider a dog walking business instead.

8. Set up an office.

If your business idea is well-suited for being run from home, it’s still important you have a designated workspace. While a home office might not be possible, consider setting aside a corner in your living room or putting a desk in your bedroom for a space that inspires you and creates the conditions for success.

Need a more professional space? If you conduct client-facing work requiring you to be on video calls, no one wants to see your rumpled sheets in the background. Check out local coworking spaces for memberships that earn you access to conference rooms, desk space, and more.

9. Get to work!

You’ve put in the hard work, but I’ve got bad news — it’s only going to get harder. But most entrepreneurs will agree that the payoff of being your own boss, making your own hours, and working on projects that you’re passionate about will pay dividends for the rest of your life.

What are the types of small businesses?

The types of small business structures are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.

• Sole Proprietorship — The simplest type of business structure is a sole proprietorship, which is also the easiest to start. As a sole proprietor, you are personally responsible for the business's liabilities and profits, and you have complete control over your business. If you are a solopreneur, you are automatically considered a sole proprietor.
• Partnership — A partnership is a business model involving two or more individuals who agree to share the business‘s profits and liabilities. Each partner contributes to the business and shares the risks and rewards. It’s essential to have a partnership agreement that defines each partner's roles and responsibilities to ensure clarity and prevent potential misunderstandings.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) — An LLC, or limited liability company, is a common option for small businesses because it protects its owners by separating personal assets from the company's liabilities. To form an LLC, the business owner must file the required paperwork with the state.
• Corporation — A corporation is an independent legal entity distinct from its owners. It provides limited liability protection to its shareholders, who are not held personally accountable for the company's debts. Corporations have formal requirements and often raise capital by issuing stocks or shares.

Which business type is best?

The best business type is a limited liability company (LLC). Operating as an LLC means that your personal assets are separate from your business assets. If your business goes bankrupt, your personal holdings won’t be affected. That said, it’s also one of the costlier types, requiring a fee paid to the state.

The easiest business type to start is a sole proprietorship. The main downside is that there’s no differentiation between you and your business.

It's crucial to seek advice from legal or accounting professionals to determine the best business structure based on your unique needs and objectives. Each structure has advantages, legal requirements, tax implications, and flexibility considerations.

How do I create a business idea?

To create a business idea, determine your skill set, work preferences, startup budget, and available resources. It’s important to strike the right balance between what you can feasibly offer and what you can feasibly afford in the short and long term.

We recommend starting with your skill set so that you can easily determine the niche in which you can effectively compete. For instance, if you have ample experience as a writer, you might consider starting a freelance writing business. But if you know you’d prefer to work with clients face-to-face, you might choose to start a ghostwriting business instead. That’s why it’s so important to take your work preferences into account, as well.

After that, take a look at your budget and determine the type of business you can start based on the resources at your disposal. For instance, you might not be able to afford a physical office or location, so a location-based business will likely not be a good fit. In that case, starting an online business is your best option.

What resources or tools can I use to refine and validate my business ideas during the brainstorming process?

Online market research tools like Google Trends, Keyword Planner, and SEMrush can provide insights into market demand, competition, and keyword trends related to your business niche. Industry reports and market analyses from reputable sources such as IBISWorld, Gartner, Statista, and industry-specific publications can offer valuable data and trends to inform your decision-making. Ensure you know the industry risk before embarking on your small business venture.

→ Download Now: Market Research Kit [Free Download]

Additionally, joining entrepreneurial communities, forums, and social media groups can provide opportunities to seek feedback, network with like-minded people, and gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs. Finally, consider conducting surveys or interviews with potential customers to gather feedback and validate your business concept before investing significant time and resources.

What are some of the most successful small businesses?

Every small business has the potential to be successful and profitable, provided it’s backed by a strong product-market fit and a robust business plan . These two elements are essential. Maybe postnatal services are one of the most successful small businesses to launch, but if you live in an area with declining population or a large elderly population, then that small business idea won’t yield a high return on investment.

Think carefully about the market where you’re launching your business, and you’ll be more than likely to see lasting success.

What are the top growing small businesses?

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46 Best Startup Ideas for Students

• Startup Ideas
• Best Startup Ideas
• Student Entrepreneurs

Last Updated: January 12, 2024 By TRUiC Team

Whether you’re in high school, community college, or university, it can prove challenging to juggle a 9-to-5 job while finishing school. Launching your own startup company as a student offers the flexibility of creating your work schedule to align with a busy school schedule.

The first step involves selecting the right business idea for you based on your interests, the overall startup costs, and the amount of time you can dedicate to your business. This guide highlights the most unique and innovative startup business ideas for students to help you find the right one for you.

Recommended: Find more inspiration by checking out our list of the best startup ideas and top startups to watch in 2024 !

Startup Business Ideas for Students

Some of the most successful startups in history were created by students. Even if you are only looking for a little side-hustle income while you study, an innovative concept will undoubtedly set you apart from the get-go. Here are some of the best startup ideas for students we've sourced.

1. Tutoring

Are you proficient in a specific subject or do you have a unique skill? If yes, you can help other students by starting your own tutoring business. Any subject in which you excel — like math, English, or science — can provide a potential tutoring opportunity.

Tutoring businesses can charge by the session or the hour. You can easily market this type of business within your school, at the public library, or in community centers. Best of all, this startup idea has virtually no startup costs. 

2. App Development

While it might seem like there’s already an app for everything, the potential to create millions of apps for entertainment purposes or to solve everyday problems still exists. This startup idea can ideally suit tech-savvy students, but anyone can create a popular app with the right support during production and a great idea.

If you don’t currently have an app idea, don’t worry. Start brainstorming ideas by conducting an audit of daily tasks or problems an app could simplify or solve. Many of the most popular apps solve a common problem, making them more likely to have widespread appeal.

3. Freelance Writing

If you’re a skilled or talented writer, freelance writing might provide a great way for you to make money as you pursue your education. Freelance writers of all kinds are in demand by businesses and publications looking for temporary employees to write blog posts, articles, and other content.

One of the biggest benefits of freelance writing at a younger age is that you’ll gain experience that can help you later on as you establish a career. Sites like Upwork® and Writer Access® provide a secure platform for businesses and freelancers to connect.

4. Podcasting

Next up on our list of business ideas for students is podcasting. As the popularity of podcasts continues to grow , it’s an ideal time to start a podcast of your own. In fact, the podcast industry was valued at $18.52 billion in 2022 . The most successful podcasts feature engaging hosts and a specific topic that can attract interested listeners. You also must feel comfortable with interviewing and public speaking before you start a podcast.

Moreover, it’s best to choose a topic for which you have a passion and can see yourself dedicating a good amount of time to researching. For example, if you’re passionate about sustainability, your podcast could focus on interviewing other entrepreneurs who currently work to fight climate change.

Launching your own company? Build your startup website today with GoDaddy !

5. Tech Support

Do you have a knack for solving technical problems? If so, you may want to consider launching a tech support startup. You can run these types of online businesses entirely from your home and market it by posting flyers at schools, coffee shops, and libraries. You just need a phone, a website, and some technical experience. You also can charge by the job, the hour, or the type of device.

In this type of business, customers typically call or email with a technical issue and you, the tech support person, walk them through how to fix that issue. Alternatively, you can request your customers drop their computers off so you can take a first-hand look.

Check out our full list of tech startup ideas .

6. Digital Textbook

Digital textbooks are educational ebooks that provide a much-needed alternative to traditional textbooks in terms of both price and sustainability. With the introduction of ereaders and other devices, the market for digital alternatives to educational materials continues to grow. Whether you plan to write a digital textbook or start a website that’ll house popular digital textbooks, this startup idea can enable you to earn a profit while you provide a service to students and the educational system.

Online learning continued to gain popularity in the past year. Providing additional tools for students — or people who just want to brush up on a subject — by developing an educational technology (edtech) startup can make education more accessible to a larger fraction of society. Startup costs for this business idea can range from $12 to $27,209 , depending on the business model. 

Whether you plan to develop an app, create online courses, or build an online tutoring resource for students, you must first identify your target subject and platform. Additionally, successful edtech startups tend to offer a product that’s both effective and intuitive. Remember to consider those criteria during your product development process.

See our interview below with the co-founders of edtech startup Trashbots !

8. Meal Delivery Service

Faced with fewer dine-in options, people increasingly turned to food delivery services in the past year. In fact, the market is expected to experience a 14.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2032. Starting your own meal delivery service can help small local businesses meet delivery demand, enable customers to enjoy their favorite restaurants, and provide a business opportunity that’ll work with your busy schedule.

To compete with the big names in meal delivery, connect with your local restaurant owners. Many popular food delivery apps and websites charge a substantial fee to deliver for restaurants. Your business can gain a competitive edge by offering quick delivery times and lower fees.

Check out our full list of  startup ideas for food lovers .

9. College Care Package Business

Going away to college often represents an exciting adventure. For families and friends seeking to support their favorite college students, a college care package business can take the guesswork out of what to send them with thoughtfully curated packages.

One benefit of starting this type of business is that you can operate it completely online. That’ll reduce your overhead costs and give you more freedom for your busy schedule. Offering a variety of packages for different types of students with customizable options will set your college care package business apart from the competition.

10. Ebook Writing

Today, you can accomplish almost everything virtually — even publishing a book. Ebooks provide an alternative to traditional publishing, making them cheaper for both authors and readers. Moreover, ebooks are far more sustainable than paper books.

To get started, you’ll need writing experience and a topic idea for your ebook. Whether you choose to write a novel or a cookbook, the ebook market offers a huge profit potential while requiring minimal startup and overhead costs. Especially considering that ebooks made up over 10% of book sales in 2022 . That makes this type of business a great choice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

11. Social Media Influencer

A successful social media influencer almost always understands how to create and effectively market a brand. If you think you’re up to the challenge, this can make a lucrative and exciting startup idea. Social media influencers with between 10,000 and 25,000 followers make $100-$250 per post , on average. 

Influencers earn money through brand deals. Because every industry has influencers, you’re more likely to generate a large viewership and build a strong brand if you focus on a specific industry or niche for which you have a passion. In addition, you’ll need to feel comfortable with public speaking and connecting with your audience in order to attract brands that want to work with you.

12. Mobile Coffee Cart

Many students work in coffee shops and cafes while pursuing their education. A mobile coffee cart offers a flexible schedule and the opportunity to network within your community. It also provides a relatively low-cost alternative to opening a brick-and-mortar cafe with many mobile coffee carts costing between $2,000-$5,000 to start. 

Customers typically hire mobile coffee carts to work events like corporate retreats, school events, and even weddings. Make your business stand out by offering a customizable drink menu that can complement customers’ event themes.

Feeling inspired? Learn how to launch your own company with our guide on how to start a startup .

13. YouTube Channel

Launching a YouTube channel is next up on our list of startup business ideas for students. YouTube has billions of subscribers worldwide, which means the platform offers a great opportunity for new channels and video content. Starting your own video channel can represent another form of blogging (called “vlogging”) or provide a space for you to teach a skill or share a hobby. If you have a passion for ceramics, for example, you could start an entire channel about your process from clay to kiln.

Social media platforms focus on making connections, and YouTube is no exception. Every industry or hobby has the potential to connect with thousands of YouTube subscribers, which you could parlay into a lucrative business venture. Especially considering the average YouTuber in the US makes $33 per hour on average. 

14. Review Website

Like most people, you probably search online for reviews before you spend your money at an unfamiliar business. Review websites hold businesses accountable by giving people insights about them so potential customers can make an informed decision.

You can easily start and manage this kind of website with a minimal budget, making it perfect for student entrepreneurs. In order to run a successful review website, you’ll need to gain credibility with customers and differentiate your site from larger review sites like Yelp.

15. Social Media Platform

Many social media users seek new platforms to explore so they can connect with others. Starting your own social media platform can provide a space to foster a sense of community as well as a potentially lucrative business venture. Moreover, it offers a flexible schedule — especially during the initial stages of operating your site.

To entice users to join your social media platform, focus on developing ideas that’ll make your site feel distinct from other platforms. For example, you could opt to cater to a specific demographic like gamers or musicians.

16. Livestreaming

If you already spend a lot of time playing video games, why not make it a business venture? Livestreaming essentially involves broadcasting live footage of your game as you play, using a platform like Twitch or Smashcast. Once you obtain the minimum number of followers (e.g., 500 on TWITCH), you can become a partner of the livestreaming site and begin to make money based on the traffic your streams generate.

17. Graphic Design

Many businesses and organizations need graphic designers to create visual branding for use on everything from signage to marketing materials. Because graphic design is a fairly broad industry, having a multifaceted skill set can prove extremely beneficial. For example, proficiency in logo design as well as typography or web design can help you book more clients and build your portfolio.

18. Dropshipping

If you like the idea of an ecommerce startup but don’t have the room to store items to sell, dropshipping could be the perfect solution. Dropshipping startups simply take customer’s orders online, but instead of filling orders themselves, they are sent to a third-party retailer for fulfillment. Essentially, your startup consists of customer experience management, marketing, and curating items for your dropshipping business. On average, dropshippers make $3,414 per month , according to ZipRecruiter. 

19. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a popular side hustle , but it can be a profitable business idea if you do it right. Through affiliate marketing, you will earn a commission on sales you drive for brands you partner with. What makes this idea particularly good for college students is that there is a relatively low barrier to entry. Be sure to pick products you're already known for, associated with, and to which you have market access. 

20. Website Development

Building websites can be a great way to make money as a student, particularly if you're studying something related. Almost everyone, from businesses to individual entrepreneurs, needs a website, and if you do a great job on the first few projects, you'll start getting business through word of mouth. This is another space with a pretty low barrier to entry as there are many open source tools available for developers.

21. Virtual Assistant

You don’t have to be in an office to help businesses and fellow entrepreneurs get organized. A virtual assistant startup is a great business idea for organized, task-oriented individuals. If this sounds like you, it is easy to get started by utilizing sites that can help you find work you’re interested in. Get a competitive edge by diversifying your skill set to make yourself eligible for a litany of job opportunities. Plus, this flexible position brings in $24 per hour on average in the US, according to ZipRecruiter.

22. Web Design

Web designers focus predominantly on the user experience aspect of web pages. If your field of study relates to design (or even if this is just a passion for you), a web design startup might be your best bet for a student business. To really hook the clients, pair up with a friend in the development space and offer your services as a package.

23. Handcrafted Products

Handmade, artisanal goods never go out of style. Plus, the market for handmade goods is expected to see moderate growth from 2023 to 2030 at a CAGR of 4.7% . Selling handcrafted products offers you the flexibility of selling your goods online, in established retailers, or at local markets. The first step involves determining the product(s) you’ll make. This could include food products, pet toys, wooden furniture, or many other items. To successfully sell handcrafted products, remember to focus on product quality and cater to the right niche market.

24. Cleaning Services

Next on our list of the best business ideas for students is cleaning services. You can start a successful cleaning startup in several ways. For example, you could start a house-cleaning business, an office-cleaning business, or a graffiti-cleaning business, among others. 

This type of startup has low initial costs and flexible hours. You can schedule as many clients as you can manage based on your availability. Overhead costs for cleaning services include marketing materials, cleaning supplies, and vehicle expenses, which means it'll cost very little to launch your cleaning startup. Notably, in the US, cleaning business owners make $127,973 per year on average , making this a lucrative business for students. 

25. Moving Company

If you ask people if they enjoy moving, most will answer with a firm “no.” That can make a moving company startup a potentially lucrative business idea. Not to mention, the industry has grown by 11.4% in 2022, meaning the demand for moving companies is increasing. You’ll need to hire a team and purchase a vehicle large enough to move furniture so this type of business has higher startup costs than other business ideas. But, that initial investment can pay off once you start booking jobs and generating positive reviews.

26. Planner and Journal Business

The right planner or journal can help even the most disorganized people manage their time more effectively. Journals also can serve multiple purposes, making them a valuable tool for many. Starting a planner and journal business can help fulfill the demand for these products while offering you a potentially lucrative business venture.

Planner and journal businesses can sell their products online or in established retailers like bookstores and novelty shops. To make your products stand out, consider giving them distinctive features like including time-management tips inside your planners or manufacturing your journals from recycled materials.

27. Social Media Marketing

If you're already spending a lot of time on social media platforms and you have a good understanding of the marketing end, why not turn that into a startup? Anyone with a product or service, especially local businesses, to sell today needs to be on social media, and many business people do not have the skills or the time to pull it off well. The multiple free scheduling and design tools available today also make this a pretty low-cost industry to enter.

28. Website Flipping 

Another website-based startup you can try is website flipping. People often allow their websites to go dormant either because they've closed their business or just aren't interested anymore. This is an opportunity for you to purchase this website at a relatively low cost, optimize it, increase the traffic, and flip it at an excellent profit when it is worth far more than it was.  

29. Motivational Apps

Mobile apps are really popular, and if they make you feel good and improve your life, all the better. Apps geared toward motivation do very well in most app stores, and they're relatively simple to build and maintain. You will need to come up with an innovative idea, though, but thankfully, there are many spaces to work within — meditation, mindfulness, inspiration, and productivity, to name a few. If you plan to develop an app of your own, you can also take advantage of university-led incubators or startup accelerators such as Techstars Mobility or Plug and Play Tech Center. 

30. Organization Service

Few people naturally possess strong organizational skills. If you’re one of those few, an organization service may represent the perfect startup idea for you. Professional organizing services not only help customers tidy up cluttered spaces, but also help them develop the organizational skills they need to maintain order going forward. One of the benefits of starting this type of business is you can operate it either in person by visiting customers’ homes and offices or virtually by conducting video consultations.

31. Errand-Running Service

Busy professionals, small businesses, and seniors typically need help running errands they can’t get to themselves. This could involve going to the post office, picking up dry cleaning, or taking a pet to a vet appointment.

To get started, you just need a vehicle, a phone, and some spare time. You can operate your errand-running business from home and market your services on bulletin boards at community centers, senior centers, or anywhere you can post a flier with your information. While this business idea isn’t the most lucrative, on average, errand runners make $15 per hour . If you can manage a fleet of errand runners, the earnings can add up. 

32. Language Learning Startup

If you’ve learned a foreign language, you know it’s difficult, especially for adults. However, knowing a second language is not only a fun pastime, but it opens up job opportunities and helps people connect with other communities. A language learning startup can be any product or service that helps people learn a new language, such as an app, instructional website, or written guides.

To make your startup stand out, focus on making learning a new language fun for users so that they want to reach for your product or resources again and again. If you opt for a tech-related language learning model, consider utilizing an edtech incubator to help develop your idea such as Berkeley SkyDeck, FasterCapital, or ASU Venture Devils. 

33. Virtual Event Planning

With businesses and organizations grappling with social distancing requirements in the last few years, the virtual events space has exploded, and hosting events online has actually become a game-changer for many businesses. As a result, a new critical skill has emerged: the need to plan these events. If you have great digital skills and you're pretty good at organizing people, look into virtual event planning as a startup. Again, there are many open-source tools available that make breaking into this space relatively cheap.

34. Clean Beauty Products

Green or “clean” beauty products are increasing in popularity across the US as we learn more and more about the harmful effects of some ingredients in traditional beauty products. In fact, the global clean beauty market is currently valued at $8.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $15.3 billion by 2028 . A green beauty product startup provides a better alternative, whether it’s clean skincare or cosmetics — the key is to create a product that is as effective as traditional products without the same damaging ingredients.

35. Software Startup

A software development startup is responsible for creating, distributing, and maintaining the programs that businesses use every day. This industry is experiencing exciting growth with annual revenue of $238 billion per year and an annual growth rate of 3.9% , which means this startup idea holds a tremendous amount of opportunity for entrepreneurs.

36. Snack Company

Do you have a go-to homemade snack that you know other people would love as well? If so, take your tasty treats to the next level by starting a snack company . Consumers are always looking for delicious new snack options with special ingredients or a twist on a classic snack. Growing your audience can be done by going to farmers' markets or local events and letting people try your delicious new snack!

37. Robotics Startup

It's not uncommon for robotics startups to be founded by students or recent graduates, especially if they are studying in the field at one of the more prestigious colleges with well-backed programs and grants for research. College can be an amazing place to discover new technology and brainstorm with fellow students, but you also want to ensure that you understand the industry you're trying to get into before you get too far ahead of yourself. 

With that said, definitely use the resources at your disposal if you're in a great robotics program and see where it can take you and your startup. Or, consider joining an incubator or accelerator such as AlleyCorp, MARL 5G Accelerator, or Buildit Accelerator to help develop your startup. 

38. Fintech

If you have a good understanding of both the financial and technology spaces, you may want to consider a fintech startup as your niche. Historically, student fintech startups that have focused predominantly on student financial issues have done really well. It's vital to understand your market, after all. When you start to delve into the world of finance, though, you'll need to ensure that you are complying with any state laws that govern the industry. After you've ticked that box, your fintech startup will be ready to go. For a startup idea like this, you may want to consider seed stage venture capital firms such as Precursor Ventures that have a history of deploying capital into promising fintech companies. 

39. Marketplace Website

Become the platform your community uses to sell and exchange goods and services by creating a marketplace website startup. Elevate the startup idea by prioritizing user experience and safety protocols. The key to a successful marketplace website is to create a positive experience for users that makes buying and selling items seamless and safe.

40. Sustainable Clothing Line

Fashion is one of the most wasteful industries on the planet. If you’re thinking about starting a clothing line, consider making it a sustainable one! Plus, the demand for these businesses is growing and is projected to continue that trajectory, forecasted to grow from $7.8 billion in 2023 to $33.05 in 2030 . A sustainable clothing line can make an impact by creating thoughtful garments that are long-lasting and ethically made out of sustainable materials such as linen or hemp.

41. Virtual Meeting Platform

With the virtual events space growing so considerably, the need for virtual meeting services has increased proportionately. This might mean anything from scheduling software for end-to-end management or perhaps even add-on apps that assist large companies with the management of various meetings simultaneously. There are several open-source tools available to help you break into this space.

42. Beverage Startup

If you have a great drink recipe or an idea for a special ingredient or function that will entice customers, start a beverage company ! A competitive edge in this industry is well-designed packaging that is catered to a target demographic and, of course, a delicious beverage inside. If you’re more of a connoisseur of beverages, a beverage distribution company is another lucrative startup idea that can be focused on a specific type of beverage such as beer, soda, or wine. Keep in mind that if you start a beverage company, you may benefit from a founder community such as Foodbevy to connect with other entrepreneurs in the space and grow together. 

43. SEO Services

Search engine optimization ( SEO ) is an essential tool for online marketing. However, to achieve a successful SEO service, you need to dedicate time and effort to creating content and staying on top of changes in search trends. Starting an SEO services startup offers customers an opportunity to cash in on this powerful internet marketing tool without spending too much of their own. To create a successful SEO services startup, you will need a deep understanding of SEO tactics and the software to do effective research. 

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our list of the top startups to watch in 2024 !

44. Online Courses

Online courses are a great way to use your existing knowledge to help college students, professionals, or anyone looking to expand their skill set in a niche market. This startup idea, on average, can bring in roughly $82,500 per year , according to ZipRecruiter. To create an online course, you will likely want to join an online course platform such as Udemy or Skillshare and utilize digital marketing strategies to get the word out about your course. However, a great online course can be one of the less laborious but still profitable business ideas for students.

45. Translation Services

If you speak more than one language, offering translation services can be a great way to leverage your skills to start your own business. A translation services business is often responsible for translating various documents while maintaining client confidentiality. This can be done to either provide grammatical and spelling help or to ensure the content of the translation matches the original document.

46. Become a Reseller

With the rise of apps such as Poshmark, Vinted, and Depop, reselling clothing, shoes, and even home goods has become a popular side hustle for students. While some sellers opt to resell items from their own closets, others choose to upcycle garments or scour local thrift stores for deals on items. This idea involves keeping an eye on trends as well as offering items seasonally to ensure you are selling an item when demand is at its peak. 

How to Choose a Business Idea

Starting your own business as a student can mean additional cash and valuable experience. However, choosing a profitable business idea can be challenging, here's a few tips to find the right business idea for you.

Research Time Dedication

Whether you're in high school or college, school is your number one priority. Therefore, you need to seek business ideas that will be doable with your current school load. Many online business ideas for students provide time flexibility and allow you to work on your entrepreneurial goals during spare moments.

Pull From Your Skill Set

What are you already well versed in? Pulling from your skill set allows you to build a strong foundation early on and capitalize on your existing knowledge. This could mean launching a tutoring business if you're highly educated in one subject or doing freelance work doing strategy for other local businesses getting started on social media platforms.

Follow Your Passion

Above all, when you're starting your own business you should choose business ideas that you're excited and passionate about. If you are passionate about your business idea, there is a higher chance you will dedicate the time and effort necessary to make it a profitable, sustainable startup. 

Explore More Startup Ideas

• Online Startup Ideas
• Startup Ideas for Social Entrepreneurs
• Sustainable Startup Ideas
• Startup Ideas for Education Entrepreneurs
• Startup Ideas for Teens
• Startup Ideas for Animal Lovers
• Tech Startup Ideas
• Startup Ideas for Food Lovers
• Side Hustle Startup Ideas
• Ecommerce Startup Ideas
• Low-Cost Startup Ideas
• Software Startup Ideas
• Profitable Startup Ideas

Featured Articles

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Entrepreneurship Assignment Topics for MBA Students

Entrepreneurship-related studies are nowadays very trendy in search of finding new job opportunities. In the entire world, due to the economical encroachment, there is the importance of finding new start-ups where entrepreneurship is the only way. To learn the study of entrepreneurship, students need to solve different kinds of assignments for their institutional semesters. In this situation, students feel the scarcity of topics as they need a lot of experience and knowledge to find out topics of entrepreneurship topics. Without online assignment help services, such an entrepreneurship assignment can be a mess. To avoid such a mess there are some ideas which are presented below.

For entrepreneurship-related dissertation assignments , there are some topics. These are selected because it provides a large place of research to students.

• What can be the best new sector to create huge job opportunities?
• Which are the barriers in the national as well as international trade market?
• How to overcome the issues of employment across the world?
• How can entrepreneurship make the difference between the employed and unemployed peoples?
• Are there resource issues for entrepreneurship and employment creation in this present world?
• How can entrepreneurship change the unemployment issues?
• How can be entrepreneurship aligned with technology?

Entrepreneurship assignment topics are mostly now directing towards the new job opportunity creation.

Entrepreneurship assignment ideas:

If students are wandering towards their world, it is easy to find out different kinds of topics related to entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship assignment ideas come from finding out investors to finance the project, repulsing the settled companies to new business persons, and finding out the hindrances of successful entrepreneurship establishment. Another highly catchy entrepreneurship assignment ideas come from finding out different kinds of hindrances for entrepreneurship and developing the workforce from converting inefficient workforce into effective human resources.

Entrepreneur report assignments:

In MBA, students need to submit some reports related to entrepreneurship assignments with a huge word count. For examples of the entrepreneurship report topics, there is the acquisition-related activities in Nigeria, strategic management for the small-scale businesses, how small-scale businesses or entrepreneurs can change the scenario of unemployment issues, raw material collection, or sourcing for the small scall business continuation.

In the entrepreneurial processes, there are four stages as researching on the market financing risk-taking, development of the project, and management of the project. Initially, students should learn the process that the entrepreneurship process starts with the risk-taking, assessments, and management process within a business. Here, the entrepreneurship system needs vast knowledge about risk management and development with the changing economic condition of the world. Entrepreneurship assignment ideas come from the business development process as well as market research. Entrepreneurship assignment help services are very rare due to a lack of confident entrepreneurship-related subject matter experts.

How to find out Entrepreneurship assignment ideas:

• If you are a good researcher, then you can find it out from the changing world.
• If you follow your daily classes on Entrepreneurship then professors will provide you a clear outline.
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If you are thinking about your Entrepreneurship assignment ideas, topics, reports, or other things, feel free to contact assignmentclassmates.com and achieve the HD grade in the final semester.

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60+ Shark Tank Project Ideas

• Post author By admin
• August 18, 2023

Explore a diverse range of Shark Tank project ideas that showcase innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. From eco-friendly solutions to tech innovations, discover inspiring concepts that made a splash on the show.

Hey, folks who love all things business and innovation! Ever caught yourself glued to the TV during an episode of “Shark Tank” and thought, “I’ve got an awesome idea too!” Well, guess what?

We’re about to take you on a journey through the world of “Shark Tank Project Ideas” where we’ll unwrap some seriously cool stuff.

Picture this: everyday folks turning into business moguls right before your eyes. We’re talking about those lightbulb moments that could change how we do things, make life easier, or just plain blow our minds. From quirky gadgets to smart solutions, we’re diving deep into the ocean of innovation.

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur ready to rock the world or just someone who loves to be in the know, get ready to be amazed by the ideas that strut their stuff on the Shark Tank stage. So, let’s jump right in and discover how a simple idea can make a big splash in the world of business!

Table of Contents

Shark Tank Project Ideas for Students

Have a close look at shark tank project ideas for students.

Student Planner App with a Twist

Imagine a student planner app that’s not your ordinary calendar. This one adds a twist of fun by turning your study journey into a game.

Get ready to conquer your schedule, assignments, and exams while earning rewards and staying super motivated!

Eco-Friendly School Supplies

Think about cool school stuff that’s kind to the planet. We’re talking about notebooks made from recycled materials, pens that go back to nature, and lunch containers that never need a landfill. Perfect for eco-friendly students and parents!

Peer Tutoring Platform

Ever wish studying was as easy as a chat with friends? Picture a platform where students who ace certain subjects help out their buddies who might be struggling. It’s like a virtual study group with video chats, whiteboards, and high fives for acing that test!

Campus Safety App

Safety first, right? Imagine an app that’s like having a guardian angel on campus. If anything sketchy happens, you can press a button to alert security and your emergency contacts. Plus, you’ll get real-time updates and tips to stay safe.

Note-Taking Wearable

What if your notes could literally stick with you? Imagine a cool wearable that captures your lecture notes and sends them to your phone. No more frantic scribbling – just smooth, organized reviewing!

Interactive Language Learning Game

Learning languages could be a blast! Think about a game that takes you on a virtual adventure through different countries and languages. You’ll chat, learn, and even improve your accent using fancy speech tech!

Career Exploration Platform

Imagine a one-stop-shop where you can peek into different careers. This online hub connects you with pros, shows you cool internships, and teaches you useful skills. It’s like a sneak peek into your future!

Campus Sustainability Initiative

Let’s make the campus greener! Think about recycling programs, energy-saving tricks, and events that spruce up the place. It’s all about making your school a hub of eco-awesome.

Mental Health and Wellness App

Life’s stressful, but imagine an app that’s like a pocket-sized zen master. It gives you exercises, tips, and ways to deal with stress. And if you need more help, it can even connect you with counselors.

Student Discount Marketplace

Ready for some sweet deals? Imagine a website that rounds up all the best student discounts out there. From clothes to gadgets, you’ll be saving some serious cash!

These student-centered Shark Tank project ideas are all about making student life awesome, from tackling assignments to chilling out.

Whether you’re a techie, an artist, or just someone with great ideas, these concepts could kickstart your journey into the entrepreneurial world.

What are Some Good Ideas for Shark Tank

Check out some of the best shark tank project ideas in tabular form.

Easy Shark Tank Project Ideas

Have a close look at easy shark tank project ideas.

Customizable Phone Accessories

Imagine creating a whole lineup of phone goodies – cases, pop sockets, and stickers – that folks can personalize with their own touch. From quirky designs to cherished photos, this idea turns phones into personal art pieces.

Novelty Subscription Boxes

Think about putting together themed surprise boxes filled with cool stuff. Snacks, stationery, beauty goodies – you name it. Subscription boxes are all the rage, and these unique picks cater to all sorts of interests.

Pet Grooming and Pampering Products

Ever thought about pampering our furry buddies? Picture crafting easy-peasy pet grooming treats like brushes that clean themselves, paw balms, and all-natural shampoos. Pet parents are always up for simple ways to spoil their pals.

Home Organization Kits

Imagine giving people tools to declutter and tidy up their living spaces. Think closet organizers that save space, nifty cable management, and dividers for kitchen drawers. Who doesn’t love a neat and tidy home?

Plant Care Accessories

Plants are in, and they need love too. Envision cool products like self-watering planters, sensors that tell you when your plant’s thirsty, and stands that double as decor. Plant lovers would be all over this!

DIY Candle-Making Kits

How about sparking creativity with DIY candle kits? Imagine giving folks everything they need to make their own lovely, scented candles at home. It’s the perfect combo of craftiness and coziness.

Quick and Healthy Meal Kits

Picture this: meal kits that make healthy eating a breeze. Ingredients all sorted out, easy-to-follow recipes, and portions that keep you feeling great. Busy folks would totally thank you for this one.

Travel-Friendly Fitness Equipment

Ever wished your fitness gear could travel with you? Imagine stuff like stretchy bands, yoga mats that fold up, and tiny dumbbells. Fitness junkies on the move would love these space-savers.

Smart Shopping List App

What if grocery shopping got smarter? Envision an app that helps you build customized shopping lists, even suggesting recipes based on what’s in your kitchen. Plus, real-time price comparisons to score the best deals.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

How about keeping things clean while saving the planet? Think reusable cleaning cloths, eco-friendly cleaning liquids, and spray bottles you can fill up again and again. Cleaning just got greener.

These easy-peasy Shark Tank project ideas tap into everyday needs and offer simple solutions. Whether it’s making plant care simpler or jazzing up phones, these ideas have that special touch that can catch both the sharks’ and customers’ attention.

Shark Tank Project Ideas for School

Have a close look at shark tank project ideas for high school

Homework Helper App

Imagine an app that’s like a buddy for students. It helps keep track of assignments, sends reminders, and even dishes out study guides and interactive learning tools. Say goodbye to missed deadlines!

Virtual Field Trip Platform

What if classrooms could magically transport to amazing places? Picture an online platform that offers virtual field trips to historical spots, museums, and landmarks worldwide. It’s like an adventure without leaving school.

School Safety Technology

Safety’s a big deal, right? Think about making schools even safer with an app that lets teachers and admins communicate fast during emergencies. Or a smart door lock they can control from anywhere.

Eco-Friendly School Supplies Store

How about a store that’s all about going green in school? Imagine selling notebooks made from recycled stuff, reusable water bottles, and pens that help save the planet. Students can rock sustainability!

Interactive Science Kits

Learning science could be hands-on fun. Envision kits that give you materials to try out cool experiments at home. From creating volcanoes to exploring magnets, these kits make science super cool.

Study Buddy Matching App

Imagine an app that’s your ultimate study buddy. It links you up with students studying the same stuff, so you can team up for study sessions or group brainstorms. Learning’s better together!

School Garden Initiative

Think about a garden right at school! Imagine growing veggies and stuff, learning about nature and healthy eating. Plus, you might even get to eat what you grow in the cafeteria.

Classroom Noise Monitor

Ever wished there was a way to keep the classroom peaceful? Picture a device that checks how noisy things are and gives a heads-up to students and teachers to keep things chill.

Language Learning Game

Learning a new language could be a game. Imagine fun games that help you learn new words and phrases. Whether you’re a kid or a teen, you’ll be speaking like a pro in no time.

Teacher Appreciation Gift Service

Teachers are superheroes, right? How about a subscription that delivers sweet gifts to them? It’s a cool way to show teachers some love and build a super awesome bond.

These school-centered Shark Tank project ideas aim to make learning exciting, enhance safety, and build awesome connections between students, teachers, and parents.

By focusing on education, safety, and innovation, these ideas have the potential to stand out and make a positive impact in the world of entrepreneurship.

Shark Tank Project Examples

Check out some of the best shark tank project examples

Scrub Daddy

Imagine a friendly sponge that adapts to your cleaning needs! The Scrub Daddy isn’t your ordinary sponge—it changes texture based on water temperature.

When things get tough, like stubborn stains, it becomes soft. And for those heavy-duty tasks, like grease and grime, it gets firmer. It’s like having a smart sidekick for cleaning that knows exactly when to be gentle or tough.

Ever wished for a lantern that’s both eco-friendly and super handy? LuminAID is a lantern that inflates and is powered by the sun. It’s your go-to buddy for outdoor adventures or when the lights go out unexpectedly.

Just charge it up in the sun, and it’s ready to light up your space whenever you need it—whether it’s camping under the stars or staying prepared for emergencies.

Cousins Maine Lobster

Picture this: a food truck rolling up to serve you fresh Maine lobster. That’s exactly what Cousins Maine Lobster did. Cousins turned their love for lobster into a booming business on wheels.

Their success was so big that they expanded into a franchise. From serving lobster rolls on the streets to becoming a franchise sensation, they proved that a tasty idea and hard work can lead to big things.

Squatty Potty

Yes, you read that right—Squatty Potty isn’t just a funny name. It’s a bathroom accessory that aims to improve your posture during—you guessed it—bathroom time.

By promoting a more natural squatting position, it helps with smoother and more comfortable moments. It’s like a little innovation that shows even the smallest changes can make a big difference in your daily routine.

Home security got smarter with Ring’s video doorbells and cameras. Imagine being able to see who’s at your door from your phone. Ring made that possible, and it even caught Amazon’s eye.

Amazon loved the idea so much that they acquired Ring. Now, you can keep an eye on your home and have peace of mind, all thanks to a simple yet genius concept.

The Original Comfy

Have you ever wanted to be wrapped in a cozy blanket all day? The Original Comfy made that dream real. It’s a wearable blanket that’s like a warm hug you can take anywhere.

Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite shows or reading a book, you’re snug as a bug in a comfy rug. It’s a comfy solution to feeling warm and cozy wherever you are.

Tired of losing your glasses? ReadeREST has your back—or rather, your glasses. It’s a magnetic eyeglass holder that clips onto your clothes, keeping your glasses secure and within reach.

No more searching for your specs—they’re right where you put them. It’s a small invention that saves you from big frustrations.

Teaching cats to use the toilet might sound like a dream, but CitiKitty made it real. Their kit helps train your feline friend to do their business where you do yours.

It’s a clever solution for cat owners who want to say goodbye to litter boxes. Imagine the convenience of having a potty-trained cat—CitiKitty makes it possible.

Wicked Good Cupcakes

Cupcakes in jars? That’s the delightful idea behind Wicked Good Cupcakes. A mother-daughter duo turned cupcakes into portable desserts.

These jarfuls of goodness are not only tasty but also a feast for the eyes. They proved that a dash of creativity can transform a classic treat into something new and exciting.

Tipsy Elves

When it comes to holiday-themed clothing, Tipsy Elves takes the crown. They blend humor and style, creating outfits that make every celebration a blast.

From funky Christmas sweaters to quirky Fourth of July gear, Tipsy Elves proves that clothing can be fun and fashionable at the same time.

These amazing Shark Tank projects show how a dash of innovation, a sprinkle of creativity, and a lot of hard work can create products that make life more enjoyable and convenient.

With a pinch of imagination and a spoonful of determination, entrepreneurs turned simple ideas into everyday solutions we now love.

How do you make a Shark Tank idea?

Creating a Successful Shark Tank Idea: A Step-by-Step Guide

Identify a Problem or Need

Start by pinpointing a real problem or need that your idea can solve. Make sure it’s something meaningful and relevant to potential customers.

Conduct Market Research

Dig into the market to understand who your customers are, the size of the market, and your competitors. Figure out how your idea stands out from what’s already out there.

Develop Your Idea

Take your initial concept and refine it. What features will your solution have? How will it truly address the problem you’ve identified?

Prototype and Testing

Create a prototype or MVP to show off your idea’s functionality. Test it with your target audience to gather feedback and make improvements.

Business Model and Monetization

Decide how you’ll make money from your idea. Will it be a product you sell, a subscription service, or something else? Define your pricing and revenue strategy.

Prepare a Compelling Pitch

Craft a clear, succinct pitch that outlines the problem, your solution, the market opportunity, and what makes your idea stand out.

Financial Projections

Lay out realistic financial projections to demonstrate your expected revenue, expenses, and potential profits over a specific period.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

Share your plan for reaching customers. How will you market your idea? Consider both online and offline strategies to grab attention.

Intellectual Property Protection

If relevant, think about protecting your idea with patents or trademarks. This safeguards your work and can add value.

Practice Your Pitch

Practice your pitch until you’re comfortable presenting it within the time limits of a Shark Tank episode. Your delivery should be engaging and confident.

Prepare for Questions

Think ahead and be ready for the sharks’ questions. Address potential concerns about the market, competition, and your execution plan.

Highlight Traction

If you’ve got early successes like sales or positive feedback, mention them. It shows that your idea is already gaining traction.

Apply to Shark Tank

Follow the application process on the official Shark Tank website. Make sure to provide all requested information and materials.

Be Open to Negotiation

If a shark shows interest, be prepared to negotiate. Understand your idea’s valuation and how much equity you’re willing to offer in exchange for their investment.

Developing a winning Shark Tank idea means balancing creativity, research, and strategy. By understanding your idea inside and out, showing its market potential, and conveying its value effectively, you boost your chances of catching the sharks’ attention and securing their support.

In the exciting world of entrepreneurship, Shark Tank project ideas truly stand out as beacons of creativity and determination. They vividly demonstrate how regular folks like us can dream big and actually bring those dreams to life.

Whether it’s clever gadgets that add convenience to our lives or revolutionary solutions for major issues, these ideas illustrate the incredible power of thinking outside the box.

These ideas serve as inspiring teachers, showing us that every obstacle can transform into an opportunity to shine. They motivate individuals like you to chase your passions, devise innovative fixes, and leave a positive mark.

The journey from a simple notion to presenting it on the Shark Tank stage is like riding a thrilling rollercoaster of strategic planning and sheer courage.

As the business landscape continues to evolve, the essence of Shark Tank ideas consistently fuels inspiration. It gently pushes upcoming thinkers like you to dream big, get creative, and bravely embrace risks.

And whether these aspiring entrepreneurs strike a deal or not, these ideas stand as a reminder that the most precious treasure is the determination to transform a mere idea into a force that can reshape lives, industries, and even the entire world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of ideas are suitable for shark tank.

Shark Tank welcomes a wide range of ideas, from innovative products and services to creative solutions for everyday problems. The key is to have a unique value proposition that addresses a specific need or challenge in the market.

Do I need a fully developed product before pitching on Shark Tank?

While a fully developed product can be impressive, it’s not always necessary. Many entrepreneurs present prototypes or even just a well-thought-out concept. What’s crucial is showcasing the idea’s potential and demonstrating that it solves a problem.

How important is market research for a Shark Tank idea?

Market research is essential. It helps you understand your potential customers, competition, and the demand for your idea. Being well-informed about the market landscape can make your pitch more convincing to both the sharks and viewers.

How do I prepare for tough questions from the sharks?

Expect the sharks to ask challenging questions about your idea, its potential, and your business plan. To prepare, thoroughly research your idea’s strengths and weaknesses, understand your financial projections, and be ready to defend your valuation and revenue strategy.

What happens if a shark makes an offer for my idea?

If a shark offers you a deal, you have a decision to make. Consider the terms of the offer, the expertise the shark brings, and how the partnership aligns with your goals. Negotiations may follow, so be open to finding common ground that benefits both parties.

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When you are a high school or college student, you generally have huge batches of free time. There's no better way to spend them than becoming a student entrepreneur...

In the past decade, the world has seen many incredible businesses being started by college students (Facebook, just to name one).

Is it Possible to Start a Business While Being a Student?

The internet has removed many barriers that once prevented students from starting businesses. These days, there are no legal, financial, or knowledge restrictions holding you back from launching a side hustle while in school.

School and university demand many of your hours, but if you stay organized and make the best use of your hours, you will find time to both study and run your startup.

Best 36 Business Ideas for Students

1) sell used books.

Difficulty : Low

Investment : Low

Description : You finished your academic year, congratulations! Now check your desk… you have a pile of used books, right? In many cases, they end up in your house’s trash bins. However, there’s something better to do with them: sell them to younger students at a cheaper price than what a new copy is.

You'll probably, at least, make enough money to purchase the books needed for your next semester. The best of this idea is that it doesn’t require either any investment or much time.

Resources : Here’s an article on the 6 best places to re-sell old books and some tips on how to do it.

2) Flip Websites

Difficulty : Medium

Investment : High

Description : You buy websites that are exiting for a low price, grow them in 6 months to 2 years, and sell them at a much higher price for a profit. There are people who work full-time on this and make millions per year with their sites.

The key here is to buy a high-quality website at a low price. There’s a ton of information on what you should consider and check when doing it. At the same time, there are all kinds of free digital marketing courses that you will find useful if growing one of these websites.

Resources : Flippa , Empire Flippers, and Micro Acquire are three website marketplaces. Besides that, you should check out this article on how to find, evaluate and buy websites , as well as this review we've written about Micro Acquisitions course , which goes all about buying, growing, and selling sites.

3) Re-Selling

Investment : Medium

Description : There’s an ethical unresolved issue around re-selling sneakers, tickets, or whatever, but I’ve personally seen many people make loads of money buying items at a low price and selling them at a higher one. Re-selling works best with limited items (such as the mentioned tickets and some exclusive sneakers), as those who haven’t been able to purchase them are willing to pay more than their original price to have them once the item is out of stock.

The key when re-selling is understanding the market and anticipating which items will people be more willing to pay for once they run out. Note that it can be pretty risky; I know of a guy who bought 10 tickets for a concert and couldn’t re-sell them. He ended up inviting all of his friends for free with a huge loss.

Resources : This is a really inspirational article on how to re-sell sneakers and make a profit.

4) Writing Services

Description : Start a website that offers all kinds of writing services to students or businesses. It could be anything from sales & marketing copy, SEO content, essay writing, academic papers, or even simple proofreading.

There are already many trustworthy services online, and before starting out your own writing service, it is a good idea to work as a professional essay writer for a top website. After you have gained some valuable experience doing this, you can move on to creating your own essay-writing service. You could charge per hour or project.

+1 if the website invites other fellow students to offer such writing services and you charge a fee ;)

Resources : This article will help you decide whether you should or should not start freelance writing. If yes, make sure to check this one, which teaches you how to do it.

5) Play Cupid

Description : Set up a website or an app, exclusively for your college campus or local area, to let the singles meet. This will be much appreciated by the community and, with a small fee, the app could kick-off and be the Tinder of your campus or neighbourhood.

The app could, instead, be focused around networking. People could use it to meet other people and make new friends.

Alternatively, the app could also be focused around professional networking.

Resources : This Bubble template is a great and cheap point to start a dating app.

6) Motivational Apps

Difficulty : Hard

Investment : Medium 

Description : Motivational apps have a broad scope range. They could be for anything from academics to mental health.

Consider academics. The app could show events, seminars, or lectures and let the user log the attendance to these, getting award points in exchange. Such apps encourage improved productivity among students in a positive and fun way.

These rewards could be in the form of vouchers, coupons, or deals for any local service. For the sponsors, this would be a worthwhile advertisement option among the clientele too.

Similar apps could be designed for fitness, gym attendance, and other activities too.

The easiest way to monetize such an idea would be through ads.

Resources : There are many tools out there to build apps cheaply and fastly (even without coding). Check our Tools page .

7) Babysitting

Description : There will always be demand for babysitters and nannies. With both parents working and maternity and paternity leave shrinking in length, the market for this is only widening. If you have a knack with babies and have a pleasing personality, you are already good to go.

Resources : Here is a detailed article on how to properly set up your babysitting business and make the most of it.

8) Babysitting Network

‍ Difficulty : Medium

Description : You can create a sort of marketplace for babysitting. Other prospective babysitters could sign up for it and offer their babysitting services. Parents could select between the available babysitters and hire them through the platform. You could keep a commission.

Even if you are not able to do the babysitting job due to lack of time, you'll still make a commission from fellow babysitters who have signed up for the program.

Resources : Here is a long article on how to build and grow a nanny app.

9) Pet Sitting

Description : What’s better than babysitting? Pet sitting! Who doesn’t want to spend the whole day playing with dogs? There are busy workers and families taking holidays who need someone to take care of their loved pets.

There are two main ways to face this business idea. The most common one is to take pets for a one/two-hour walk every day/every two days. The second one would be to take care of pets of people taking holidays, for one to four weeks.

Resources : The Balance Careers has a huge series of resources for pet sitters.

10) Local Reviewer

Description : Every time we want to buy a product, the first thing we do is to look online for product reviews. Sure enough, all big cities have their own dedicated websites for such reviews from multiple sources. But what about small places or even campuses? There’s a huge opportunity there.

Start a website that reviews the local accommodations. You can make this exclusive for the campus itself or other accommodations in the area that students could rent out. This would work as a credible source rather than just word of mouth. There could also be options added to include listings and discussion forums. You can monetize this through advertising.

Resources : WPBeginner has a long article on how to build a review site using WordPress, which would probably be the cheapest and fastest way to do it.

11) Swap Website

Description : Swap websites are used to swap, sell, and borrow goods and services. For example, if a person needs something but only for a single use, it is best to rent it out rather than buy one.

On campus, there is more than one person who is willing to do that, but it is lacking a way to find that person. Such a website would simplify this while enabling people to save a few bucks.

Call it a new age barter system; especially on campus, there would be a lot of demand for this. Start this locally and then expand it later. There are loads to borrow and exchange from academic services, bikes, books, and even clothes. You can monetize it through advertising.

Resources : Here’s a list of 36 bartering and swapping websites to get some inspiration. We’ve also interviewed the founder of a shutdown swapping site who shared all the mistakes he made throughout his journey.

There are loads to borrow and exchange from academic services, bikes, books, and even clothes. You can monetize it through advertising.

12) Design Services

Description : All kinds of businesses have design tasks. So, you can create a site that offers different types of design services, such as logos, flyers, packaging, or even websites, and niche down to local businesses or even other students starting their own startups. This is a great startup idea for students and you could charge per hour or per project.

When you are a student, it can be hard to get businesses to trust you. There are many ways to achieve it, such as showing them previous high-quality work, offering one free project, and connecting them with your previous clients.

Resources : You may be asking how to build a portfolio if you’re just starting and have never had clients, right? Here’s a tool that generates fake client briefs for you to design and showcase in your site.

13) Digital Marketing Services

‍ Difficulty : Hard

Description : Digital marketing has grown a lot in the last decade, with the emergence of eCommerce and online businesses. The businesses that don’t digitalize themself and ignore working on their internet profile and presence are missing a huge percentage of clients.

There probably are many local businesses looking for help on their digital marketing strategies. You can reach their owners and provide them with a free consultation to show you know about the subject. You could help them with local SEO , social media management , and Google Ads / Facebook Ads campaigns, among other strategies.

Resources : Make sure to check out Acadium , a tool connecting businesses looking for digital marketing work to be done, and students who are willing to learn and do that work. They provide great free digital marketing courses on different topics.

14) Development Services

Description : Having a website is a must for any kind of business, and most local ones tend not to have one. There’s a huge opportunity there.

Learning to code is super accessible for everyone. There are thousands of free development courses, books, articles, and videos, so “I don’t know how to code” is definitely no longer an excuse. And if you don’t want to learn, you can even build a website without coding. This site was built with Webflow , a powerful visual web design tool.

Resources : Google “free web development course” and you will get 3.2B results… I think that’s enough ;) You should also check this complete guide on web development freelancing.

15) Cleaning Services

Description : Publish an online ad offering cleaning services in your neighborhood. Do a great cleaning job and build trust with your clients. Ask your clients for a referral and you will soon be cleaning the houses of all your neighbors.

That’s actually what Kisten Hadeed did and the origins of Student Maid, a really successful cleaning company in Florida. You can charge per hour and keep initial investment really low by asking clients to supply you with the needed equipment. 

Resources : This article from Entrepreneur.com teaches how to get started in this industry.

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16) Pool Cleaning Services

Description : Cleaning pools is an alternative to the already mentioned cleaning neighbor’s houses business idea. It’s definitely not as easy, as it requires to be educated on what you’re doing. You might even need legal permissions to work on it, depending on where you are based. On the side, it requires some investment in equipment and products to be able to carry out the job.

Both the difficulty and investment issues come with a big chance of making great money. You can easily get paid $40-60/hour. Note that the business would mainly run during the summer seasons.

Resources : This article provides detailed information on how to set up and grow a pool cleaning business.

17) Moving Service

Description : Both neighbors and students need moving services eventually, whether it's because the academic year has finished and the student is moving back to their homes, or because a neighbor has rented a new house. You can make money (at least $200/moving) if you find it easy to pack items and move boxes.

Resources : Here’s a long article on how to start a moving company, some tips for growing it, and the recommended price you might want to charge.

18) Transcription Services

‍ Difficulty : Low

Description : Transcription services are needed in all kinds of fields, such as law, medicine, and businesses. It also doesn’t require either fixed hours or many skills. On the side, there are many forms of transcription, including video podcasts and recorded lectures, so you will probably be able to select the niche that interests you.

No formal training is needed in order to be able to do transcription services. Good listening abilities, great knowledge of English grammar rules, and fast typing skills would be a perfect combination to get high-quality work done fast.

Resources : Here’s a motivational story on how Benjamin Walker grew a transcription business to +$1M/year.

19) Translation Services

‍ Difficulty : High

Description : Offering translation services isn’t as easy as offering transcription ones. You will need to be bilingual in both languages and know the grammar rules of the two of them. Businesses may not be really willing to offer advanced translation work to students, but they might be if it is basic and unimportant translations.

You could start by translating lectures, books, and articles for professors. There’s a ton of high-quality content in other languages - professors might want to share it with their students but they can’t as it isn’t in the student’s native language. That’s where you can help and charge per word translated.

Resources : Here’s a whole content site dedicated to the business of translation.

20) Photography Services

Description : If you love taking photographs, you can take your hobby and talent into a photography freelancing business. Both students and local businesses may need your services whether because they want to update their Tinder profiles or because they are looking to promote their recently-launched products.

In the beginning, you can start offering all kinds of services, but as you grow the business, you will probably realize there’s a ton of competition and you will need to niche and focus on one segment or one specific photography service in order to be different than the rest.

The biggest issue for this kind of business is the cost of the photography equipment, which, if you’re moving from one place to another, can break and make it even more expensive.

Resources : Make sure to check this guide from Bplans on how to start a successful photography business.

21) Photography Portfolios

Description : Good photography skills need to be appreciated before they get lost in that Instagram page. Any campus will have a few fellows with exceptional skills in photography and videography. It would be easy to make a database of students who are interested in and create a platform to sell their work to others.

The platform could charge a fee to either the photographer or the customer. On the side, it could also work hand in hand with a photography club giving more chances and connections to both sellers and buyers by offering more exposure.

Resources : Here’s a no-code template to build such an app.

22) Food Delivery Services

Description : Create a platform to deliver quick eatables, like sandwiches and smoothies, made by local businesses. Start by targeting firms with employees in younger age groups, who often go out to grab a meal during lunch breaks. This is a gold mine, with food deliveries for simple items that don't break their wallet, the business would be exponential. With options to schedule deliveries made earlier to arrive at lunchtime, this could actually be a problem solver for the firms.

Take a step further and make these homemade too. This way, it is not necessary to rely on multiple third-party services. The food will be authentic, tasty, and have a personal touch to the service.

Resources : Steven Long was the founder of Chowdy, a Toronto-based food delivery startup making $110k/month which had to shut down due to some legal issues. Ali Jiwani is the founder of MealSurfers, a Canadian food startup that made an exit when it was making $7k/month. Make sure to check those two stories and learn from both the wins and mistakes of each.

23) Deliver Food Hampers

Description : How often have you thought about that mac and cheese your mom makes so deliciously. Or even wondered when you are finally going to eat something healthy?

Well, the lack of time or will to go to a grocery store and cook something is in the least probable category. And the parents are well aware of this too. So design an app where parents can make such orders for kids that would be delivered to them. 

This will have the personal touch and love of a package coming from home itself. You could monetize it by taking a shipping fee.

Resources : Entrepreneur.com has a complete article about food hamper businesses. You should check it out!

24) Blogging

Description : Is there anything you really enjoy talking about? Are your friends tired of listening to you talk about it? Then start a blog about that topic, build an audience, and monetize it through ads and premium content.

 The startup costs of building a blog are super low nowadays (with a domain and hosting would be enough, so less than $50/year) and the information to grow such a site is free all over the internet.

When we started this site, we had 0 knowledge of how to grow it. Nowadays, it receives +150k users every month from all over the world. Note that it took us 3 years to build such an audience. Consistency is key when blogging.

Resources : GrowandConvert is a content marketing agency that has an amazing blog related to creating and publishing content on the internet. Backlinko is another blog that publishes content-related articles, particularly about the search engine optimization of these. 

25) Video Classes

Description : Visual media often makes things easier. That is precisely the reason why we are all so hooked up on Youtube, without having a clue why we are watching a cat playing piano at 3 am. The thought is simple, won’t lectures be so easy to understand with such visuals? With a creative mind and some graphic design skills, it could be put to use for this.

The idea is to make a visual representation of any lectures and offer them to tutors and students. It would make studying so much better and more straightforward. You could monetize it by pricing every video or through a monthly subscription.

Resources : Here’s a great guide on how to make videos look professional without investing much money.

26) Class Notes

Description : We all know those students who are pretty lazy to actually take notes or those others who tend to miss classes under any kind of excuse, right? Those students would be your niche market if you set up a class note business.

There are some people who are really great at taking lecture notes, being able to summarize the information in a nice-looking and concise way. If you are that kind of person, you should consider re-selling your notes to other students. You could sell them independently per class or in packages of all the notes related to one exam or to one semester.

Resources : Make sure to check this well-known book , in which Sönke Ahrens shares his unique technique to take smart notes that are easy to study and learn from.

Description : Where there are students, there are tutors. If you stand out in one subject, you can probably teach it to someone else who struggles to understand it. A common trouble-maker subject is Maths, but note that there are many math tutors as well.

Schools and professors tend to be helpful with students starting their tutor businesses. Some schools even have a database of tutor students, so make sure to check if there is one in your school. The monetization model would be per hour; you can charge anything between $10-$100, depending on the subject, the concepts taught (how advanced they are), etc.

Resources : This article is super inspiring for anyone starting a tutoring business. The writer shares how he is making $1,000/week as well as lots of recommendations and mistakes you should avoid.

28) Organize Trips

Description : It is a known fact that most of the group plans for a trip but never happens. The WhatsApp groups have seen hundreds of failed plans. It is the time that someone takes responsibility and get things done.

Organize trips to various destinations which could be for events, festivals, or even just weekend trips. You can charge a commission or a fixed amount for an all-inclusive deal.

Resources : Here’s a detailed guide from Bplans on how to start a travel agency.

29) Event Organizer

Description : Lots of students enjoy parties and socializing, so why not capitalize on it? Everyone is willing to spend $10, $30, or even much more on a great party. These can take all forms and shapes, from organizing a small meetup at a nightclub to running Project X 2.

What will you need? Excellent communication skills to convince everyone they can’t miss such a party (social media is a MUST to promote it!) and advanced organization abilities to make sure everything is in the right place at the right time.

Resources : Here’s a long article from Capterra explaining how to turn those small parties/events you have maybe carried out in the past, into a profitable business.

30) Campus Newsletter

Description : This is quite a unique business idea for students. If your campus doesn't have a newsletter already, it is time to start one. The source of money from this could come from advertisements from local businesses or even other student startups.

The newsletter could be sent as emails rather than printed versions or both. As a third party, a student can even make a deal with the college to create brand awareness among potential students using the letter. It could be used for promotional purposes, branding, and lead generations outside the campus too.

Resources : Here’s an article on 7 tips to create a school newsletter.

31) Campus Podcast

Description : Instead of a campus newsletter, you could do a podcast. It could be an interview podcast, talking with students and professors, or more like a solo podcast, talking about the news, events, and things going on in the campus.

The equipment needed is pretty cheap, with the possibility of recording even with your phone. As for monetization, it could be done through sponsorships from local businesses or premium content for those who love the podcast.

I haven’t personally seen this on many campuses, which makes me think this is one of the most innovative and unique business ideas for students on the list.

Resources : Here’s an article on the 5 steps required to start a school podcast.

32) Language Course

Description : Do you excel in any language? Do you enjoy teaching other people? Then you should set up a Skype language course and sell classes to people from anywhere in the world while staying in your home. You could easily charge $20-$60/hour and work part-time on it.

Growing your client base is all about building an online presence and getting referrals from your existing customers. In the beginning, you could boost your initial customers by providing them with a free 1-hour call.

Resources : Here’s a long guide for beginners on how to make $30/hour teaching languages and 6 places to get your first clients.

33) Bookkeeping

Description : You don’t need to have a finance degree in order to be able to manage a local business’s bookkeeping records. An online course or even just some Youtube videos would be more than enough to start with. As all businesses require such work to be done, you probably won’t have big issues finding your first customers.

The initial investment costs are super low, as you can ask the business owner to supply you with the needed tools. As for monetization, most bookkeepers charge per hour and the amount depends on the complexity of the tasks ($30-$100 or more).

Resources : Here’s a detailed video on how to start a bookkeeping business in 2021.

34) Jewelry Business

Description : This is a great startup idea for students because jewelry making isn’t as hard as it sounds. You can easily learn about it through online courses and Youtube tutorials. You will then need to practice a lot until you start getting great results. Profit margins can be really high when you achieve a nice looking product.

There’s a ton of competition in the jewelry space so you will have to identify a niche. Social media (particularly influencers) are among the most usual strategies carried out by this kind of businesses.

Resources : Shopify has a detailed guide on how to start such businesses. Besides that, a few years ago we interviewed , on this site, the founder of a jewelry business that shut down and then emerged again with a new business model just to start making +10k/month.

35) Baking Business

Description : Selling cakes, cookies, bread or other baked goods can be another startup business idea for students. You can easily post an online ad or some leaflets around your campus. Make a client happy, and you will have 3 new ones. The food industry works a lot with word of mouth.

There are two main ways to monetize this. The first would be to prepare the goods based on requests from customers. The second could be to produce 100 cookies, rent a bike, and wander around the campus and neighborhood looking for hungry people. The chosen price for the cookies would be cheaper than if it’s a requested job.

Resources : Here’s a detailed article on how to set up and grow such a business. You should also watch this video from the founder of a “late-night cookie delivery service” in his college city.

36) Youtuber

Description : Becoming a YouTuber looks like a easy and lucrative career. Many see it as a great business plan idea for students because you make videos on a niche that you enjoy and then make money off them through ads and sponsorships. But the reality is that becoming a well-known YouTuber is not an easy feat. 

Behind every famous one, there is a long, painful journey of hard work. Start by creating content and keep iterating from there with the help of your audience. It won't be an overnight success, but if you keep going for some time, you'll see amazing results.

Resources : Here’s an article about a checklist to become a successful Youtuber.

How Can a Student Start a Business?

Or in other words, how do you become a student entrepreneur?

The list of business plan ideas for college students mentioned above is nonsense if you don’t now take action toward the chosen business.

If you are a Business student, you probably have an idea of what are the steps that involve setting up and launching a business. However, all kinds of students read this article, so here are some common steps that entrepreneurs carry out:

1) Decide on the idea

All of the business ideas for college students on the list are really interesting ways of making money, but you definitely can’t work on them all.

To decide which to focus on, make sure to think about what you enjoy doing in your free time, what you excel in, and what would you be willing to keep doing even if it doesn’t bring money (or it means negative numbers). We have compiled a list of both online business ideas and offline business ideas so you can pick the one that best suit your needs and skills. We hope we came up with some innovative startup business ideas for students that you would have never imagined.

Make sure to also consider your initial investment. Some featured in the list are business ideas for college students without investment or little resources, while some others will require a few hundred or thousands to start.

Note that some of the above are business ideas for students in university (or would work better with them) and others are business ideas for students in school (those that don’t require much money and getting physically involved).

2) Decide on a niche

Nowadays, there are businesses of all sizes and shapes. Building one has become so easy that the internet is full of websites, millions of videos are uploaded to Youtube every second, and thousands of LLCs are formed every day.

This means that there’s a lot of competition in any industry. The best solution for students who don’t have enough resources to invest in research and development and build a unique product or don’t have the capital required to set up a huge factory and win over competitors through economies of scale (= low pricing), is to focus on a niche.

A common niche could be to geographically limit the business so that you just focus on people within your neighborhood or your college campus. Another could be to focus on people with certain interests and likes.

3) Choose a name and a brand style

Here’s a detailed article on how to choose a name for your startup. The key is to brainstorm many, evaluate each option, and ask for feedback from your partners.

As for branding, here’s another article on how to build the brand of a business. There are free tools to do it. Don’t spend much money/time on it, at least at the beginning.

4) Launch the business

It’s now time to push the LIVE button for your business.

This needs to happen as fast as possible so that you quickly validate whether it is worth it to keep pushing towards that business idea or it’s better to move to a new one from the above list of entrepreneurship ideas for students.

There’s a common issue entrepreneurs face when launching new startups that’s called “ paralysis by analysis ”. They keep improving the product, adding features, changing the design, etc, and spend months and months without launching it.

This is exactly what you need to avoid, especially if this is your first business. 90% of startups fail (I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this), so you need to launch fast, validate early, and move to another business if it didn’t work.

5) Market your business

You pushed the LIVE button and you didn't get any sales, right?

The “build it and they will come” phrase is a completely unreal myth . It will take you blood, sweat, and tears to get your first clients.

Do some advertising, go outside your home and deliver leaflets (there actually are some unique business ideas for students at home above, in case you’re too lazy), knock on your neighbor’s doors, send cold messages to potential customers that you found on Facebook groups, etc.

6) Make sure your customer is happy

Many of the college business ideas tend to market themselves by word of mouth and referrals. That is why it’s essential to make sure that each of your clients is happy with the results.

Interact with your customers, ask them what they think you could do better next time, provide them with a discount if any parts of the job were done incorrectly… there are so many ways to make your client happy, even if the price of the service is high or the quality of the work wasn’t the best.

If the business is going well, you will soon find yourself with many tasks under your belt and little time to work on them, along with studies and extracurricular activities.

That’s when you might start considering hiring your first employee. In order to avoid the risks of going into negative numbers during a bad month, you can work on a commission-based wage.

In this stage, the selection of new team members is essential. Remember that word of mouth can be a key way of promotion and marketing. If you hire someone who has zero knowledge of the tasks they are required for, delivers low-quality work, or mistreats clients, you will soon find yourself ceasing operations.

Now It’s Your Turn!

There is no direct and simple answer to the question of how to start a business in college.

As smooth as the above startup ideas for students may sound, they will all inevitably require a lot of dedication and perseverance.

There is an abundance of resources at your fingertips, from valuable classes to school technologies, and access to professors. So make use of them in the best way possible, and if the idea still doesn’t seem feasible, lay the groundwork for it.

You would be getting practical knowledge and work experience before finishing the course. Even if it fails. Remember that college is the time to blossom and experiment, and it is only the beginning of your life journey.

If you have any questions, have other small business ideas for students you think we’re missing, or want us to help you with your new startup, make sure to reach us at [email protected] !

Which Business is Best For Students?

Here are some of the best businesses: flip websites, re-sell sneakers or tickets, baby or pet sitting, deliver writing, design or development services, start a blog, sell your class notes, become a tutor, organize others’ trips, organize parties, and create a campus newsletter or podcast.

What Kind Of Business Can a Student Start?

Students can start all kinds of businesses, but it’s really common that they start a service-based one, such as house cleaning, pool cleaning, food delivery, content writing, content transcription, graphic design, and website development, among others.

First, decide your business idea and choose the segment of the market that you’ll be serving. Then, choose a business name and design your business’ brand. Once it is launched, market your business in your neighborhood or campus. Finally, hire employees and scale it!

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